elbertus

I just picked up for just over $100 (had to throw in an old unoperational lawnmower in the deal) a Miyata 610. rode it around, felt ok, now am realizing that at 19.5 inches the frame is probably too small for me but i really like the bike and want to see if i can "make" it work.

So i am thinking about getting a longer stem so to move the handlebars out a little further. Question is, should I stick with old school stem or get a threadless stem adapter (VO and others sell these) to be able to use threadless components. For looks the old-style stem would probably be better but if I go threadless I have more options with angle and length so I may have more flexibility.

Is this worth it all or should I just think about selling the bike and getting one that fits me better?

due ruote 

Hard to answer without more specifics.

cyclotoine

just how tall are you?

elbertus

i am about 5'-10. i have relatively short legs and long torso. so i did the stand over test and things seem good (bar is right at my crotch) but when i am on the bike just seems cramped, handlebars too close.

jacksbike

Have you considered a Nitto Technomic stem ? These are very tall, vertically, and come in various extensions, I think out to about 150mm. You could also go with your idea of the threadless adaptor and then get an appropriate stem. Besides that, and kicking the seat back, there is not much more you can do to make it fit you. For your height, the frame size sounds too small.

due ruote 

I agree it's going to be tough to make that fit. The problem with a taller stem is that because of the head tube angle, as you raise the stem you're effectively shortening the top tube length. So if you want to both raise and lengthen you'll need a really long reach.

Especially if you're considering distance riding, I think you'll be happier with something larger. Just barely being able to straddle the top tube is good enough imho.

TTNYNY

My sense is that it's too small for you. And I'm not sure that a replacement stem or seat post would make it work.

I am 5 ft. 7 in. (on a day with low atmosheric pressure) and ride 50 cm /19.5 in. Miyata frames (Mid-to-late 80s 312 and 912). I can ride a 52 cm / 21 in. Miyata frame, but the smaller frame is a better fit.

Indeed, yours would fit me well ... ;-)

thenomad

Go with a quill if you want to keep it looking vintage. You spent so little on the bike that you can get a good stem that is longer. What's on it now?

jtgotsjets

Almost certainly too small. If it's one of the more desirable 610s, you might be in luck, as you should be able to resell it for $200 profit or so. Use that money to get a touring bike in your size.

cyclotoine

hands down too small.

illwafer

ebay it for like $600.

5cagm

+1 Miyatas are receiving ridiculous prices on ebay

curbtender

https://www.rivbike.com/products/show...irtdrop/16-100

EjustE

There are some advantages of running sports touring frames a couple sizes too small: they are more responsive and they are lighter. My sweet spot is around 55-57 cm depending on the bike (that's around 21-22 inches). I can ride a 23 inch bike depending on the bike, but I do rather ride a too 'small' bike with the appropriate TT size.

This is what my 19.5 inch Trek looks like:



Pretty much identical TT size to most of my bikes and I did not need any specialty parts to make it happen (that's an 130mm stem and an extra long seat post).

illwafer

most 610s are full on touring rigs. only the earlier models (before 83) don't have canti's. we don't know what year the OP has, so I'm assuming it is post 1982. these fetch a very high price.

elbertus

thanks for all the info. i have ordered a nitto stem that is 120 mm long. will try that out, if it doesnt work will put the bike up for sale to hopefully make a few $bucks off so I can get a bike that really fits. Best I can tell it is a 1981 or earlier model based on the catalog pictures - shifter is stem shifter not downtube.

EjustE's post gives me hope that the bike will work out for me!

illwafer

ah, my bad. your 610 isn't quite as nice as the later models, but it should still be a nice bike.