615 Miyata Sports Touing bike, what direction: original or update?
I need to complete a restoration of a Miyata 615. I purchased the bike this summer for my adult daughter to use while visiting from out of the country. The bike was mostly original when I purchased it. Since my daughter has only ridden city bikes, I converted the bike to trekking handlebars and trigger 3x8 shifters. I also changed out the funky old cantilever brakes for linear pull V brakes. I installed a modern wheelset and cassette on the bike from parts I had on hand. The result is fugly, but it's a great performer as a city bike and potential long distance touring bike.
Now that my daughter is no longer using the bike, I need to decide: Do I return it to mostly original or complete the hybridization of the bike? Also should I get it ready to sell, or keep it for the next visit? Vote more than once: Original OR update; Keep OR sell. http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/l...ps331198cc.jpg http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/l...pscfaaba3b.jpg http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/l...psdd26a05e.jpg http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/l...ps68b32f9a.jpg |
BarrettSCV, This is a good bike to finish off and keep around as a loaner.
Brad |
Originally Posted by bradtx
(Post 17209862)
BarrettSCV, This is a good bike to finish off and keep around as a loaner.
Brad |
The Miyata 61X is quite an iconic touring bike, and sooner or later an original one in good condition like that will make a future owner very happy. I voted return to original. That said, I respect all bike owners' rights to modify and use their bikes as they please. Peace.
|
Nice bike in either configuration. I would sell it if there is no immediate use for it. It all becomes "stuff to manage" when it is not getting used regularly.
|
I'd do what ever made you the happiest with it. Nice frame, but calling it iconic a bit lofty.
|
I'm considering a plan that helps complete the bike while using the OEM wheels.
I have a set of these bars: Lauterwasser Alloy Bar | SOMA Fabrications The Soma bars will take these levers/shifters, these are switchable from V brakes to Cantilever brakes: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00652QSXK/...=ILCG7EJZKMYYV I'll install a 13-28 seven speed Shimano Freewheel. The handlebars work as drop bars, without the deep drop, and accept the trigger shifters. If I keep the bike, it will be city-bike easy-to-use for my guests. If I sell the bike, the new owner will get the OEM handlebar and stem and freewheel. They would easily be able to restore the bike to original. |
Originally Posted by kaliayev
(Post 17210206)
I'd do what ever made you the happiest with it. Nice frame, but calling it iconic a bit lofty.
|
A bike in the hand is worth two in the bushes. Or some such.
|
Originally Posted by old's'cool
(Post 17211363)
OK, I guess that gauntlet was intended for me, so I'll pick it up. Which touring bikes, in your opinion, relegate the Miyata 61Xs to second rate status, and why?
|
Originally Posted by fender1
(Post 17210163)
Nice bike in either configuration. I would sell it if there is no immediate use for it. It all becomes "stuff to manage" when it is not getting used regularly.
|
Originally Posted by old's'cool
(Post 17211363)
Which touring bikes, in your opinion, relegate the Miyata 61Xs to second rate status, and why?
People don't **** their drawers and lose their minds when referring to the 610 as they do with the 1000 or a Specializd Expedition, or a Trek 720. I'll fully admit to being biased- but I believe the 1985 Trek 620 goes into that territory as well. That is not to say that it is a poor bike, or that it's not a bike to want- just in Miyata's own hierarchy as well as the other manufacturers- it wasn't- and wasn't intended to be- a Flagship level bike. As such - as cool of a bike as it is- I think calling that bike "iconic" is a bit of a stretch. |
Originally Posted by The Golden Boy
(Post 17211883)
I don't think it's anything to feel "challenged" about- The 610 was the proverbial "little brother" to the 1000. As such- it had "lesser" steel in the fork and came with a lower component group.
People don't **** their drawers and lose their minds when referring to the 610 as they do with the 1000 or a Specializd Expedition, or a Trek 720. I'll fully admit to being biased- but I believe the 1985 Trek 620 goes into that territory as well. That is not to say that it is a poor bike, or that it's not a bike to want- just in Miyata's own hierarchy as well as the other manufacturers- it wasn't- and wasn't intended to be- a Flagship level bike. As such - as cool of a bike as it is- I think calling that bike "iconic" is a bit of a stretch. |
I like the idea of the Trekking Bars- I've never ridden them- but I've kind of been collecting parts to build a bike with them.
|
Originally Posted by old's'cool
(Post 17211363)
OK, I guess that gauntlet was intended for me, so I'll pick it up. Which touring bikes, in your opinion, relegate the Miyata 61Xs to second rate status, and why?
|
Originally Posted by The Golden Boy
(Post 17211925)
I like the idea of the Trekking Bars- I've never ridden them- but I've kind of been collecting parts to build a bike with them.
They are super easy to use and provide fingertip control while the hands guide the bike. The brake lever can be adjusted for either Linear V-brakes or Cantilever. The Shimano aftermarket package includes cables and housings. All for $37 delivered. These are clearly not period pieces, but Trekking bars and trigger shifters are super user friendly on a touring bike. |
1 Attachment(s)
Originally Posted by The Golden Boy
(Post 17211925)
I like the idea of the Trekking Bars- I've never ridden them- but I've kind of been collecting parts to build a bike with them.
Not exactly trekking (kinda the opposite) bars but I have a coupla bikes with Scott AT-3 bars with Suntour Barcons in the ends (forward) and Tektro 2 finger MTB brake levers. Multiple hand positions: narrow, wide and forward. http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=411607 On the Volpe. |
i've been searching for a miyata touring frame and would be interested in it if it were in my size...(54cm)
|
Originally Posted by aquateen
(Post 17212160)
i've been searching for a miyata touring frame and would be interested in it if it were in my size...(54cm)
|
Originally Posted by The Golden Boy
(Post 17211883)
I don't think it's anything to feel "challenged" about- The 610 was the proverbial "little brother" to the 1000. As such- it had "lesser" steel in the fork and came with a lower component group.
People don't **** their drawers and lose their minds when referring to the 610 as they do with the 1000 or a Specializd Expedition, or a Trek 720. I'll fully admit to being biased- but I believe the 1985 Trek 620 goes into that territory as well. That is not to say that it is a poor bike, or that it's not a bike to want- just in Miyata's own hierarchy as well as the other manufacturers- it wasn't- and wasn't intended to be- a Flagship level bike. As such - as cool of a bike as it is- I think calling that bike "iconic" is a bit of a stretch. |
Originally Posted by Barrettscv
(Post 17211980)
These are the best shifters/brake levers for Trekking handlebars, IMO: Amazon.com : Shimano ST-EF65 Shift/Brake Set (Black, 3x7 Speed) : Bike Brake Parts : Sports & Outdoors
They are super easy to use and provide fingertip control while the hands guide the bike. The brake lever can be adjusted for either Linear V-brakes or Cantilever. The Shimano aftermarket package includes cables and housings. All for $37 delivered. These are clearly not period pieces, but Trekking bars and trigger shifters are super user friendly on a touring bike. I've considered this for my High Sierra, and since this thread- I've even thought about doing my Trek 400 with them. As far as what to do with your bike- if you're not interested in riding it- I'd say return it to sort of stock and sell it. |
I'm going to sell the frameset. It should go to a person who understands that these are great bikes, to be maintained and ridden for a long time.
|
All times are GMT -6. The time now is 07:41 PM. |
Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.