loudbay

Just asking for some flip or modify advice... $100 delivered from across town, so potential for a flip come Spring (Denver area), but I'm leaning toward modify. I've been hunting for a Miyata or Trek touring frame to build up as a bar hopper / grocery getter, but the (probably ADD) deal seeking gene got to me, and I just couldn't pass on this one. Rides very good. The only non original part seems to be the rear rim. The bike is a cm too small for me, but if I keep the Miyata, it's going to get porteur bars and likely a 650b conversion with fenders to get it unique enough to justify its existence. It's VERY similar in specs to my Paramount PDG Series 3. Shimano 105 vs RX100, tire size, geometry, etc. The Paramount is a hair lighter. Maybe half a hair lighter.

Also, any insight on going 650b for some cusion on these 'racey' frames? I'm new to the idea but would build budget VO rims on these existing Shimano hubs and have someone local true and dish for me, along with tektro long reach calipers. I'm not sure how wide I'll be able to go, but 32+ would be where I'm aiming to get. At a glance, I'm seeing MAX 41mm at the chainstays with the wheel pushed back in the drop out and new 650b placement. Front fork has more breathing room.

Appreciate any feedback or inspiration!

loudbay

Photo incoming. 10 post limit.

jet sanchEz

Use imgur.com to host your pics

rgvg

I might be wrong but do they even make 32mm 650b tires?

rgvg

Oops... according to somewhere in this thread https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...nversions.html the grand bois cypres come in 32s.

Anyway good luck converting. I'd be interested in hearing how it turns out. I have an 86 710 that I would like to convert someday, if it could be done.

MiyataMon

Let's see this thing! I have a 1984 912 myself. I think you should build this up and ride it

mstateglfr 

Its your bike, but I would modernize and sell it. Get some Microshift 9sp shifters($65), a 9sp cassette($20), new cables and housing($15), new tires($50), new tape($15), and new chain($10).
$275 invested, sell it for more, and keep an old road bike rolling.

A 914 with 650b conversion and porteur bars would certainly be unique.

due ruote 

650b conversion is not a trivial amount of $. And there are so many frames that will fit 700 x 32. And this frame is by your own description on the small side for you.
Otoh, if you really want to try 650b, you could just do it and change frames down the road.

loudbay

I'm back! Was a good long day at work... So, I hear all of the input, and coincidentally, I found a cheap Miyata triplecross frame and fork that should be my size. This frame should fit a 700 x 35/38 and take care of my chubby tire needs. I also am of the belief that becuase of the similar vintage that MOST of the components from the 914 should swap to the triplecross, that option would leave me with a nice tight triplecross and a 914 frame and fork for the next guy or future n+1 situation. I haven't had a fixed gear or single speed in while, but also I'm sure there's a reason for that. I'm not into 'storing' things like I used to be, though... So that situation is on the table and I'm checking out the triplecross tomorrow. I can't post a pic (until 10 posts) from imgur either, but I promise one is incoming. And likely by that time, I'll share the PDG and maybe Triplecross!

Shame to break this one apart, but I feel like the cheap rear wheel replacement and a few hours of spare time this weekend may be a pandora's box.

Thanks for input and patience!!!

loudbay

Delete the spaces if you're thirsty for a photo! : https ://imgur.com/gGweaCh

loudbay

I'm a sucker for the 600/Arabesque. Is yours late enough for that component set? I know 912 was a robot mode search for me just because of the 600s....

pcb 

There are only three narrow-ish 650b tires still in production that I'm aware of are:
Conti GP5K 25&28-584/650b (Conti makes these in 25mm & 28mm, I really wish they'd do 32mm as well; I have 1pr of 28s on hand in case I come across a super-tight 700c frame w/super-high bb)
https://www.competitivecyclist.com/c...-tire-clincher

Grand Bois Cypres 32-584/650b (these are around 32mm on narrow vintage rims, I get a little over 34mm on 23mm outer-width Pacenti Brevets; avail in US, i's cycle in Kyoto usually best price)
https://www.ebay.com/c/1560718415

Hutchinson Confrere de 650b 32-584/650b (these were the only choice before GB Cypres, are still in production, likely have to get from French retailers)
https://www.xxcycle.com/tyre-hutchin...0-b-ts,,en.php

So there's not a lot of choice here. It's important to remember 650b tires this narrow will likely result in a significantly lower bb height, so if you're not starting with a bb drop dim of 65mm or shallower, pedal strike during cornering could be a concern. Track frames with bb drops of 55mm or so make great candidates. Vintage-ish true cyclocross race frames often have very shallow drops as well, but those 'cross frames usually clear 700Cx32mm anyway, so you could look at 38-584 or wider. Problem there is they often have cantis, which don't always allow for longer brake reach.

I smoothed out my Raleigh Pro Track ride a bit with the Cypres 650b Extra Legere:

icemilkcoffee 

pic assist:


That is a super good deal for $100!

loudbay

Good morning! The Triplecross was way more complete than frameset. Basiclly an entire bike, but the componentry seems subpar compared to the 914's gear. Does anyone have insight to transferring the road components to the triplecross? This afternoon I'll have both side by side, but I'm almost certian that someone in the Miyata tribe has played with this before.

loudbay

Thank you for the insight and pic assist!!! Best forum out here I'm fairly certian!

JaccoW

The Miyata TripleCross was originally designed as a crossover between a road bike and a mountainbike/cross country bike. So think racing frame with room for wider tyres. If you want to get your hands dirty on 650B that should be a fine bike to start with.
I don't see why you couldn't swap the components. Even the cantilevers should work just fine with the road levers. Does the gearing on the 914 offer enough range for you?



Also take note of its Dutch market equivalent; the Koga-Miyata TerraLiner

clubman 

Triplecross will take a 38 rear and a 47mm front tire. Which is what I run. Apologies for the saddle but it's actually comfy!

top506

The top tube on the Triplecross will be proportionally longer than the 912; you may need to go with a shorter stem.






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loudbay

I appreciate everyones input while I'm waiting out the post count requirement! Roger that on the top tube. I won't be going with drop bars, likely VO Porteurs. I like barcons and I really just want something to run to the store and barhop a little, so I'm hoping that the 100mm stem from the 914 will put the porteur bars where I'm not too stretched out.

I brought home the triplecross yesterday! $50, complete but needs a full going through. That makes me feel a bit better about my tentative plans to canibalize the 914. I just feel if I post the 914 for sale at this time of year in Denver... I'll end up waiting and compromise the triplecross build, or not even complete it until the spring. Shopping list is new tubes, bars, levers, cables, barcon adapters, and I think I'm going to just dive in to a tool set that is more complete than what I have. Anyone have recomendations for anything semi-affordable and semi-thorough? It has decent 700x35s on it, so going to leave those alone, but looking for gumwall 38s, fenders, pedals, seat, and at least a front rack for the second round of funding.

The plastic cantilevers are kind of boring... I read a lot about Tektro 926 Mini V working ok with road levers, so I'm going to try those. I'm thankful there was an affordable option to play with there. If they don't work, then I'll get to the coop and dig for a metal canti that fits. Anyone try these with mini Vs with regular levers? Seems like a lot of CX guys are fine with them and integrated/brifters so hoping they'll be ok!

One or two more posts and then some before pics!

loudbay

What brakes are you using there? I found a TON of cantilevers that other members said did not work and that's what led me to the Mini V discussion.

Best,
Matt

icemilkcoffee 

If you wanted a MTB, then you should get an MTB. I don't think it makes a whole lot of sense to try to turn a nice good 914 into a half hearted MTB. The bottom bracket is different (73 vs 68mm). The rear wheel drop out is different (126mm vs 130 or 135mm. The canitlever brakes cannot be mounted on the 914 frame.
Honestly I think you should flip this bike. Don't ruin a good top of the line Miyata by trying to turn it into an MTB.

top506

I started with mini-V brakes but couldn't get them to work satisfactorily with either style lever. Those are cheap-ass Sunlite canties ($10 or so) working through MicroShift brifters.

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loudbay

Thanks for the input, you just have it backwards. I was considering what you're concerned about but I picked up a Triplecross to build up instead. I AM considering moving the nicer road componenets from the 914 to the triplecross though.

loudbay

Image chains are off! This thing is crusty and dusty but the frame looks good to go for the winter project.

thook

when did miyata make that change? my '89 is sized no differently than a road bike though it is obviously atb intended. it's 55cm top tube and seat tube c to c

edit: it would appear when they went to the unicrown