SloButWide 

Yet Another Which Bike Thread

I'm looking for a Miyata bike, probably 80's vintage. I would mostly use it for an 11 mi rt commute (in rotation) and 20 - 50 mile weekend rides. Eventually I intend to get into day trips and overnight tours. I'd like to spend about $4-500 for a bike, shipping, and consumables; I'm not (yet) picky about upgrading the drivetrain. Fenders and comfortable tires are a plus.

What models should I be looking at? I've seen six tens and 615s on eBay, but don't know others in the family.

Why Miyata? I like the way they look, and the "first love" syndrome. Miyata, Fuji and other some 70's - 80's bikes have a minimalist, simple look that appeals to me. The last time I got back into biking, my first bike was a garage sale Miyata 10 speed. I got in about a dozen rides, my son took the bike to college, and it got stolen. Ah, lost love.

If there's another accessible brand I should consider, let me know. I like the look of many of the bikes in the forum, but there is little available locally outside of Trek, Schwinn, and Raleigh.

1991BRB1

If you like the 80's and early 90's style, you've got a lot to choose from in your price range that would suit your needs. If it were me I'd look for something that is a bit different from your Raleigh and Schwinn - either of those might be good for commuting. It really depends on how you want to ride. I'm not a Miyata guy but it might make sense to look at one of the more road/race oriented models just to have something different.

icepick_trotsky 

Seems like you're looking for a touring or sport touring model if you plan to commute and do overnight tours. The Miyata 1000 is the legendary tourer, and the 610 was only a slight step down. Stay away from the 700 and 500 series for your purposes, as those were the racing models.

Plenty of Fujis would fit the bill, too. Look for the Touring series or the Fuji America. There were other slightly more budget models, too.

Don't overlook other Japanese made bikes, including Panasonic, Nishiki, Centurion, and even Japanese made Schwinns, too. I see you already have a Schwinn Voyageur. Any reason that won't fit the bill? A Japanese made Specialized would be great, too, like the Sequoia or the Expedition.

SloButWide 

Thanks for the great info - it will really help the hunting.

The Voyageur fits the bill well, though I'll probably add fenders and change tires if I decide to commute on it during wet/snowy days this winter. The tires are 32-630 / 27 x 1¼ slicks, which are pretty comfortable.


You make a good point. I'm asking about the type of bike I already own :-) I'll have to figure out what it is I think they're lacking, or if I've just got N+1 fever.

oddjob2

Whereabouts in the midwest and how tall are you?

Consider searching by frame tubing spec as well.

KonAaron Snake 

What everyone else said. Also add some of the Miyata 9series...there are 912s with eyelets. A bit faster, less clrance. Good if you're not carrying much. Heel clearance could be an issue. Also, don't forget Koga Miyata, and other bikes made by Miyata (some univegas, specialized expedition).

Just a thought...there's no need to limit yourself to Miyata, lots of brands made appropriate bikes. Panasonic, Centurion, Lotus, etc. all made some great sports tourers/full tourers. I especially like Lotus, and they had a deep range.

revcp 

What size are you looking for? I'm in the process of listing my '85 Six Ten, as it's just enough on the big side that I can't dial in the fit. It's a 58cm. I mentioned this inline because I don't think you have enough posts to receive a PM. Let me know if you're interested and we can figure out a way to be in touch.

SloButWide 

I'm in Columbus, OH. I'm 6' 1" with a 33" inseam. I should measure my existing bikes to get an idea of fit.