ride quality comparison - 1985 fuji team vs 1989 miyata 1400
07-30-21, 01:22 AM
#1
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ride quality comparison - 1985 fuji team vs 1989 miyata 1400
Hi all!
I'm new to the vintage bike world and riding in general - all pointers and learning opportunities are welcome here!
I have the choice between buying two beautiful vintage bikes, a 1985 team fuji and a 1989 miyata 1400, I'm having a hard time deciding between the two. Both bikes are a considerable distance from me, in an ideal situation I would ride both one after the other but that isn't a possibility. Catalogs linked below for reference
classicfuji.posthaven.com/1985-fuji-catalog-no-15-edition
ragandbone.ca/PDFs/Miyata%20Catalogue%20PDFs/Miyata%20Catalogue%2089.pdf
One differentiation between them I can see in terms of riding quality is that the Fuji has 73 degree head tube - 73 degree seat tube, while the 56cm Miyata 1400 has 72 degree head tube - 74 degree seat tube.
I'm not familiar with how angles would affect the comfort of a ride, would a slacker (smaller) angle be more comfortable?
Theoretically which one would be more appropriate for my intended use? - continuous mountain highway climbs (~40km) and 120km hilly rides
In terms of components and quality of steel they seem comparable to me, both being upper tier mid range steel frames.
Thanks!
I'm new to the vintage bike world and riding in general - all pointers and learning opportunities are welcome here!
I have the choice between buying two beautiful vintage bikes, a 1985 team fuji and a 1989 miyata 1400, I'm having a hard time deciding between the two. Both bikes are a considerable distance from me, in an ideal situation I would ride both one after the other but that isn't a possibility. Catalogs linked below for reference
classicfuji.posthaven.com/1985-fuji-catalog-no-15-edition
ragandbone.ca/PDFs/Miyata%20Catalogue%20PDFs/Miyata%20Catalogue%2089.pdf
One differentiation between them I can see in terms of riding quality is that the Fuji has 73 degree head tube - 73 degree seat tube, while the 56cm Miyata 1400 has 72 degree head tube - 74 degree seat tube.
I'm not familiar with how angles would affect the comfort of a ride, would a slacker (smaller) angle be more comfortable?
Theoretically which one would be more appropriate for my intended use? - continuous mountain highway climbs (~40km) and 120km hilly rides
In terms of components and quality of steel they seem comparable to me, both being upper tier mid range steel frames.
Thanks!
Last edited by vintageaddict; 07-30-21 at 01:29 AM.
07-30-21, 02:01 AM
#2
señor miembro
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I love miyatas, but I'm not a fan of through top tube cable routing. I'd have to see the bike. I'd probably keep looking, especially if both bikes were a "considerable distance from me."
07-30-21, 04:05 AM
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The 1400 looks to have pretty steep gearing for mountain climbs, but then I'm 68 years old.
07-30-21, 07:11 AM
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Having owned a 1985 Team Fuji I feel that it may be getting overlooked here. These wonderful bikes were set up with a great riding Quad butted chromoly main frame and Suntour Superbe components. Advertised weight of 22.5 lbs is good for the era. The only thing holding it back today for many is the stock 52-42 chainring and 13-24 freewheel.
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07-30-21, 07:28 AM
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Having owned a 1985 Team Fuji I feel that it may be getting overlooked here. These wonderful bikes were set up with a great riding Quad butted chromoly main frame and Suntour Superbe components. Advertised weight of 22.5 lbs is good for the era. The only thing holding it back today for many is the stock 52-42 chainring and 13-24 freewheel.
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Steel is real...and comfy.
Steel is real...and comfy.
07-30-21, 07:50 AM
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Now he was a big guy (not fat but strong) and hard on bikes and parts. Still, a frame should not be a consumable.
07-30-21, 02:16 PM
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@vintageaddict,
You might want to re-check that catalog info for the Team Fuji. When I look at the ‘85 catalog, I see 74° head tube and 75° seat tube angles for that model. The steep ST on either model means it will be more difficult to get the seat aft, which could be important if you’re going to do lots of seated climbing. I agree with the concerns about internal cable routing on all the better Miyata models in ‘89.
You say that you’re “new to the vintage bike world and riding in general”. Good bike fit is the most important aspect to enjoyable cycling. Do you know what size frames, in both height (seat tube length) and length (top tube length) fit you well? FWIW, overall body height is rarely a good predictor of “best” frame size, since leg-to-torso proportions can vary significantly.
You might want to re-check that catalog info for the Team Fuji. When I look at the ‘85 catalog, I see 74° head tube and 75° seat tube angles for that model. The steep ST on either model means it will be more difficult to get the seat aft, which could be important if you’re going to do lots of seated climbing. I agree with the concerns about internal cable routing on all the better Miyata models in ‘89.
You say that you’re “new to the vintage bike world and riding in general”. Good bike fit is the most important aspect to enjoyable cycling. Do you know what size frames, in both height (seat tube length) and length (top tube length) fit you well? FWIW, overall body height is rarely a good predictor of “best” frame size, since leg-to-torso proportions can vary significantly.
07-30-21, 02:34 PM
#10
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The cable through the top tube on the miyata 1400 is problematic. My 1400 top tube finally rotted out. but i loved the bike and so I had S&S coupler surgery performed. Sure, it wasn't worth the expense but you just can't ditch an old friend because they get sick. And now it can go with me where ever I go.
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07-30-21, 02:57 PM
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Not sure about the 85 Team Fuji but my 84 barely takes a 25mm tire. So close that if its wet grit will grind on the bottom of the front fork
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07-30-21, 05:32 PM
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I had an 89 1400 that I bought new and took good care of.....loved that bike. It like, many of them, developed the crack at the internal cable routing, so I would really get pics of those areas first before traveling
couple of thoughts checkout the the C&V for sale section.....IME quality, well described goods at better then craigslist prices.
give us an idea of where you are located, what size bike you are looking for (or your height to get in the ball park)
couple of thoughts checkout the the C&V for sale section.....IME quality, well described goods at better then craigslist prices.
give us an idea of where you are located, what size bike you are looking for (or your height to get in the ball park)
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Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
07-30-21, 05:33 PM
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The cable through the top tube on the miyata 1400 is problematic. My 1400 top tube finally rotted out. but i loved the bike and so I had S&S coupler surgery performed. Sure, it wasn't worth the expense but you just can't ditch an old friend because they get sick. And now it can go with me where ever I go.
well done
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Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
