JettaKnight

There is currently (12/31/05) a Miyata 712 on Ebay. Asking price is $350, local pickup only. Price seems high to me, but the bike looks to be in very good condition and I don't really have a clue as to the value. Any opinions out there would be greatly appreciated! I fit the sellers qualification of being local and able to pick it up. Thanks!

top506

I bought a 512 for 54 bucks, and another 40-odd shipping. Needs lots of work, though.
If it's minty and your size, you won't find anything better in the LBS for that dough.
What does T-Mar say?
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JettaKnight

Thanks for your thoughts. I admit to being attracted to what I think is the quality of vintage equipment vs the flashy appeal of new bicycles. I just don't know enough yet about the subject to be confident about the value. Nobody likes getting "taken" and later realizing you paid too much. I wish there was more info out there about the Miyata 712, like what the original retail price was etc. I've searched this forum and google with not much success. Any other information would sure be appreciated!

karmantra

I bought two Miyata Six Ten touring bikes (his & hers) for $60 each, hardly ridden, in truly mint condition complete w/ fenders & racks--truly excellent touring bikes! I think you can do better for less $$$--if you're looking at vintage/classic bikes, wait and find one that you can actually see is in great shape with little work that needs to be done. Be patient--they are out there! ***Went to Ebay site--bike does look nice in the picture shown, and it looks at if you live close enough to go down and really look it over--personally I would find the price too high, but I'm spoiled by what I can find in the local area. If it fits and feels right to you, then buy it! But personally check it out first, with a buddy that knows bikes!

T-Mar

The 712 is very nice, mid-range model. The STB (spline triple butted) tubing is excellent and the Shimano 105 components are decent. The geometry is designed for avid cyclists, triathletes and century riders. Not as steep and harsh as a pure race bicycle, but as slack and comfy as a touring or recreational model either.

Having had a quick look at eBay, I'd say that the owner is a year or two optimistic on the age. It looks like a 1987 or maybe 1988 model to me. Maybe he bought it in 1989, or maybe my memory is a biy off. However, it does appear to be all original.

As to value, that depends heavily on the condition (both mechanical and physical) and the state of the local bicycle market. The cosmetic condition looks good and based on the description, the mechasnical should be very good. However, you can better judge both when you see the bicycle in person. I can't comment on your local market, but it will significantly affect the going price, considering it is a local pick-up sale.

Unfortunately, I'm on vacation right now and don't have access to my Miyata catalogs, so I can't confirm the year and price. However, if memory serves me correctly, Japanese manufctured, 105 equipped bicycles were selling in the $500-$700 US range for 1987-1988. $350 US sounds steep to me.

If you are willing to take the chance and wait, I will be home on January 07. If you PM or e-mail though the forum at that time, I can verify the year and give a more accurate price.

JettaKnight

Wow, you are all very helpful. Especially T-Mar, (while on vacation yet)! I will try and see it in person before making any decisions. Maybe he will take a lower offer if no bites on Ebay. Looking around on Craigslist, etc. it does seem like the Seattle market is higher priced than others. Thanks again, all!

top506

T-Mar is the master Miyata-san. I bow to the sensi.
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phillybill

Save your money for a 912, they come up every so often.....mid 80's. Nice bike, had one for about 10 years. I brought my 912 for around 600.00 and change if memory serves me correctly in 83

T-Mar

Well, the forum is quite addictive. Good friends, good conversation. Now if I could only figure out how to make a PC dispense (root) beer!

jjarratt

Hey T-Mar,
I was hoping to get any info regarding my Miyata 914. The S# is SG36410 and has 54 stamped perpendicular. It is all black with shimano rx100.
Thanks!
Justin.

jmcgovern12

I'm trying to purchase a 712 of my own. Nice bike with the teal/black color scheme and the guy is asking $450 on craiglist. I met him in person and talked him down to $350 (he has high prices expecting to negotiate lower), but it's still too high for me. He won't go lower because (as a bike flipper) he was actually was thinking about keeping the bike for himself instead of selling it. That's always tough to workaround, but I want to squeeze him down to $325 for an otherwise excellently tuned and clean bike (though there are some scuffs on the frame).

miamijim

Leave your number and walk away.

NYC or not $325 is top dollar for 712. Did you check the top tube cable openings for cracks?

OldsCOOL

The 712 is a smooth rider. If you keep it you may find yourself getting saddle time with it. Yes, check that rearmost cable port for hairline cracks. Some have them but not all. Mine has full 105 giving it a very solid and dialed in feel. The ride is flawless.

fixedweasel

That seems a bit high for a 712. I bought a beautiful Sunburst Orange 914 stock for $250. Absolutely stunning bike. I also had a Miyata 1000, an NOS Miyata light blue mid 90's track bike with chrome fork/stays and a fully lugged* Miyata Ridge Runner in the darker Miyata blue. Great bikes all. But for $350, hold off for a better Miyata. Patience is always rewarded.



*frame and fork

jaydee1943

I bought the 712 from the fellow in Anaheim, Ralph Kolbush. It is in fact pristine.

I loved riding the Miyata except I am very used to the close spaced shifting of my more modern 9 and 10 speed setups. So I decided to fix that. But, I did not want to disturb the classic look of the bike.

I laced an Exage 500 7 speed cassette hub with a 126 mm axle (that I had in my junk) to the original Wobler rim. This hub has the same general look as the original freewheel 105 hub. In addition the wheel rebuild gave me the opportunity to replace the old corroded spoke nipples.

Seven speed cassette bodies are just the right length to hold 9 of the cogs from a 10 speed cluster. I used a 12/25 Ultegra unit with the 14 tooth cog removed.

Next the original 105 6 speed shifters came off and were replaced with Dura Ace down tube 10 speed levers to match the 10 speed spacing of the new cogs.

Simply removing the small chainring and flipping it over creates the correct spacing for the new 10 speed super narrow chain.

I added a Brooks professional saddle. Although not original it is period.

To maintain the classic look, I also installed a very nice pair of 600 toe-clip pedals.

I rode the bike on my morning COVID-19 cabin fever escape ride this morning. I have 20 other bikes I could have ridden.

Piff 

I love it, but I would love it even more to see a picture or two!

polymorphself 

This OP is from 2005

cb400bill

Thread is so old that it predates us having the Appraisals forum. Moving thread to Appraisals forum now.

jaydee1943

I've tried to attach photos, but somehow I have not figured out the magic order of clicking what where to get it done.

cb400bill

You have to have 10 posts before you can post links or pics. But, your pics are in the Gallery.

cb400bill

Bmoreblujay

Did you check it out in person? How reliable is Ebay generally? New to this!