Border

Hi all,

Have an old Miata 610 touring bike I’d like to tour in again. What would you suggest I upgrade ( gears and brakes I’m thinking) and is there a bike shop in the Perimeter area of Atlanta you can recommend to get the work done.

thanks,
B.

AdventureManCO 

By Miata you probably are referring to 'Miyata'. Great bikes. We'd love to see pictures. If you go to your account and put some pictures of the bike in your profile photo album, someone else here can put them in the thread until you get 10 posts.

Would be great to know the bike's condition and level of use/cleanliness.

These were solid bikes that with the right touring gear (racks/panniers, etc) would do really well stock.

The things to always look at are the consummables - new chain, new brake cables and housing, and of course some new brake pads (usually suggestions always include some Coolstop wet/dry pads). Tires are going to be one of the most important items you can possibly look at and you'll get some good suggestions here. Don't skimp on quality tires, especially if you are touring and may be unsupported at times.

Also, if the bike hasn't been regularly maintained, the suggestion to service the wheel hubs, the headset, and bottom bracket is solid wisdom. Also, can you loosen the seatpost bolt and move the post, likewise with the stem? If so, you are already ahead of the game!

John Nolan 

Do you know what year it is? Is the the equipment all original?

Post a picture in your user gallery, and someone should be able to assist us to see it.

SurferRosa

Here in c&v, we generally don't "upgrade" as much as we overhaul.

JaccoW

I mean... speak for yourself. Most of my bikes only have the original frame. But I do take care to keep it in the same style.

For a Miyata tourer I would probably build a new 8-11 speed rear wheel and maybe a nice dynamo front wheel with modern LED lights. Depending on the room available maybe get some nice and supple 32-35mm tyres and make it into a randonneur.

eddy m

First of all, you should figure out what you actually have. IIRC the top line Miyata would have been an 810, and it would have had a nice double butted Tange or Ishiwata frame. A 610 would have had a heavier frame, possibly a good straight gage alloy steel frameset or maybe even a carbon steel frame. I wouldn't spend much to upgrade one of those.
Also, a 610 would have had a 5X2 drivetrain, which implies that it is at least 40 years old, so you should check for signs of rust before you do anything else.
If the wheels are still usable, you could set it up as a 2X6 with an Ultra 6 freewheel and friction shifters, or upgrade it to a single speed. If you want more gears than that you'll need a new hub, and the cost will escalate exponentially.
If it were mine, I'd grease the bearings, get new brake cables and chain, and ditch the derailers, but only if the frame were in excellent condition to start with.

em

eddy m

JaccoW What's going at the rear hub? is that some kind of cam to prevent the wheel from moving? What kind of hub is that?
em

mercator

I've got a 1985 Miyata 1000 that I have upgraded to 9 speed. It's a fantastic light touring machine.
Some details on the bike that might be useful:

• Shifting is 9 speed with dura-ace bar end shifters and a deore XT rear derailleur. I kept the original front derailleur and biopace crank.
• Tires are 30mm vittoria, but it could probably handle 35mm
• I intended to switch the cantilever brakes to V type but couldn't because the fork bosses are too close together. The cantis work fine.
  

Mr. 66

I think you have a good base, I would look for a co-op they can help you find stuff and give you guidance on the build.

'Im sure a local shop would help and do you just fine, but shop time and new parts can be a sticker shock for someone trying to put together a bike on a budget.

bikemig 

I suggested when you first posted this in a different forum to start a thread on C&V as you will get better help here on how to set your bike up at a reasonable cost. The Miyata 610 is a well known touring bike but pics would be really helpful (especially of the drive side showing the crank, derailleurs, etc.). As a newbie you can't post pics until you hit 10 posts but you can create an album on your profile and upload pics. Someone will then post the pics to this thread.

Bottom line is that the bike has great bones for a touring rig but will likely need some work.

JaccoW

This is my 1996 Koga-Miyata SilverAce commuter. It uses a 5-speed Sturmey Archer drum brake hub.

It's indeed a cam to prevent the wheel from sliding forward. Doesn't work all that great but it was a cool idea.

romperrr 

610's are great bikes in that they're well-built and nicely equipped. If you're seeking to tour and get this is going again, I'll echo other's remarks:

-overhaul all the bearings, hubs, bottom bracket, headset, and for extra points, the pedals
-replace all housing, cables, and brake pads
-if the chain is worn replace the chain and freewheel. This is a good time to reconsider your gearing although the 610 will probably already have wide gearing
-if the tires are old, and especially before you embark on a long tour, but not necessarily if you're just getting it ridable, replace the tires with the best tires your can comfortably afford
-grease stem and seat post
-true wheels if needed
-When you're ready to tour, consider racks and bags. This an iterative practice, don't go for broke before actually touring, ride your bike and figure out what makes sense for you
-double check any bolts or screws
-for additional bonus points, wash and wax the frame

610's are lovely bikes. Can't help with a bike shop as I'm not in that area.

Good luck!

Border

Thanks AdventureManCO I've added pictures of the bike to my album though I gather I can't post them here yet.

I have ridden the bike regularly since I got in !984 and maintained it pretty well with annual tuneup at REI every Spring The brake pads, tires and handlebar tape have been replace but everything else is the original. Want to go back to the white wall tiers I had originally rather than these clunky ones I've been riding in for several years.

I just bought a Brooks Cambium saddle I'll put on once I can get the old one off !*@#. Have a double kickstand and Foldylocks lock. Since being seen is paramount for bicycle safety have 360 coverage with a Light & Motion VIS 180 tail light and a Cygolite Metro Pro on the front (though I see my other light in the picture).

Border

John Nolan everything is original except for the tires, brake pads and soon the seat.

Border

eddy m this is a ChromeMoly frame and there is very little rust as I have kept good care of it.

cb400bill

Pic Assist - https://www.bikeforums.net/g/picture/30005114

John Nolan 

Yes, that looks like my 1986 610: same colour and all.

Mine is pretty stock. I swapped the downtube shifters for bar-ends, and added Raceface Ride pedals, fenders and 35mm Paselas.

curbtender

618 GT. Just need to figure out brakes...

AdventureManCO 

It's a good looking bike, and that's great that you've kept up on maintenance in any degree, as many 40-50yr old bikes haven't seen a lick of servicing in literally decades.

If you don't have a history on the last time the BB, headset, and wheel hubs have been serviced, that is a no-brainer. Also a new chain (and inspecting chainrings for wear) if you wanted a fresh start.

Are these 27" wheels, or 700c? If 27", the Panaracer Paselas are pretty highly regarded, but others may chime in with their experiences. In 700c, the tire world really opens up.

squirtdad

vinatage miyatas can upgrade very nicely

curbtender

A friend turned his 615 into an e-commuter. I'd maybe go bar-end shifters and 700's. Nice looking bike.

Border

I’ve replaced the pedals with clip ons. Moving the Shifters sounds like a good idea - where do the go?

Fenders are another feature I keep meaning to add every time I ride on wet roads.

See I need to take a picture in a more attractive setting than my garage door.

Border

The tires are 700 x38c. Would love to hear the options as these tires feel too wide and taking the wheel off through the brakes is not easy as it used to be with the originals.

The chain seem to be in good shape and I remember the brake cable was replace several years ago along with the brake pads.

John Nolan 

For bar-end shifters you put cable stops one the downtube shifter bosses.

I'm cheap, so I don't know if I would added bar-ends if I didn't already have them in my parts bin. There a bit pricey at full retail.

dedhed

https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...rage-door.html