85 Miyata Ridge Runner
11-16-19, 06:18 AM
#1
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85 Miyata Ridge Runner
Bought bike in great shape. Almost all original except for rear wheel. It now has a 7 speed free hub and cassette. The RD is a rusty old Acera. It works ok with the power thumb shifter but looks like hell. My question is can I replace it with a 8-9-speed RD. Which would work well for friction shifting. It would probably have to be a long cage. I don't know much about shifters. Thanks in advance.
11-16-19, 06:27 AM
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Very cool acquisition! Would love to see some photos.
As far as rear derailleurs go, an 8 or 9 speed long cage should work fine in friction mode. Ebay is also a great source if you're trying to be period correct. My personal favorite of the era is the Shimano MT-60.
On my commuter Trek 830 I just used a modern Shimano Altus I had lying around. Works excellent with a friction shifter even if it is a little clunky looking.
As far as rear derailleurs go, an 8 or 9 speed long cage should work fine in friction mode. Ebay is also a great source if you're trying to be period correct. My personal favorite of the era is the Shimano MT-60.
On my commuter Trek 830 I just used a modern Shimano Altus I had lying around. Works excellent with a friction shifter even if it is a little clunky looking.
11-16-19, 06:47 AM
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Here's a photo of the bike when I bought it. I've since shined it up and replaced the tires.
Last edited by miya310; 11-16-19 at 06:48 AM. Reason: Add more info
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11-16-19, 09:14 AM
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Beautiful bike! If I were you I would try to seek out a period-correct rear derailleur. Plenty of long cage options on eBay for under $50. I think that bike originally came with a Suntour Mountech which has a spotty reputation. Any Shimano Deore should work well.
11-16-19, 09:36 AM
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Thanks. The original rd seemed to be trouble. I think I will go with a deore rd. I just wasn't sure when they list it as 8 or 9 speed that it would work on a 7 speed
11-16-19, 09:52 AM
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I have to pay homage to this bike!
I owned a 1985 that I bought in Germany when I was there from 84-88 in the Canadian Army. It was the first good bike I ever bought and like a fool I loaned it to a friend who bent the frame. I suppose they have made better rigid frame mountain bikes since then but that bike of yours brings back some seriously great memories.
I owned a 1985 that I bought in Germany when I was there from 84-88 in the Canadian Army. It was the first good bike I ever bought and like a fool I loaned it to a friend who bent the frame. I suppose they have made better rigid frame mountain bikes since then but that bike of yours brings back some seriously great memories.
11-16-19, 10:13 AM
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As long as you're using a friction shifter you are golden. You'll just have to tweak the limits on the derailleur.
11-16-19, 01:26 PM
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I briefly had an 86 trail runner that I really like but let go during a economically tight period enjoy and as others have said friction doesn't care just set your limit screws and you should be golden. Lots of used Deore long cage RDs out there and they are pretty bullet proof.
11-16-19, 02:22 PM
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Congrats! They're great bikes with Miyata's top of the line triple butted tube set. I have an 83 and I got this one a couple months ago from Craigslist. I had a pang of guilt about being greedy, but it passed quickly. 
Mine has the stock Suntour/Diacompe/Sugino group and like yours, the Mountech rear derailleur had been replaced. I can say the Altus is a worthy replacement, if a little schlubby. It works great.
Enjoy your bike!
Mine has the stock Suntour/Diacompe/Sugino group and like yours, the Mountech rear derailleur had been replaced. I can say the Altus is a worthy replacement, if a little schlubby. It works great.
Enjoy your bike!
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11-16-19, 03:18 PM
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My 85 is an "SE" that came with Deer Head Shimano derailleurs. It is one of my favourite rides. The geometry really suits me well.
Last edited by John Nolan; 11-16-19 at 04:04 PM.
11-16-19, 07:22 PM
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A Suntour XC is what the doctor orders for that bike. Solid, good looking, highly functional.
11-16-19, 09:45 PM
#13
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Thanks I'll look into that Rd
11-16-19, 10:06 PM
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Beautiful bike - lugged MTB’s are just dead sexy.
Something all silver is what the doctor orders. I was just at the bike co-op today and saw at least three Suntour RD’s that would have worked well. If you have one, seek it out. You could also try your LBS and see what they have.
As mentioned above, any RD beyond 7s will work on your bike with friction shifters.
Cheers!
Something all silver is what the doctor orders. I was just at the bike co-op today and saw at least three Suntour RD’s that would have worked well. If you have one, seek it out. You could also try your LBS and see what they have.
As mentioned above, any RD beyond 7s will work on your bike with friction shifters.
Cheers!
