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Hey C&V! New here after a resparked interest in cycling. So I posted in the forum introductions, and it was suggested that I put some pics of my recently acquired Miyata here. Of course I'm more than happy to since she's easily become a pride and joy for me over the very short time I've had her.


The 610, which had been kept in a storage unit for quite some time, showed up on Craigslist and I quickly arranged for a test ride upon which there was no “thinking about it” to be done. I happily handed over $150 in exchange for a well cared for, and mostly original fine vintage machine. Since bringing her home, I've brought the tires up to pressure, raised the seat post a tad, installed a set of Cascadia fenders, and have enjoyed a few dozen trouble free, and very comfortable miles about town.


Regarding tubing, I understand that the early 80s Miyata builds aren't as highly acclaimed as their slightly later models. Though, for my needs, I see this early 53cm frame suiting me for the long haul just fine. Saddle, tires, bar tape, pedals, and the left side crank arm are the only non-original components I can detect. Paint's good, and decals are fair. Mechanically sound! Certainly the most solid bike, as is, that I've ever had the pleasure to own!


So at another forum member's promt, here's a few pics from the ad as it came up on Craigslist since outdoor conditions in town haven'y been the most camera friendly since buying her.

gugie 

Au contraire, snow is a wonderful backdrop for bicycle photos!

A Miyata 610 is fairly sought after bike, you've got a good one!

Lascauxcaveman 

Huh. So much for the old saw about "Miyata 1000 & Miyata 610 = same exact frame." My '81 Miyata 1000 definitely had canti brakes. I guess the merging of frames came later.

rhm

I fear it is true, you may have the earlier, and less desirable version of the six ten. A little later they had cantilever brakes, triple butted tubing, very snazzy all told... But yours seems to be the earlier, more pedestrian model

Pompiere

Here is the catalog page and specs page. It looks like straight gauge tubing, but still a nice bike.

Pompiere

If the bike has not been recently serviced, you should relube all the bearings before riding very many miles. 35 year old grease tends to dry out and not be of much lubricating value. Be careful with the tires, too. They could be cracked and brittle.

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Touché! As you've proven by your link, nice photograph there! Though the forecast has been calling for it, we haven't seen any snow in Eugene... yet. However, when we do, I'll be sure to capture a shot.

Here's a basic comparison per the '81 catalog. The brakes are obvious. Dimensions, and perhaps geometry appear to differ as well. An interesting detail I noticed is that the 1000 is mentioned as being double butted while the 610 isn't.

https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_whtVpXkKwl...600/img009.jpg

Not worrying about it one bit since I suppose I'm a pedestrian cyclist as far as that goes. As stated, for my needs, and purposes, this bike will serve wonderfully, and just kills anything I've owned in the past. Though I can certainly see the preferred attraction other's may have to the later advancements.

bikemig 

The bike looks beautiful. It will make a great rider once you overhaul it and replace all the consumables. Nice score and enjoy the bike.

bulldog1935

except you have to remember to open up 1-1/2 stop.

Great bike.

Narhay

I had the same bike but in a 25". Was very nice. Crmo frame, hi ten fork. I did put a 6 speed modern freewheel on it as the spacing was 126mm, kool stop salmon brake pads and barcons. Otherwise it was quite a nice ride but too tall for me. I also echo the sentiments that you go in and redo the bearings on your wheels, headset and bottom bracket.

Not the best photo but here it is.

gugie 

I really need to do some reserach into photography, or take a class. Maybe I can offer a tradeout of some hands on teaching for framework?

johnnyace 

That's a good looking Miyata, and will be a great rider. Welcome to the forums, fellow Oregonian!

bulldog1935

The Miyata is a very nice bike. Components and all, it's essentially a Super Grand Prix with a better frame.

romperrr 

Congratulations on your 610! It is indeed a keeper. My first "nice" bike was a Miyata, couldn't have picked a better mark.
@Lascauxcaveman, if you peruse the Miyata catalogs you'll see that the 6xx eventually became the same exact geometry as the 1000 with lesser components. Earlier on though, the 6xx series was designed differently.

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Glad you guys are urging me to get the bike serviced. It'd be the right thing to do.

I was planning to put the task off for awhile, until I could acquire another pleasing bike to ride while the 610 would be in the stand. Secondly, I was intending to do the job myself. I'm realizing though that if I truly value the Miyata, I shouldn't postpone.

So on that note, I'll take her in next week. There's a shop in the neighborhood that's been running for over 25 years that specializes in classics. I'll just pay the pros to handle it, ride my oversized beater in the mean time, and practice mechanical skills later on another candidate (perhaps the beater).

Cougrrcj

Congrats on your 610 find! Looks to be in nice shape.

Now you need to go on the N+1 quest... Lie in wait for one of the more coveted year Miyata (or Miyata-built Univega, etc) to come up in your size and for a fair price. You get things like better frame tubing, canti brakes, more bottle mounts, front- and rear rack braze-ons, sealed bearing hubs... Lots of improvements made to the touring bikes in the early- and mid '80s!

Tandem Tom

I also have a 610 a 1984. I have had it for just about 2 years now. After riding it the first season I declared it "My Favorite"! Last winter I sandblasted it and gave it a new coat of paint and clear coat. Built new wheels,700c, new Nitto bars and stem. Original canti brakes. I run 35mm tires covered over with Velo Orange Hammered fenders.
Last spring we found a 610 ,early 80's, for my wife. This one will be come a 650b bike.