lumpydog

OK, purchased this bike back at the beginning of last month. Was looking for advice on upgrades and curious about the frame, thanks to everyone - I really appreciate the good counsel. Have put close to 500 miles on it since original posting, and have decided that aside from the occasional voice in my head wishing for a couple of extra gears in the back(usually while on some uphill coronary nightmare- my shortcoming, not the bikes) aside from a more comfortable seat and some new tape I'm not changing a thing
The bike is great- smooth, very quick for it's age- it's still in far better condition than I am (for now, but I've dropped 35 pounds and counting). Was a little concerned about the whole CrMo/aluminum bonding process, but we do steel to aluminum pressure welding where I work and it's proven to be a reliable process. Again, thanks to those who offered assistance in my research- this bike and I are going to have a great relationship!

Giacomo 1 

I love your Miyata!

I have a 1400 AlumiTech myself, which is the model that came after they discontinued the 6500. I know many guys don't like aluminum frames, but I really like mine, it's super-light, stiff in all the right places and it's very responsive and agile. Not to mention, the bonding looks very smooth and makes for a nice clean look and the slightly oversized tubes look great.

Good luck!

lumpydog

Thanks! I love the look of the 1400 you're talking about. Seems like they produced these mixed frames for the one year under the 6000 series and then kind of absorbed them into the typical numbering system and made them into cyclocross bikes. Whatever the case, I agree- very agile and responsive. Hope you enjoy yours as much as I'm enjoying mine

Vcarra

Hi All!!

Just happened to stumble into one, the guy was in a hurry to sell, as no one here knows the brand, except for me. after i research it, this thread gave me the security to go get it.

only needed a good service to BB and Wheel hubs, relube the chain. new tires and it's ready, still had the original Miyata 700c x 20 tires, but they where dried up. so i put some Specialized Turbo 700 x 25,missing was the 105 Pedals, came with some Time Sport, and the original bar tape.

it rides very, very well, i had been wanting a vintage hi end bike from back when i started. now i have this one to cherish.

Giacomo 1 

Looks great.

My 1400 came with those original 700x21 Miyata branded tires and I changed them out to for 700x23's and I have to tell you, the bike is missing that snap it had with those original tires. Maybe it's just me, but the bike feels a bit sluggish now. I'm actually thinking of going back to 700x21's, but they're not to easy to find anymore.

Eventually, I also converted mine to brifters and changed the rear cassette to a 11/28, and that has made the bike more useable for me on hills.

Overall, it's a great bike, as it does everything pretty well and has a nice look to it.

Clang

There was a 6500 in the Twin Cities that I regret not snapping up. Nice looking bikes. I have the full '87 Shimano 105 group on another bike and it shifts very well. Trust me- you're not missing out on much with the triangular 105 pedals. The ridge on the rear of the pedal starts to feel very uncomfortable after a long ride.

Vcarra

Thanks Giacomo, since i'm a clydesdale now, i have not used 700x20 since i was 16, what i do, is buy clinchers with as high Max Pressure available and inflate them accordingly to my weight, using Vittoria pressure app. it does not match using a skinny tire, but it does make a difference in rolling resistance. if you want more responsiveness, try tubulars, i have a pair of Nisi wheels and i put some Continental tubulars that reach 160psi and it's a remarkable difference allthough i only pump them to 150 for my weight, you could put Thor Usa Challenge Tires tubulars, those have a max pressure of 200psi. i hope this helps.

Vcarra

Thanks for the insight Clang, i'll change the Time pedals to something comfy, like Shimano A-520 SPD pedals.