sloar 

I respect this groups opinion and I'm torn between these two bikes. A really nice Miyata 1000 .The Surly is more but still within my budget. Which bike would you guys choose as a tourer and everyday work horse? I can't test ride the Miyata but I can check out the Surly tomorrow. Thanks

nesteel 

Since I'd have to tweak it to my tastes anyway, I'd have to go with the Miyata. Just never drank the Surly kool-aid, although I like the modern drivetrain on the Surly. The DT shifter setup on the surly, with those bars, just seems odd.

jpaschall

The LHT is more versatile IMO and I actually like that color. One vote Surly. Depends on how much you like the specific build on the Surly though.

repechage

Surly

sloar 

I have proper bars, stem and brake levers to change it over.

USAZorro

I owned a Surly LHT for about 2 years. It is stable, solid, reliable, versatile and has a lot of fittings and features. The downsides are that it is heavy, and not exactly a joy to ride.

You're comparing it to a Miyata ??? I also have owned a Miyata 210. Definitely in the same class as the LHT. Doesn't have a couple of the fittings that the LHT does, but it is a bit nicer riding bike, imo.

Since I'm not sure of the model of Miyata, not sure whether to stop here or not. I have no experience with a 610. Have briefly ridden the 1000 that I got for my wife. I much prefer the ride of it to either the 210 or the LHT. It is notably lighter, yet not a "light" bike. Depending on the year, it may have nearly all the little features of the LHT.

3speedslow

I think I will change my usual directions with the decision and go with the Surly. Both are exceptional so...

sloar 

It's a really nice original 1984 Miyata 1000

The Golden Boy 

I'm totally biased- I have a "rider" 1990 Miyata 1000.

I think if you're not in need of the stiffness of a frame to go down a mountain pass at 35MPH with 50 pounds of gear- the Miyata 1000 is the cat's pyjamas.

I'm all about using old tourers for all-rounders and commuters.

Vintage_Cyclist

I've got an LHT, that I bought after failing to find one of the usual-suspects, higher-end vintage touring bikes in my size, in good shape, and at a non-stupid price.

The Surly is a great tourer and work horse. However, it is a bit sluggish feeling (not really a problem though with loaded touring). I wouldn't want to ride it as a daily commuter bike. Mine is a stock 2014 model, that I've never had any problems with. I like it for what I use if for.

Assuming, that's a 1000, the most significant negative comparison to the LHT would be number of gears, but that can be dealt with if it's an issue. Of course, the 1000 might have some unrevealed mechanical surprises, as well.

That Surly has modern components, better seat and rack, fenders, etc. Don't care for the bar setup. Don't care for the downtube shifters on either, for a touring bike.

Without knowing the prices (or your bottom line after making changes to either bike) I'd probably lean towards the Surly.

mstateglfr 

I would base my decision on final bike costs once converted.

The lht is a really great touring bike. That specific one you link is...well not my cupotea. But you have everything needed to convert it to how you want, so cool.

I would guess you have everything needed to get the Miyaya into the setup you want then too.

I would want modern wheels, indexed bar end shifters, modern crankset chainrings(48-38-26 or something similar) which means swapped rings or new crankset, shimano derailleurs, a modern handlebar, modern tektro brake levers, etc.

Touring is not the time to test out 35yo components, at least it isnt the time for me.
A vintage steel touring bike with some older and skme modern components is, to me, a perfect match. Vale and quality in one.
...it also happens to be what i have for a touring bike- vintage frame with some older and some modern components.

If ultimate finished prices were similar, i would go for the Miyata. Something special ablut loading up a bike you built thats from almost 4 decades ago but still completely capablr.

bikemig 

The surly takes a fatter tire. It is a more versatile machine.

dim

depends what you want .... if you want to get there fast on pretty decent roads, or if you are going off road

I've owned a Surly LHT and have owned 3 Miyata's (my current commuter is a Miyata full pro)

I'd take the Miyata .... they are quality .... only downside is that you may struggle to fit a tyre wider than a 25 but for my type of commuting, 25 is fine (Conti GP 4000 SII 25mm wide measure over 27mm wide on my rims .... any wider and I will have problems)

Surly is heavy and sloooow .... good for poor roads if you have the correct tyres

I'd fit the Miyata with decent fenders, a Brooks Cambium C17 Carved saddle and new bartape. Later, get tubeless ready rims and get some decent tubeless tyres

I'm busy upgrading my Miyata with a Dura Ace 7800 groupset but will use the Dura Ace 7900 compact crankset (50/34T) and with a 10 speed 11-28T cassette

Vintage_Cyclist

Of course, the correct answer to the question is to buy both bikes!

khatfull

I'm surprised that took 13 posts.

artclone

I vote Miyata. Triple butted, good resale value, usually nice touches like clear over decals. Can sell it and buy a Surly any time but not the other way around. I have a 914 that’s splendid and had a Miyata 210 that even as an entry level tourer surprised me with its quality.

The Miyata 1000 is the classic tourer for a reason.

If the rando bars are anything like those on my 210 though, you’ll want to get some much wider Nitto noodles or randos for it.

jetboy 

miyata 1000. artclone nailed it. I took out the semi-pro today, decked out like a pro-tour its not light, but it feels real good. no sluggish or dull in anyway. the miyata i suspect is very similar.

Salamandrine 

For most touring and general use, I'd go with the Miyata. If you think you'd like to carry front and rear panniers and 50+ lbs of gear, then the Surly. I tend think of it in terms of which bike I'd rather pedal over a 4000 ft mountain, and the lighter one wins. FWIW I used to own the Univega branded version of that bike. Same color even. Different decals, but I scraped them off anyway. Did some long tours on it while I was in college and it never let me down.

OTOH there something to be said for the more modern drivetrain on the surly. Nicest to have both...

Hobbiano 

I like the Miyata. I have a 610 and it's a triple butted frame beautifully put together with great paint and details. Not a cheap component on it, either. Cartridge bearing hubs, Deore drivetrain, and Sugino triple. 1000 is similar, but i think a longer wheebase, more relaxed touring geometry. Both came with 27" wheels. But it's from another era.
On the other hand, Surley: Modern, 9 speed, reliable, capable, tig welded and somewhat bland.
I would love to find a Miyata 1000 in nice condition in my size, 21" or 54cm.

ddeand 

We all have our biases, and eventually you’ll likely be happy with whatever you choose. But I’ve never been a huge fan of Surly frames - they’re dependable, but sort of run-of-the-mill in terms of liveliness and weight. I think the Miyata is a much nicer frame for commutes and general riding. The Surly might be a great choice for loaded-down touring. As far as fitting tires, I was able to squeeze a 700cx30 CX tire onto a Miyata 312 I built for my grandson. Obviously, my vote goes to the Miyata. Have fun with your project!

qcpmsame 

Miyata

jpaschall

Catalogue specs this 1000 to have 700c wheels. That is significant given that you won't have to worry about the canti post situation should you have wanted to go 27" to 700c.

oddjob2

Surly = full size pickup truck
Miyata 1000 = crossover

bikemig 

The miyata can only take a 25c. Do you realize you are talking about a touring bike, the Miyata 1000?

The surly is heavy and slow? I've never understood why people feel the need to ding surlys. It is designed as a fairly rugged touring bike and it weighs right around what a fairly rugged touring bike made of chrome moly steel should. The rest is up to the rider who may be slow or may be fast.

cooperryder

I don't know what tire size the 1984 1000 will fit but my 1986
1000 fits a 700 x 38 that measures 39 wide on the 23 outside diameter rims.
(Vittoria Voyager Hyper tires)

I think I could just barely fit a 40 wide tire on it.