I just picked up a miyata seven twelve (number is written not 712) for $110. From what I have read this must be an 87/88. It is full 105 with biopace rings. Its a six speed freewheel (not cassette as I erroneously stated originally) and has the break cable routed inside the top tube. It is black with a teal front end if that makes a difference. I think the tires may even be original, they are labeled miyata. the bike looks like it was not ridden much at all but lubed with motor oil.
My question is does the written number mean something in terms of what year it is?
any insight would be appreciated.
G

you did quite well. The 712 is the model, high number = decent model. Wait for the miyata pros, especially T-mar, to chime in with more info.

Sounds like a nice bike. Post pics, we all love bike porn!

Does the tubing sticker say Spline Triple Butted? That was their top of the line tubing I believe. If T-Mar does happen to see this thread, I think a Serial Number might help him, though I'm not sure he's compiling a database of SNs for Miyata. I believe he is also agreeable to private messages if you really want to know.

In the meantime, look for a two letter code on the back of your front derailleur cage or rear derailleur body (not VIA, but some other stamped two letter code). Then look here and compare. I'm guessing your components are original to the frame. This will give you a better idea of age.

Is the paint job teal fork and headtube panel and the rest black, or does it fade? Cro-mo fork or Magnalight?
I have a 512 (same frameset with a mix of SLR/Light Action and Signature comps) with what T-Mar calls a non-catalouged paint job-two tone/no fade.
Very nice ride. If it fits, you'll be happy.
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Based on the color scheme and component description, the bicycle is a 1988 model 712.

There is no signifigance to a numerical versus written model designation, other than the whims of the designer. The practice varied depending on the year and there were even some years where both formats were used. The number does however indicate the type of bicycle and relative position in the line-up. In this case it's a mid-range competition/fitness model.

To answer Top506, yes the frame is Miyata's excellent STB tubeset for the main triangle and fork. The stays are CrMo too. Save for the slightly less aggressive geometry and non-spline chainstays, the frame is pretty much the equivalent of a Team Miyata.

Shimano 105 is original and based on Miyata tires, it's a good bet that it's entirely original. At that price, it was a verey good deal. I don't have the original price, but based on similar models it should have been in the range of $500-$600US. FYI, claimed weight is 23.5 lb and the correct color designations is black and peacock. Please PM with your serial number and I will add it to my database.

The paint job is teal fork and head tube and then it continues about 1/3 of the top and down tubes. The transition is covered with a sticker. No fade. I'm sure its a stock paint job. It has to be.
The fork is cro mo

So far I love this frame its a great ride, with the noted exception that the stock (I assume anyway) bars a pretty narrow.
Life is good.

I am still kicking myself for selling my 712 for a buck sixty.

[QUOTE=T-Mar] To answer Top506, yes the frame is Miyata's excellent STB tubeset for the main triangle and fork. The stays are CrMo too. Save for the slightly less aggressive geometry and non-spline chainstays, the frame is pretty much the equivalent of a Team Miyata.QUOTE]

Siginficantly different from the Team model.....

i had a quick question: on the team and pro frames are the chainstays and fork always chromed/ nickel plated ?

No, it's year dependent.

[QUOTE=miamijim]Maybe for you, me and the fraction of 1% who race or are very serious. But for the other 99+%, it's neglible.

Team frames, with the exception of the Track model, do not have chrome forks.

The only thing a 712 has in common with a Team is chromoly tubing. Thats it.
To say its 99% the same is to say all Colombus tubed or Reynolds tubed frames are the same becasue the have a Colombus or Reynolds sticker.

STB tubes are model and size specific. They have different spline configurations and wall thicknesses along with different lugs and dropouts.

Not so.
My Team Miyata TT bike has a chrome fork.
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I will try to post some pics of mine but the pic superunleaded put up is what mine looks like exactly except that mine has the 105 biopace crank and different bar tape.
whether or not it is the same as the pro is irrelevant to me, I like it a lot. It's a sweet ride.
t-mar I will pm you the serial number I forgot it today so I'll get it tomorrow.
Thanks all for all the info.

Here is the serial number off my 7 12 PQ5490 (i think it's a Q it could be an 0) located on the drive side of the BB. Next to it is stamped a 5 over and 8 which I presume means it is a 58 cm frame, especially since it is a 58 cm frame.
The color scheme is exactly like the one posted by superunleaded. The sticker on the frame says splined as does the one on the fork, so both the frame and fork are made from the splined tubing.

i love my miyata six ten rode it fixed for a while now i'm putting a 9 speed cassette into it and making it my long haul bike because it's so comfertable you got an awesome bike good job! I really scretely have nothing to add i'm just posting to hear the key board click.

So I have a question about my miyata that maybe someone here can answer. My bike looks like it had very few miles on it when I bought it. The tires are miyata and I'm guessing original, strangely they are still functional. There is no noticeable wear on the chain or gears ect... so my conclusion is low miles. The rear derailer cable housing does not look stock. Its not SIS, but i'm not sure it needs to be. Did Shimano use SIS housing on down tube shifters? But beyond that its a clear coat cable housing. The brake cable housing is Grey and I think original. Does anyone know what color the rear derailer cable housing should be?

Both my 312 and 512 came with the same grey wound (ie: non-SIS) cable housing on the RD. For that matter, so did my Centurion Ironman of the same timeframe. All three were Shimano index shifting.
FWIW, when I re-built the 512 I replaced this housing with SIS, just to play it safe.
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I figured I was right that it was originally non SIS housing. But yours was gray on the rd mine is clear. I think it is non original.
Thanks for the info

Okay, so it isn't a 712, but a 721.
Wow. some serious Miyata followers!!
At one point there was an Elevation 10000 and a carbon road frame that kept this one company. This one needs to find a new home...it is feeling neglected

I've got a lovely home for it and would be happy to make sure it got plenty of exercise.

It could be yours to exercise...

Hello,
I just bought a miyata seven twelve.
I was wondering you could tell me a bit more about it, the year etc.?
it is equiped full shimano rx 100
kind regards

Serial number states 1991 model year, but the model number looks older (as does the bike). These were very nicely made sports tourers...or fitness racers. Miyata made their own tubing (one of the few companies to do so) and the companie's background was actually in rifelry and artillery. A lot of us (me included) are fans of Miyata's bicycles as being tough and fun riders with a lot of comfort. They typically aren't light, but they ride well. I don't think RSX had STI in 1991, so I'm curious as to what the shifters are...some close ups would help. Shimano RSX was an entry level racing group below 105 that started around this period - 90' or 91'.

Is the first letter in the serial number a T?

This is bugging me...the color is correct for a 91', the internally routed TT looks right, the RSX bits look right...but the 91' catalog doesn't have the 712, it has the 714 , which is bonded aluminum.

Hi,
thanks for helping.
the serial is TC 69575 and then a 56 on the side.

here is a picture of the shifter

Hope that will help
cheers