Originally Posted by
Lascauxcaveman
Zooming in, the paint looks like it’s in great shape; it would be a complete waste of time and effort changing that. Unless you have something very specific you have your heart set on.
I am assuming the drivetrain was originally 3x6, but I'm only seeing two chainrings for some reason? A touring bike should have three.
Upgrades: If you wanted to add brifters, say, you’ll need a new rear wheel with a different hub to accommodate 7, 8, 9, or 10 speeds. Not saying you shouldn’t, but its a can of worms.
There’s a lot you could change, but don’t change anything, unless you’re sure its an improvement for the way you’re going to ride the thing, IMO. That bike is pretty terrific bone-stock, so make sure you know what it is you want before you start tearing it down.
I would advise adjust the parts you currently have for comfort and efficiency (that saddle position can't be good for any human being) decide if you need lower/more gearing, bigger/smaller tires, stuff like that, and proceed from there. I'm guessing you're at least 6' tall [MENTION=488425]Rafi84[/MENTION], if you plan on riding that big bike.
Totally agree with all points.
I realize everyone's said it and you seem to have heard it, but .... The paint looks to be in really good shape, and that Miyata paint is pretty tough.
I see a bike like this and I get upgrade fever. It was a good frame and there were good components used on it. A lot of really cool bike parts have been put out since this bike was released, and a lot of them would work swell on this bike- but like it's been mentioned- figure out what you like, what works and what you think would be cool before you go all out in upgrading something that doesn't need it.