jonathanedn

I'm a fan of Miyata bikes, so when I found one for a fairly low price at a yard sale, I bought it even though it was way too small for me, and the condition was somewhat rugged. After a quick tune-up and wipe down, the bike rides quite well (though could use a few tweaks).

I wish it was my size, but it's not, so I'm thinking of selling it as is after some minor tweaking and further cleaning; alternatively, I'd like to use some of the Shimano 105 components (particularly crank and wheel set) for another bike I'm building (though I don't need to). But I'm not sure whereabouts the price should be for a frame set in this condition (including handle bars and seat post).

The bike is mostly original, minus the rear Shimano 105 rear derailleur which was replaced by the previous owner by a somewhat fugly Shimano Altus, the rear rim which was replaced by a Matrix aero rim, the saddle, and bar tape. Aside from the bounty of scuffs and chips, the left brake lever is missing a plastic piece, as is one of the gear levers. I don't see any rust, but top underside of the fork has some large paint chips missing. It's a 53cm frame.

A few pictures:






'87 catalogue link

Advice on value and whether I should pillage or sell as is??
Thanks!

wrk101

$50 to $75 for the frameset, assuming you are capable and willing to ship at a reasonable (low) price. Small frames can be shipped at a low cost if packed right (small box).

Parting out is all about whether you need the parts or not. Those parts do not have much value, and for me, bring more on a nice complete bike. I recently parted out a similar 105 equipped bike, although the parts were in better shape.

Me, I don't use mismatched wheels, so the wheels wouldn't have much value (I have a stack of orphan wheels, so maybe I could find a reasonable match in the pile).

Make sure there are no cracks around the cable entry and exit points on the top tube. You are close to the time when Miyata had problems with that.

KonAaron Snake 

+1 to wrk, bikes of this range are worth more complete since the parts don't have a collector premium. I would actually buy the correct 105 rear derailleur and replace (they're inexpensive) and replace the brake lever. The wheel...someone buying to ride it probably won't care much and it's too big a pain to change.

jonathanedn

Thanks for the replies. I agree that I'd like to switch the the rear derailleur out for the original 105 1050 (I believe) and fix the brake lever, but if I go that far, I might as well replace the bar tape as it's screaming for the original yellow color, probably stopping short at the saddle and tires. I'm worried, however that those repairs might not pay for themselves, but maybe that's unfounded.

Thanks again.

KonAaron Snake 

It really depends on how cheaply you can get the parts - I'd wager you can pick them up from a local co-op pretty inexpensively, or on eBay cheaply. You'll have to change the tape anyway if changing the lever...I'd get basic black tape.

wrk101

+1 Repairs is all about WHO does the work, and how resourceful that person is. Projects are always best suited for someone with the time/tools/aptitude/interest/pile of parts. Pay retail for the repair and parts, then you are better off selling it as is.

Repairs do not pay for themselves, unless you do them yourself.

jonathanedn

Thanks again for the suggestions. As I recently moved, I hadn't really checked to see if my city had a local bike collective, but it does. It's small and only a few months old, but I managed to find some of the parts including the rear derailleur, and a great new resource. It'll be nice to nearly complete the bike and have the full 105 group set. It'll certainly make me feel better about it when I sell.

And thanks for the warning to check around the cable inserts, thankfully, the tubing looks fine.