polymorphself 

Finally finished my MIyata, the second overhaul I've ever done. Did the usual tear down, BB/headset/hub overhaul, polish and wax. Caused me some headache but here it is. Will be replacing the Cane Creeks as they don't quite fit. The Kenda tires were in too good of shape to spend money replacing, but they'll eventually get replaced with Pasela's. Also going to shorten the brake cables just a tad. Considering a rack on the back but I'm not sure yet.

Had to source pedals (these are MKS AR-1, it would have come with AR-2, but the AR-1 were available locally and cheap) and a saddle. Rest is original minus consumables and brake pad holders. Should have gotten some photos of the Golden Arrow flair

desconhecido 

Cane Creek hoods. If you are unhappy with the Cane Creek fit, and I understand and agree that they don't fit real well, it is said that DiaCompe 204 hoods fit better. I haven't tried them yet. Available from Velo Orange and elswhere for about $12.

polymorphself 

Thanks! I think I saw you mention this in another post and was gonna give them a shot. Thank you!

desconhecido 

That's a nice looking bike. I never paid much attention to Miyatas before I came into ownership of one a couple months ago. Now, it seems, there are very well preserved examples showing up everywhere. How the finish and graphis on these bikes has held up is pretty impressive.

polymorphself 

Thanks! And it's true, they seemed to have a knack for the paint. From what I can tell, by the 80's Miyata was doing most things right, even on their low-mid range models and many people have a soft spot for them.

Just ordered those hoods, I'll report back once they've arrived.

Dfrost 

exmechanic89

Great looking bike. OP. Those are some of the best riding frames of their era, imo.

52telecaster

My 312 at work

2cam16

Nice job, OP!

52telecaster

Any of those old miyatas are great bikes. The 300 series ones are a real sweet spot I think. Your resto/recondition is really nice!

polymorphself 

Back to report. The 204 hoods do indeed fit better. They fit snugly against the bars. However, the levers still catch some lip when pulled, so I'll need to trim them. Overall a better solution though! The Dia Compes do leave more extra room at the top, not sure it matters though.

Comparison:

Aubergine 

HenryhHuber

Great resto Polymorphself! The color the bar/hood combo really fit with the frame color. Very mint.

You're a brave soul for using white bar tape

FrenchFit 

My 312 has undergone lots of variations, including a rear rack experiment, sometimes a threaded carbon fork.. I advise against the rack, the bike loses something in ride quality and handling with that weight over the back wheel. this year I clear shellaced the bar tape to keep it white, it's worked well.

The paint on yours looks very fresh, nice scheme..

I still use my 312 in group rides from time to time, it's a joy to ride and draws attention.

polymorphself 

Noted. Thank you! May have to try the shellac. Was considering just throwing some black tape over this white tape once it dirties up. It's cloth newbaums and could use another layer of thickness anyways.

Got any pics of yours?

FrenchFit 

Yeah, I need to get better with pictures. This is in the shade, ride ready, still a bit dirty from the last one.

polymorphself 

That's a pretty blue!

Chicago Al 

I don't know what it is about Miyatas, but I will agree with the OP and others' comments: in my experience a striking number of these bikes turn up in amazing condition for their age. Obviously, steel bikes are nearly bulletproof, but I think there's something else going on with Miyatas. They tend to be not just 'restorable' or 'rideable' but 'wait...how much has that been ridden?'

Maybe it's the paint. Maybe the steel or how it was handled, after all they did (uniquely) draw their own tubing. Maybe there are more than the usual number of 'garage queens' among the brand--the 1986 100 mixte I bought for my daughter in 2009 was like that. That was also my first vintage bike buy and as she still has it 9 years later it was obviously a great success. So maybe I am unreasonably attached to the brand. I have had several pass through my hands over the years, all very nice, and have two at home right now.

Though my #1 bike is my Motobecane GR, I think Miyata is really my favorite make.

Nice build, Polymorphself!

!

1986 Miyata 100 mixte, 'as found' in 2009. 'Garage queens' aren't that uncommon but geez!

FrenchFit 

Apache Blue. My 1400a was Peacock Blue. The Miyata clan had an excellent eye for paint.