So…
tl;dr: for the second time in my life I bought a 19.5” Miyata 1000 frameset. Last time, a couple of years ago, it was a 1982 model; this time it’s my absolute favorite model-year, 1983. I hope this time I get to actually built it up.
See, my issue is that I love the output of the Miyata & Univega brands (same factory) from 1981 to 1986, especially their touring bikes. I’ve owned, IIRC, 4 Univega Specialissimas, 3 Univega Gran Turismo, 2 Miyata 610s and 2 Miyata 1000s. I love them.
But — they always made frames in either 19.5”/50cm or 21”/54cm. Never anything in between (in their touring line, anyway). And, somehow, I’m convinced I’m right between those sizes. I’ve tried both extensively (about half of the bikes mentioned above were 19.5”, the other half 21”). I can make either work, but I lean towards the larger. When I ride my 1986 Schwinn Voyageur, which is in between, just a tad smaller than the 21” Miyatas, I feel immediately at home.
For what it’s worth, I’m 5’ 6 1/2” with rather short legs and longer torso. If someone could convince me that the 19.5” is indeed the size for me, I’d be grateful! Alternatively, if you have a 1983 21” that you want to swap for a 19.5”, let me know!