chebbyshev

I don't know anything about biking other than how to ride one so any help is great. Here's my story, I'm training for my first triathlon this summer and I came across a free road bike so I don't have to ride my mountain bike. I'd like to modify it and customize it but I don't want to ruin its value if it has any. I'm not looking to dump a lot of money into it, just a few easy changes like new cables, pedals, bar tape, etc. If anyone can give me tips or info on it I'd love to hear it. The bike is in nice shape, just a small amount of rust and some dirt and grime that needs to be cleaned off. I'd like to lose the breaks along the tops and paint a few components. Nothing major. If the bike isn't worth anything I'd consider a new paint job in the future. I know I can buy a nice new bike but I like fiddling and tinkering with stuff.

What is this bike worth?
should I restore it or do whatever the hell I want to it?
Anyone know what year it is? SN is B488238
Is the model really 1024 ProModel or is that just a decal someone added over the years?
In its day was it a really good bike?
Are there hood covers that I can buy for the existing brakes?

Thanks

bikemig 

Do whatever you want to it. I like the faux Reynolds 531 sticker but the bike is inexpensive and made out of hi tensile steel. It will be a fun bike to personalize.

chebbyshev

Also does anybody have any thoughts on the shifters? Are they likely original? Is that a good place for shifters? Should I get new ones? And FYI I'm not entering the triathlon with expectations of placing near the top. I just like to stay fit and wanted to try one out to see if I like it. Thanks

zukahn1

Solid older high carbon Japanese 100% great ride value but not worth keeping original do whatever with the frame these ride great and will take almost any upgrade with a little work so go wild.

bikemig 

Those suntour bar cons and are considered really nice shifters. You could actually sell those since people who like old touring bikes will pay decent money for them. Btw, the plate behind the f-wheel is humungous; I've never seen one like that before.

Cougrrcj 

I'd be more than willing to take those old SunTour bar-end shifters! I've been looking for a set of those for a while now for my latest acquisition, but I don't want to pay the robber$$$ price$$$ on eBay...

zukahn1

Last set of Suntour barcons I sold went for $30 cheap quick sale.

wrk101

Although it has a high ten steel frame (entry level), the rest of the build is a few steps up at the very least. Bike is old enough that high ten steel was much more common, not just the very bottom. I would personally keep it original due to its nice color, tasteful use of chrome, creative bike shop decal, and components.\

Bike has survived very well for 40 years. Keep her original.

There is a posting on Miyata serial numbers, or just look up component code. 1973+/-.

oddjob2

Give it a tune up, change the cables, and grease the axles, bb, headset, and seatpost. In clean and overhauled condition, with new tires, I would value it at $200, YMMV (your MARKET may vary).

Thumpic 

You're not altering/personalizing the bike by replacing the perishables. Just keep the original parts to sell with the bike at a later date.