t1k

Hello everyone.

I must admit - I'm a bit obsessed with 1980-1990s Japanese bikes. Miyata bikes in particular.

I'm going to look at a 1991 Miyata triple-cross bike tomorrow, in a hope to make it my winter commuter bike.
Not that I really need another bike, but the triple cross (if it fits) seems to be a nicer riding bike than my aluminum Specialized Crosstrail.

Since I already have a set of studded winter tires, it would be nice if they fit on the Miyata. Does anyone know if the triple cross has enough clearance for 622x42 Shwalbe winter marathon tires?

I found the 1991 Miyata catalog and it looks like the stock tires are 700x35C. I'm not planning installing fenders on the bike. Will put on a rear rack and will be riding the bike on the drier days.

t1k

Speaking of winter commuting. How do cantilever brakes do on slushy winter roads? Do they chew through the rims due to all the salt and gravel on the roads?

randyjawa 

I rode thousands of miles or kilometers during the Canadian winters, where snow, ice, cold, wind, salt and gravel are plentiful. Not once did I feel any undo concern for my wheels braking surface and they did not appear to be wearing at an accelerated rate.

OTS 

My winter rider was a mountain bike and now is a hybrid.

Both bike have canti's.

No issues with accelerated rim wear or with braking.

top506

You have about 45mm between the chain stays. That's the tight spot; no problem with fork crown and seat stay clearance.

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PugRider

I have an Alumicross, which is from the same era and geometry, and it has chro-mo stays. I have non-original wheels and have a set of Ritchey Speedmax 700x32 that just barely fit in the rear. They're basically fine, but sometimes rub when I get out of the saddle to climb. I have been thinking of downsizing to a 30 or 28. It was originally spec'd with 700x35s, but I think the Wolber rims that were original were narrower (I have Sun M-something rims on there now). Rim width plays a role. Like top506, the front has good clearance. But 42mm in the rear? I honestly doubt it, but do a test fit with something similar if you can. Get some Kool-Stops for those cantis and you're good to go. They really do make a difference.

top506

Doubt all you like, but I measured twice. That's a 32mm mounted.

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t1k

Thank you. That is exactly what I wanted to know.
Looks like I'll be able to fit the 42mm tire on the front wheel. But, practically, 42mm tire is not going to work in the rear.

t1k

Thank you for the feedback on the cantilever brakes performance in winter. I have previously used/had hydraulic disk brakes on my winter commuters and I was questioning whether canti's can stop the bike fast enough, and how often the rims have to be cleaned to maintain the brake performance.
On the other hand I'm not going fast in a harsh weather anyways, and canti's should do the job.

Looks like the triple cross is a good choice for a winter commuter.

thook

i have an '89 triple cross. i can fit a 40mm comfortably up front, but only 38mm in the back. 40's will rub if the wheel even thinks of wobbling.

i rode one winter through snow and slush with canti's, but it was pretty cold. the snow/slush accumulated after a point and froze up. before i realized, i had no braking going downhill. but, that was a one time event and i was offroad.