I already have a Miyata 912 and a Centurion Ironman but there is a 1986 Team Fuji for sale locally that has caught my eye. Is it in the same league as my 912 and Ironman?

They're all mid-range models and you'd probably find the ride characteristics comparable but if you want to start splitting hairs, then we'd need to know the exact vintage of the other bicycles, and whether the Ironman was a Master or Expert. For instance, the Fuji is Ishiwata 9658 quad butted CrMo but with lower grade CMn forks and stays. The Ironmen were full Tange #1 double butted CrMo and the 912 full double butted CrMo after 1983, with triple butting upgade in 1985 and spline triple butting starting in 1986. The Shimano 105 and 600 groups used on these (except on the 1989 IM Expert) also exhibited various features over the years that could place them slightly below, on par with or above 1986 Sprint.

The Ironman is an 87 expert and the Miata is an 86

I personally like to ride fast and record time on my Tange 1 Ironman. But, I also enjoy doing smooth long distance rides on my Ishiwata framed Fuji. Tange vs. Ishiwata. They're both really fine frames.

Now that we have more information, I'd still say that they are all pretty close. Sprint is a great group but it's only friction. The only advantage over Shimano is that the hubs were sealed cartridge bearing, IIRC. The New 600EX on the 912 has the advantage of an SIS indexed shifting option but doesn't have aero brake cable routing. However, the IM has SIS and aero rb\\brake cable routing along with a better performing SLR brakeset. The Miyata arguably has the most sophisticated frame with the STB tubeset and while the Tange #1 of the IM is also very highly regarded, the VaLite stays on the stays do not pose much of a real world disadvantage and are arguably more desirable for powerful riders due to increased stiffness.

In the end, preference for most will come to brand loyalties in terms of bicycle, components and/or tubing. I could be very happy with any of the three, However, of the three, cosmetic and mechanical condition being equal, the Fuji would probably have the lowest overall market appeal due to the lower grade VaLite forks and stays, lack of indexed shifting and absence of SLR braking.

I'm as big a Miyata and Shimano booster as anybody on the forum but I 'd only classify a Miyata 912 as mid-range. Granted, I consider it upper mid-range but still mid-range. Even Miyata places it in their mid-range "Competition/Fitness Series" along with the 710 and 310.


While the 1986 version of the Miyata 912 inherited the STB main tubes from the Pro series, it didn't receive the Pro series' splined fork blades and the geometry was less aggressive. Shimano's New 600EX as featured on the 1986 Miyata 912 functioned almost as well as New Dura-Ace but it didn't quite match it in terms of refinement, weight, durability and finish. In terms of pricing, a 1986 Team was almost twice that of a 912.


The Japanese were the masters of trickling down technology and increasing value in the 1980s. Most cyclists would be hard pressed to discern the difference between a circa 1986 Team and 912 during a ride. The differences are far more evident on paper and especially in price. However, bicycles like other products, are subject to the law of diminishing return on investment. A 912 is a huge jump over an entry level model, but for that same price increase above the 912, the returns are far less and for the majority, not worth the extra investment. However, there are those who can appreciate the difference and for them, the price increase is often warranted. The differences may be small but they are what distinguishes a very good, upper mid-range model from a better, high end bicycle.

To tell the truth I kind of miss the the friction shifting I had on my Lotus Unique before I sold it.I am too old to race so quick shifts don't matter that much to me. The blue line derailleur on my lotus was nice and smooth and not as abrupt as the sis system.

Both the 912's and IM's shift levers have the option of switching to friction mode at a moment's notice, with a counter-clockwise, 180 degree turn of the D-ring.

My main rides are a 1984 Fuji Team and a 1985 Miyata 710. To me they are equal.

I recently had a 1986 Team pass through my place. I thought it was a beautiful bike and rode very well. It was just too similar to several of my other bikes so I passed it on to a very happy new owner. Sort of regret it as I loved how the bike looked. I'd say pick it up and enjoy it for awhile.