tarwheel 

A few years ago i was looking for a used Miyata 1000 or equivalent for a commuter-touring bike. I was never able to find one in my size and good condition, for what I considered a fair price. I finally gave up and ordered a brand new Bob Jackson World Tour from England.

Creme Brulee

i think triple crosses are cool. those still go for cheapish

Velognome 

Who ever is selling the blinged out chrome 610 I posted about, must be reading this thread.....price jumped yesterday a $1,000! He's now looking for $2,999.99. We should lock this thread before all the Miyata's are priced above reason!

bikemig 

Not trying to be argumentative here but what you are willing to sell your Miyata for does not establish a "market" price. It's obviously worth whatever a buyer and seller agree on. These prices increasingly suggest that sellers are trying to get a price closer to what an art object or something rare is worth rather than what a practical everyday tool is worth. As a buyer I think of bikes as a practical everyday tool (albeit a beautiful one) so at these prices I'll happily pass (and I love Miyatas) and either buy a new touring bike or an alternative vintage bike that is not priced as an art object.

Gravity Aided

Might have to look at other sources, as well. Craigslist, garage sales, pawn shops- have not caught the fever yet. Got a very basic Miyata CityRunner commuter in excellent condition for about $100.00 the other day. Seen some 100 and 110 series go for 50.00 in garage sales (just too small for me)

Bruce Enns

I just clearly stated that I wouldn't sell my 1000 for 550.00. Never tried to establish a price. Go price a new lugged touring frame ........... wasn't making reference to "art work" although that would add to the current and future value of these bikes.

KonAaron Snake 

I have a Koga Miyata Traveler, which is similar but different, and I would never sell it for market value or anything approaching market value. I don't care what the bike's average worth is to others, it's worth a LOT to me, and I couldn't replace it easily for double its value. Like you said - to replace it, I'd have to spend a lot of money and I don't think my odds of finding one used are very good. I also have it perfectly dialed in to my preferences, which takes time and work. I wouldn't want to have to do that again.

bikemig 

I'm trying to make a little different point which is that you are not really a willing seller (and understandably so given that you have such a nice touring bike). The question is what is a substitute good and I think there are plenty out there. I understand you disagree but that's what I mean about a bike as an art object. Things that are rare are often valued differently than things that are common. I think the value that owners of old bikes put on their bikes says a lot about their (understandable) attachment to the bike and its comparative rarity.

KonAaron Snake 

bikemig - it's not easy finding a good substitute for a quality full tourer...and the differences between tourers is, IME, greater than the differences between road bikes. When you have found a touring bike that works for you, you don't sell it. My personal view is that $550 for a Miyata 1000 with racks is a steal for the buyer...and I don't think Surly LHTs are even approaching their quality. Miyata 1000s aren't truly that rare...they are production bikes...but it is a bit rare to find a nice one in decent condition that someone is willing to sell.

Most of the bikes we call rare here aren't really that rare. The flip side is that there are a growing number of us hunting the pool that exists.

CenturionIM

Nah, the thread won't jack the price up. Buyers with money will. That or the seller with keep his bike for eternity. Miyata 1000, as nice as it is, is not a collector's item IMHO.

Giacomo 1 

Beautiful bike, but $2,999.99 for a mass produced Japanese bike?

My thought is that this seller over-invested in this bike with quality parts and is now trying to recoup the cost. If he get's this price, not only will I be shocked, but we vintage riders are in real trouble!

12mphflatout

Last month, after deciding to get into cycling, I bought a 1990 Team Miyata on ebay. It has most of the original Dura Ace components, except that the rear quick release skewer has been replaced with an Ultegra, and the saddle is a falling-apart 1990s Liberator. The listing didn't mention a few of the bike's rust spots, and the chain was worn, as are the brake hoods. I paid $460 for it, and when I first got it, I thought, did I get ripped off? But after tuning it up, cleaning it, and putting on a new chain, I came to the personal conclusion that the more fun a bike is to ride, the higher its value for whoever is riding it. My new bike is light, super-fast, smooth and quiet, and I love it. I think it looks really cool on the road, too -- I caught a guy on a new Specialized giving my bike what I think was a look of envy. So in the end, I think I got a great deal. That said, that doesn't give the sellers on ebay and craigslist permission to over-value these bikes. When idiots and newbies like me stop paying out the ying-yang, the prices will hit a ceiling.

KonAaron Snake 

Uhhhh...$460 is not over paying for a Team Miyata in the condition you describe. I saw that ad and thought about it...fortunately it was sized wrong. For some reason Team Miyatas rarely come up on eBay at all...it's easier to get a De Rosa.

It's a used bike - you have to shrug stuff like a chain replacement off.

Bruce Enns

+1, every sentence is true and very well stated! I think I'll go break out the Miyata now and go for a spin.

Bruce Enns

Yes, you're right on target. There are many bikes out there that equal a Miyata 1000. Saguaro has a beautiful Nishiki Cresta, Univega's Gran Turismo, Specialized Expeditions, we could go on and on, there are many to chose from.

Bruce Enns

I don't think we really disagree other than I don't consider my Miyata an "art object". I do consider it a very nicely crafted and thought out touring bike made with high end components (of its time). Out on the road it performs admirably.

I do see the bike as a beautiful piece of workmanship and the Japanese people proved they could build bikes with the best of them .......... in my opinion anyway. I also don't think they are rare, although I bought mine several years back. Even back then, one had to be patient and be ready to jump at a moments notice.

clubman 

When we lose our pricing perspective, it's always good to look up an auction from our friends at Bbc Bikes

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/Marlboro-prom...item519d3a2253

Where's the BIN button on that Miyata!

Velognome 

Holy smokes!

3alarmer

..........when the pink Miyatas start showing up, maybe then. Everybody knows pink bikes are more valuable.

bennie222

I think my friend bought that Miyata from you.. all original? Still had Miyata brand tires on it and foam?

$800 seems like a lot for some of us who often find great bikes for $200, but compared to a modern touring bike, you can't really get something better for $800 to tour with. The technology hasn't exactly changed for touring bikes so I think the higher prices are mostly justified, IF it's the right bike. I bought my '81 Miyata 1000 barn fresh for $250 I think and dumped $400 into it fixing it up, later to decide it's not the right bike.., its too early, one water bottle cage, no mid fork mount for low riders... I'd rather have an '85 to '89. I might have been better off paying $650 for a later model, ready to ride...

just dank

i have a 63cm 1989 1100a im selling for $350 with 2 seat posts

T-Mar

What's not perception is that Miyata was the only manufacturer to commit the time, money and effort into constructing their own tubing mill and manufacturing their own tubing. They felt that the only way to fully realize the designers' concept was to be able to tailor the tubing. They were not willing to accept the compromise of a standard tubeset manufactured by someone else. While some may not consider this important, it's just one example of Miyata's level of committment to building their vision of the perfect bicycle. It certainly gave them a marketing edge over the competition.

Giacomo 1 

I believe Miyata manufactured artillery, mortar and tank gun tubes before they got into bicycle manufacturing, so the experience in tubing was definitely there.

Now, I do have a soft spot for a good, well built tank, but I like bikes alittle better!

Hey, is Miyata still building bikes these days?

RFC

+1. "You are correct, Sir!"

There are many truths, both analytical and emotional, being expressed in this remarkably civil thread.

(I was recently dinged for calling a troll a bad name)

I can only add my own experience. I have owned and ridden a number of other Japanese bikes (primarily Fuji, Bridgestone, and Centurion) and, generally, found the rides comparable to the USA and Italian bikes from the same era I have experienced.

The Miyatas were different. I owned a 1984 1000 and a 1986 Team, both in superb condition with original components. Perhaps because of the triple splined tubes, they are the stiffest C&V bikes I have ridden. Oh and blue paint was great, particularly the cobalt on the 1000. Unfortunately, both were too small and I sold them for an obscene amount of money.

tmh657

The used bike market in general must be soft right now. Maybe because college students are graduating and don't need a bike? I dunno. I have a 1989 914 with 105 7 speed indexed, ready to ride overhauled condition, no hits at all at $275.

I guess even though it's a nice STB tubed frame it's still a 7 speed down tube shifter bike as far as the masses see it. Probably sell for $250 after a while. The college students get graduation cash right