Addecal

Hey all- looking to get my first road bike with out breaking the bank. Been searching for the last few weeks here in Denver (hot market right now) and came across the Miyata 912 that looks like it's in good shape. From what I've read, seems like it was one of the better mass produce Japaense bikes at the time and higher on the Miyata tier. Wanted to get some opinions before pulling the trigger because I am planning in keeping said bike a little bit. Thanks in advance

Miyata nine twelve

cb400bill

Thread moved from C&V to the C&V Appraisals forum.

cb400bill

If it were close to me, you would never have had a shot at it.

Steve Whitlatch 

Looks to be in good shape. I have a 1981 912 that I love. If it fits, not a bad deal. You can always try to talk him down a bit.

79pmooney

If you like the ride and want a keeper, buy it. Miyata made a solid bike. I put 27,000 miles on a used 612 as a workhorse city/rain/winter fix gear. It survived several hard crashes. (I retired it after shortening the wheelbase 6" coming to a stop on an immovable object.) Outside of crashes, never had a frame related issue. (I replaced every part when I got it with the parts of my previous bike. Those bikes (city/rain/winter) lead hard lives once they join my fold.

Being a good quality Japanese bike, owning, maintaining and upgrading it is easy. Everything will be Japanese/English/metric, as standard as bicycles have ever been. Seatpost diameter is probably 26.8, not the European standard of 27.2 but there are a lot of 26.8 posts to choose from and 27.2 can always be taken down to 26.8. (Many MTB posts are 26.8. Lots of used ones out there.) $30 Tange headsets will serve this bike very well. BB is English 68, again as standard as they come.

That bike is well worth riding long enough that you start replacing old parts with nicer ones that suit you and your riding better. I wouldn't drop a grand for a "gruppo" for it but if you run across say a sweet set of handlebars and stem, grab them. Perhaps a seat. Later some nicer wheels. Presently this will be a fine ride that really didn't cost you much and is a true keeper. Say you get a really nice bike or two? Throw some fenders on this bike and you have a sweet winter and rain bike that is a joy to ride.

I hope you get it. Report back if you do.

Ben

JamesRL

In a hot market, that is a good price, in Toronto it would be $400 CDN or $300 US, and wouldn't last too long. I wouldn't hestitate.

Addecal

Thanks for all the info guys! Messaged the seller and keeping my fingers crossed. Feel like a kid on Christmas haha

T-Mar

+1, it's a great deal. However, there are some minor issues. The pedal is missing the dust cap. Half the bar tape is gone. The front quick release skwer has been screwed on rather than using the cam device. So, while clean looking, the owner is not knowledgeable and has not maintained the bicycle. Expect a lot of little issues and the need to perform a complete overhaul. BTW, it is the 1985 model.

AlexCyclistRoch

If it fits you.....

dailycommute

In a seller's market it is a good buy @ 200 even needing a likely overhaul. Looks like a 60cm so average rider size would be 6ft+ so make sure it fits. Once tuned up it should be an excellent fast rider.

Dfrost 

Use the "problems" that T-Mar identified as negotiation points, but none of them are even close to show stoppers.

I'm still riding and appreciating the '79 912 that I bought new, now on its third or fourth upgrade, having spread the rear (professionally) to 130mm. It's my designated fender bike, and a joy to ride. When I needed to thin my herd, the much newer and more expensive Rivendell Rambouillet was less fun to ride and consequently the one to go.

Addecal

Ended up talking him down to $180- frame and shifters in good shape, besides the obvious issues in the pictures will also need new rear brakes and a tube. Size felt perfect and man, this thing is fast. Will post some pictures once she's up and running 100%. Thanks for all the input guys, helped make a great decision!