Originally Posted by mstateglfr

I owned a 63cm '87 912 for many years and rode it with a few different setups. Rode it with all 600 tricolor components and original wheels, rode it with some cockpit changes and 9sp Ultegra STI, and rode it with new wheels plus compact crank and STIs. I was always trying to refine the fit to allow me to use it more frequently. Loved the bike, but it was just a couple cm too small, based on the geometry used(the top tube sloped downward towards the stem).
It was comfortable as can be once I got the fit right, but it was always going to be a bike that was too small.
Really nicely made and plenty stiff but still comfortable.


I have refurbished an 87 Ironman, an 89 Ironman, and own an '89 frame that was made by the same contractor making Ironman frames at that time with the same geometry. They are nice, but not nearly as well finished as my '97 Miyata 912. The brazed points on the fork and rear dropout arent nearly as nicely finished as on the 912 and are finished in a faster/more economical fashion. That doesnt mean anything when it comes to performance, mind you.

- Miyata 912 internal routed brake cable looks nicer.
- The brazed points on both dropouts are nicer on the 912.
- The 912 fork has a visible crown which is lugged and nicer looking than the Ironman unicrown forks.
- Lugs on the 912 are finished nicer than on either Ironman I refurbished.
- 912 Splined tubing is neat from a historical perspective since it wasnt used by many brands, its more unique.

- I like Ironman seat stay caps more as they arent spoon shaped like the 912. Spoon caps are neat, but not my favorite.
- Ironman paint schemes are iconic. legendary. This is one area where few bikes in the price range can match the Ironman.

I would go 912 every day of the week, and just quietly drool over the purple haze and smoke on the water Ironman paint.