Originally Posted by smontanaro (Post 19973288)

Ad says 54cm, but that's a mighty short head tube.

Originally Posted by TimmyT (Post 19966063)

Man! Two cool bikes with bent forks.

Originally Posted by R200 (Post 19973967)

Please forgive the newbie question, but how exactly did you determine that these forks are bent? I often see this critique but sometimes, as with these bikes, I can't identify the damage even when I look for it. I'm not doubting you, I am trying to learn how to see it for myself.

Originally Posted by machinist42 (Post 19974014)

I fix my eyes on the head tube, and follow an imaginary line it describes. The fork should hew that line, and not fall behind. Then I check the proximity of the wheel to the downtube. Then I examine the top and down tubes for evidence of stress.

Originally Posted by Colnago Mixte (Post 19975065)

That's one hot Fuji, triple-butted frame, and the color is called "Cherry Web". It sold for $515 in 1988. You could get a lot for your money back then due to the exchange rates.

That same bike would probably sell for $1500-2,000 in 1988, had it been made in Italy.

Originally Posted by Lazyass (Post 19975611)

The seller says it's a 54. Looking at is closer I think it might be a 56, which is my size.

Originally Posted by shuru421 (Post 19975635)

I dig that bike. But seems rather small. Don't think its 56.

Originally Posted by Colnago Mixte (Post 19975065)

That's one hot Fuji, triple-butted frame, and the color is called "Cherry Web". It sold for $515 in 1988. You could get a lot for your money back then due to the exchange rates.

That same bike would probably sell for $1500-2,000 in 1988, had it been made in Italy.

Originally Posted by KonAaron Snake (Post 19975860)

And if it were a Rene Herse, it would be $7,000. But it isn't. It's an entry-mid level Fuji.

Originally Posted by Colnago Mixte (Post 19975884)

Wow, you really gotta love the camaraderie, and just general "good vibes" around here. I'm just so blown away by it sometimes, I can barely contain myself. :rolleyes:

Well, this will no doubt make you make your day, I bought the Miyata, and brought it home, only to be rather unpleasantly surprised.

Cracked top tube. Some research show this is a common problem among 1987 models with the internal cable routing. Seller is ignoring my emails (predictably).

Originally Posted by Colnago Mixte (Post 19975079)

And speaking of triple-butted Japanese bikes from the 80's, how bout this one. A 1987 Miyata 512, triple-butted frame, very cool paint job, $150.

I always wanted a yellow bike. And since it's a 1987 model, I assume that with some pedals, bar tape, and an appropriate seat, this bike could be Eroica-ready for less than $250, since I believe 1987 is the cut-off date for Eroica bikes. Might have to ditch the aero brakes and index shifting though, LOL.

Definitely gonna take a look at it, seems like a steal for $150. I'm a sucker for these old Japanese steel bikes from this era, easy to work on, easy to find parts for, index shifting, compatibility with modern parts, etc. etc.

Originally Posted by Colnago Mixte (Post 19975884)

Wow, you really gotta love the camaraderie, and just general "good vibes" around here. I'm just so blown away by it sometimes, I can barely contain myself. :rolleyes:

Well, this will no doubt make you make your day, I bought the Miyata, and brought it home, only to be rather unpleasantly surprised.

Cracked top tube. Some research show this is a common problem among 1987 models with the internal cable routing. Seller is ignoring my emails (predictably).

Originally Posted by KonAaron Snake (Post 19975916)

Shame about the Miyata - of course I’m not happy about it...and we’re all on the same team. The point was that a Fuji isn’t an Italian. There are reasons some bikes are valued more highly...and they’re not the same.

I hope the guy takes a return. FWIW, that’s a known Miyata issue and something to check for on the internal routing models.

Originally Posted by mech986 (Post 19976153)

You are correct, 1987 is the cutoff, and last year they started allowing aero brake handles, but of course, not the index shifters. Hope you're able to find the right bike for you.



sorry to hear that. I'm sorry to see the crack, and the internal rusting from water and moisture getting inside. I'm not sure what everyone saw in internal tube routing of cables - as you've found, seems like just another way for moisture to get in (but not out) and where you can't see or inspect any of it. Sorry it wasn't seen on inspection before you bought the bike. I'm not optimistic that you'll get anything back, just part it out for the parts and find a better frame I guess. Seller should have disclosed that, but that's probably the reason for the price. :mad:



Probably same for similar era internal routing bikes of any make. Don't know how they intended to seal the openings to prevent water or moisture ingress.