Should I spring for this Miyata?
 

I'm curious to find out what the group here thinks of this bike. I've not come across a Miyata before but have seen many posts on C&V about them. This looks like an aluminum main frame, steel stays and fork for flex. It's my size or very close to my size. I was wondering how high do you think I should go? As I post this the bidding is up to $31.50.
(Sorry East Hill, no Nishiki's that are my size around here.)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=160205081161

Looks like a neat rig. Around here (Seattle Wa) it would probably go for $100-$150 assuming it was in good shape. I've never seen one personally but I like weird stuff and would probably go as high as $100.

it's a funny old bird of a frame, and NOT typical of the vast majority of steel framed Miyatas, many of which are outstanding bikes and values.
I bought one of these weird aluminum-steel bolt-ups (bare frame/fork only) really cheap and built it up for a friend to keep as a beater/loaner bike for any houseguest or drunk who needed a bike to run errands with. It was fuggly but surprised me (and many others too) that it held up very well under constant abuse/neglect. I expected the frame would crack or the weird joints connecting dissimilar metals would strip...but it's still around and working. Not a glowing review, but, a left-handed compliment. I'd buy it only for the novelty or if you just really loved it for some strange reason...but, I'd recommend you hold out for a steel Miyata or Koga-Miyata.

Go for it!
 

Looks like a nice ride. I'd go up to $100 on it. I've had four miyatas (still have two) and they have all been really solid good bikes, even the lower end ones.

That's a 1989 model 718a. Basically, it's a mid-range model for avid cyclists, but it has a triple chainring. With 18 gears, a fairly light 21.5 lbs and competition oriented geometry, it's a great bicycle for hilly centuries or riders who want a responsive machine but aren't quite in shape to tackle the hills on a 42/21T. Original cost was about $500 US.

The hybrid construction was actually quite popular at the time. Several other brands offered similar models, notably Raleigh with its Technium series. Some of on European memebers have reported separation on Miyata's EPA bonded frames, but personally I have never seen a failure.

Just saw one of those running around SoCal the other day. Nice looking bike.

Thanks gang, I'm keeping a close watch on it.

I think it is pretty rad, if it were cross bike it'd say go as high as 300.

I would pass. You want to get the triple butted Miyata tubing. Buy a real Miyata. It will be worth it.

Well, I didn't get the Miyata. I entered my max bid but it went for a bid higher than I was willing to pay. I have no regrets. Many thanks for all the input, it was very helpful.

It went for $124.50. That's a lot of bike for $125. My size, too. If it wasn't so far away, I'd have been tempted..... :D