m_drizzle

I'm looking around for a road bike to use for a 50km commute. Pretty flat ride, the whole way on highway pavement. I'm on a limited budget so I'm checking out some older bikes to see if any will work. Though I've found some available, I need help to know which ones would be worth investing the time and money in. I'm not brand new to bikes, but am far from considering myself all-knowledgeable on the subject.

I found this 1988 Miyata 512 for sale for $250 CAD. Any info on these bikes and their quality? I've asked the seller to send more pictures - specifically close ups of the derailleur and any stickers on the frame. When I receive them I'll post them up here if they would help.

Thanks

Germany_chris

It's in nice shape and people go gaga over 512's for some reason..

If it has the original bars and levers I'd get in the ~$200 neighborhood

oddjob2

+1 what Chris said, ask for the other bars and levers to be included. It's a nice quality frame.

m_drizzle

The seller got back to me and said the other bars and levers aren't available. I want to find out if the reason they were replaced was from accident damage or not, since I've heard enough to know that could significantly affect the structure of the frame too.

How much will the lack of original bars and levers affect the overall worth of this bike? If I were to purchase it would I want to replace the ones the on it now?

Thanks again.

FrenchFit 

Affect the worth? This not a high value bike in any configuration. You might like the way it's set up, I know hard core riders who like the flat bar configuration for commuting. But if you don't, you could end up buying a new quill, bars, brakes and shifters going back to drop bar. Not cheap and easy, even using eBay.

Germany_chris

If you want drop bars you're going to be another 100 in those if you buy new. The saddle on that bike looks pretty big and uncomfortable for the length of commute you looking to do..as it stands right now I would be any more than 150 because I'd into 300 to get it ready for me to ride, which buys in at 300 which is more then plenty for a mid level Myata.

oddjob2

Too much money to convert bars, saddle, and BMX pedals for a lower end Miyata IMHO. If the seller is a flipper, you might make the offer minus those parts @ $100.

savethewaves

I know this is an old thread but instead of making a new thread to ask my question I thought I'd tack it on here...

It looks like there are some wider tires in this 512, does anyone know how wide of a tire I might be able to fit on this bike? 28c? 32c? There is one for sale in my area that I am interested in.