1981 miyata 912
 

http://toledo.craigslist.org/bik/4013614399.html
is this a good deal and if not what should I pay for it? I am new to cycling and I want to get a cheaper bike that will last until I can afford a nice new bike so is this a bike I should choose or should I keep looking I want to spend around three hundred dollars on a bike now.

This is a great bike that's worth buying and riding. I fit was me and this was my size, I'd go for it (except I already have one), but maybe offer a little less (gave you some reasons below). A new bike of comparable quality and capability would be much more expensive, and this one's seems to be effectively new. Regarding what other think you should pay, there's a forum just for that purpose:

http://www.bikeforums.net/forumdispl...-and-Inquiries

I've just recently finished upgrading my '79 912 that I bought new back then. I like riding it as much, if not more than my much newer Rivendell.

Here's a big thread on Miyatas, and this is one of their better models. Later ones got even better tubing, but it would be a subtle improvement, and this one sounds like its in spectacular shape. I wouldn't obsess over keeping it stock, although the components that came on the 912 were quite advanced for that time. One component that wasn't so great was the brakes. Any dual pivot calipers would be a substantial safety improvement. The brake pads on this '81 may also be original so pretty hard. The tires might also need replacing. But neither of these changes are expensive, and you'll have a bike that you will enjoy for a long time

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...he-Miyata-Cult

Heres a link to the Miyata catalogs, going back to 1981.

http://www.miyatacatalogs.com/

Here's a huge thread showing older bikes upgraded with newer components. Im not suggesting that youd need to upgrade, but that bikes/frames like this one are worth it. My upgraded 912 is on page 118.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...STI-s-or-Ergos

Thanks for all of the info. your 912 looks great! I think I'm gonna make an offer of $350 and see how that goes because this bike has been on CL for a long time but with your info and the research I have done I think this is going to be a good bike that is worth going a little out of my price range. thanks again for all your help.

$350 sounds fair. The seller is correct that the 600 Arabesque group is highly valued. I don't know specific prices, but some in the Classic & Vintage crowd would buy it.

tb111,
Then hang out with us over in the Classic & Vintage (C&V) forum and others. Welcome to Bike Forums!

I still have my 84 912 although my grown son has been using it with a trail-a-bike. It was a great bike in its time and got me through a four day, 400 mile tour with my wife and two very young sons back in the day. I'll be getting the bike back soon and will start using it as my around-town bike.