rideandgoseek 

I just picked up this Miyata 1000 for $200 in Denver, CO

Serial # is J878983

I've been looking at catalogs online and trying to figure out what is original and what year it is

Looks to be an '81, '82 or '83 but can't tell for sure. I'm leaning towards an 82 but I read somewhere that the serial # starting with J indicates an '81

Has Suntour Cyclone M-II derailleurs

Shimano brand cantilever brakes appear to not be original

Brake levers are Dia Compe but missed matched. Would love it know if one of them is original

Any and all help is appreciated!

Thanks in advance

Pemetic2006

Going from the Cyclone M II I lean towards an 82.

ramzilla

You got a great deal on that. With cantilever brakes will be a good safe ride on steep downhills. That's definitely early 80's with those brake levers. I'd ditch them for some aero style levers.

rideandgoseek 

Thanks for the replies!

Took a shot of the 'new' '81 or '82 Miyata 1000 up in the Foothills of Morrison, CO this weekend.

Only rode about 28 miles with a quick beer break half way but it performed as well as I would've expected. The gearing is great to get up and down basically any grade I might see around here (some 15 degrees or slightly more) and the ride just seems so solid on those big 28mm tires. Shifted surprisingly well too for having sat for so long.

When I got back I swapped out the Avocet Touring saddle (wasn't super comfortable, nor original) for my Brooks pre-softened and I'm digging the look and of course the feel of this saddle. Also lubed up the chain so it's ready to roll next ride.

Next step is finding out what brake levers originally came on the Miyata 1000 and seeing if I can't get a used set in pretty good shape with decent hoods. The '81 catalog says Dia Compe 960 cantilever brakes and levers, with no more specific information. The '82 catalog says Dia Compe NGC 960 with NGC 200 levers. I'm unfamiliar as to what either of the brake levers actually look like and or if I currently have one of them on the bike. Can anyone with an early Miyata 1000 help identify either of my brake levers on the bike currently?

According to online research my serial # starting with a J would indicate am '81 frame but there are a few things indicating '82 like the Cyclone M-II front and Cyclone M-II GT rear derailleurs. I've also noticed that the '81 model came with rubber on the down tube shifters while the '82 did not. Mine does not have the rubber. So kinda confused.

Lastly, once the brake levers and hoods are on I'm gonna finish it off with some NOS Benotto bar tape and gumwall tires. Leaning strongly towards hammered fenders as well be I think that will be the last step once all else it complete.

Please let me know if you have any information on these brake levers! They are the first step in making this thing look great again and I can't wait to get going.

Sidenote - the cantilever brakes are Shimano and do not appear to be anything special but I intend to keep them as long as they are functional. If you have info or pics of the original brakes though I'd love to see them!

Thanks again everyone!

T-Mar

It's definitely the 1982 model. Typically, Miyata would start building the new models for the upcoming calendar year around September, so it's fairly common to see 1982 models with late 1981 serial numbers. The brake lever without the drilled holes is the OEM lever.

rideandgoseek 

Makes a lot of sense about the serial number and thank you very much for confirming the correct brake lever. Time to get shopping on Ebay!

rideandgoseek 

Dia Compe Gran Compe Brake Levers | eBay

Anyone see a potential issue with putting these levers on? Seems like every time I try to replace a vintage part something doesn't fit right or isn't compatible.

These should work on those randonneur bars right?

Thanks for any input!

Hummer

Hi rideandgoseek,

nice touring bike.

I have a touring bike with Suntour Cyclone II derailleurs that were original to the bicycle. In low gear the rear derailleur cage hit the spokes. The easy fix for me was to swap it out, for a derailleur with a long cage.

Does your derailleur have a similar problem?

ramzilla

Yes, they will fit. All handlebars are basically the same diameter. (Unless you're on a strange old French bike from the 50's or something). But, I would at least upgrade to Aero style brake levers that you can hide the cable housing under the handlebar wrap for a better ride & appearance. Like these:

SkyDog75

According to the catalog scans on Miyata Bicycle Catalogs, an '82 Miyata 1000 would've been equipped with Dia-Compe 960 brakes. Here they are on Velobase:
VeloBase.com - Component: Dia-Compe GC960, Gran Compe

My '84 1000 came with Dia-Compe 980's, mated to the same Gran Compe levers your bike has. There are some pics of 980's on this Bikeforums thread.

oddjob2

If you're going to spend most of your time riding the hoods, consider a pair of Tektro RL 340s. Not vintage, but wide and super comfy. Plus better action when braking and very affordable.

rideandgoseek 

Hummer,

Haven't had any issues with the derailleur hitting the spokes, even in the lowest gear. I did however have the chain hop over the big cog and into my spokes yesterday. Was a bit of a scare but noticed it right away and got off before it got stuck too bad.

rideandgoseek 

Thanks Ramzilla,

I purchased the levers I had orignally posted and they are currently on their way. I wanted to stay with non-aero brakes because I'll be riding this Miyata in next years vintage Eroica ride in Paso Robles, CA and one of the requirements is non-aero brakes. I have a few bikes with aero levers and do appreciate the low profile look though!


Also, SkyDog75, thanks for the info on the brakes! I'm gonna hold off as long as mine continue to work but at some point I see myself making this bike all original and now I know what they look like. Much appreciated!