My Vintage Touring Bike a 1987 Miyata 1000LT
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- Опубліковано 10 лют 2022
- I ride a 1987 Miyata 1000LT. In the mid '80's the Miyata 1000 was considered to be the finest "off the floor" touring of it's day. This old bike has been upgraded to match modern performance standards and maintain it's vintage charm. Come and take a look at my vintage touring bike, a Miyata 1000.
Links to some of my gear:
Arkel Panniers shrsl.com/3cpv0
Trek Bicycles www.avantlink.com/click.php?t...
Nashbar www.avantlink.com/click.php?t...
REI www.avantlink.com/click.php?t...
Showers Pass Rain Jacket www.avantlink.com/click.php?t...
Eastern Mountain Sports shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=122878...
CampingMaxx shrsl.com/3cpv8
Nutcase Helmets www.avantlink.com/click.php?t...
DJI Mini Mavic 2 Drone click.dji.com/AM-S2JEjSgJqaed...
DJI Pocket 2 Gimbal 4K Camera click.dji.com/ACnREPXCP7MUfwY...
Wald 1066 Handlebars amzn.to/3fLRHVH
RedShift Shock Absorbing Handlebar Stem amzn.to/3IBu3If
Cateye Velo 9 Bike Computer amzn.to/3AhqDag
Terry Liberator Y Men's Bike Saddle amzn.to/3FNp0Cq
High Visibility Vest amzn.to/3rFgIrw
Reflective Safety Triangle amzn.to/32kJN2M
MSR Pocket Rocket Ultralight Camp Stove amzn.to/3AdNB26
Sea to Summit Bowl amzn.to/3AhqDag
Canon M50 Mirrorless Camera amzn.to/3tIEIwy
GoPro Hero 8 Camera amzn.to/3rywX9x
Rode Video Mic Pro + amzn.to/3IohlMv
Neewer Compact Travel Tripod amzn.to/3qLalTW
When I was a kid, my gym teacher said, "Find an activity you can do until your old." Bike touring is definitely one of those things, and it looks like you've found ways to modify your bikes to allow you to do it until you're old too!
Totally agree! I used to do a lot of activities that I can no longer do. I'm already too old! LOL! But I hope to keep biking into my 70's. My Dad said, "if you want to keep moving then you have to keep moving". I plan to keep moving, hopefully until I drop. Thanks for watching!
When I was a kid, the PE teachers used the class simply to screen for team fodder in competitive sports venues. I did not "discover" serious bicycling until I was in my late 20's when I won my first "serious" bike (Schwinn Continental) as a door prize. That was a half century ago. Still touring. 🙂
My grandpa lived to be almost 100 and was healthy his whole life. I complained once about walking in the heat and he said the more you walk when you're young, the more you will walk when you're old. He was right and I never forgot his advice. I believe same goes for biking. I started out hiking and in the recent years I'm learning to appreciate longer bike rides.
Paul, so happy to see you roll out your collection of bikes. My wife thinks I'm crazy with only 3 + 1 spare.
I started back at biking after my triple bypass. The Drs said they wanted me riding a stationary bike for 1/2 hour every day. Before long, I was bored (like you) so I put a smart TV over the handle bars so I could feel like I was riding thru Paris with UA-cam. Then, I migrated to a nearby trail video. After a couple of days I realized it would be more fun to really ride so I go out my old bike and started real riding.
Great video, looking forward to more.
Thanks for watching. Real riding is always more fun than stationary. Good to be out riding in the fresh air. Stay moving! Thanks again.
“You should always have something to stop your bike. For that, I recommend brakes.” 😂 Sage wisdom!
If not breaks, something else will stop the bike. For sure. Thanks for watching. Stay safe and ride on!😎
Great to see you still ride an old Miyata touring bike! I had a Miyata 1000 touring bike, steel frame, hand built in Japan, bought in 1984. I think I paid $800 (Canadian). Put more than 125,000 km (78,000 miles) on it. After 30 years, the frame broke (rear drop outs). The old gal carried a load of weight over the years, and I thanked her, but had to say 'sayonara'.
That's what happened to my first Miyata 1000. I rode it until the rear dropout broke. I got it fixed. But I also bought another one just like on Ebay. That started my collection. The only problem with those old frames is that they don't take wider tires. Maybe one day I will get a new framed touring bike with wide tires and disc brakes. Thanks for watching!
a certified fabulous creation
Wow, thank you! I really appreciate it. Stay safe and ride on!!😎
I'm 65 and love my vintage bikes. My favorites are my 1988 Centurian (25mm tires) with Tange cro-moly and my 1984 Schwinn World Sport which was actually built by Giant Bicycles with 4130 cro-moly and updated with new components and all sealed bearings. It's a great ride.
Before the Mt bike craze of the 90's, there were some great road bikes. Now we call them "vintage". But so are we! Keep pedaling. 😎
I own one bike, a Dawes Super Galaxy touring bike. When I bought it in 1991, it was top of the line - hand built in the UK with Reynolds 531 steel tubing etc. Like yourself, over the years I've replaced many of the components. So far I don't see the need to own any other bike and at 60, I expect it will do me a life time. Keep on rolling.
Sounds great. I love the classic vintage bikes. Thanks again. I really appreciate it. Hope to see you down the trail. Stay safe and ride on!!
That Miyata is truly, certainly, without doubt a unique-one of a kind custom and obviously working design.
I started with an old frame and built it up with modern components, best of both worlds. Reliable because I built it myself. Thanks again for watching.
I have just found a Geoff Roberts 1987 steel ladies touring bike for my 9 year old daughter, she has been putting car polish on the frame. She appreciates that it’s hand made and great quality. Just shows that even in today’s world, kids don’t need to have everything brand new!
Many thanks great film.
Good idea. She'll just grow out of a new bike in a few years. Why buy new now. Wait until she's at full height and if still interested then go gonzo. Plenty of fine older machines out there. Thanks again!
Thank you for this video. You have a refreshing sense of humor and a nice video presentation with very good basic information everyone can use. In my case my bike setup was causing me great discomfort until after viewing your presentation. I realized it was the seat. So I added one and the pain is gone. 🙂
"I realized it was the seat. So I added one and the pain is gone." Are you saying you were riding without one? That would explain the discomfort.😁 A good seat can't be underestimated. Thanks for watching!
Those are some seriously nice bikes you have there. I was having a good time watching up until you had to mention Waterford bikes lol. I still miss my custom Waterford from 1990 ☹️. Best bike I've ever ridden. Love watching your videos, keep up the good work.
Thanks for watching. Sorry to hear about your Waterford. There must have been a good reason to let that one slip away. 😢 But I hope you are still riding something. Keep pedaling. Thanks again!
I’m loving all of your videos Paul! Hope you keep putting out more content.
That's the plan! Thanks for watching.
Your knowledge shows you've ridden more than just a few years. Your injuries show it also, but your adjustments, show your love of riding. I'm an old biker also, and, as my handlebars get higher, my seat gets softer. I ride on old Treks, and have modified them to my liking and comfort. Ride on.
Thanks. If you want to keep moving, then you gotta keep moving. Ride on!
Had a miyata 1000 and it was my second favorite bike right behind my 84 trek 720.
In those days, the Trek 720 was the only thing that came close. Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Stay safe and ride on!
Hey Paul I have the same bike. Love it a real work house. I’ve toured in the Yukon and Alaska. Northern British Columbia and I am planning on cycle this summer in the Eastern coast of Canada all on my Miyata 1000 👍
There's something to be said for old school and dependable. Hopefully in about 2 years I'm gonna ride to Alaska. On my Miyata 1000. Thanks for watching! Hope to see you down the road. 😎
I did my first trip on a 1983 Trek 850 (Trek's first mountain bike) that I bought new back then. I changed the tires, added racks, and a different seat post. I rode the Rockies on a Trek 520 and did the last few trips on a Surly LHT.
I found a 1983 Trek 620 (3 main tubes are Reynolds 531) two years ago that someone bought and left sitting. The chain and chain rings, brake shoes, toe clips and straps, etc. showed no wear. The gum rubber hoods rotted off, the tires were dry rotted, and the brake shoes were rock hard but that stuff is in the consumables category anyway. The cables were like new inside the sheathing... a full overhaul and replaced the consumables and it's like new except for one scratch in the Imron paint. I've used it as my "riding around" bike for the hilly areas.
The Trek 850 is mostly used as a rail trail and city bike (I'll never get rid of that bike!). The LHT... only use that for touring.
If I pull off another trip this year I'm not sure which bike I'll use. The 850 is very comfortable, the LHT is proven, but the 620 is nostalgic!
I got rid of the road race stuff years ago... Reynolds 531 frames, Campagnolo components, tubular tires... I prefer non-competitive riding for exercise, transportation, travel and adventure than the quest for speed.
Mt bikes make good touring bikes. Racing bikes, not so much. The LHT will take you around the world. Thanks again. Ride on!
Excellent…clearly explained and very precise!! Thanks Paul.
Thanks for watching. Glad you enjoyed it!
Love the setup!
Thanks for watching. I appreciate it!
Excellent advice and love your bike collection!
Thank you kindly! I really appreciate it. Stay safe and ride on!!
Another great video, amazing bicycle collection! I do understand your love for the Miyatas they where great bikes back in the day and it is really impressive that your's is still going strong after a few decades of heavy use, I really wish that bikes today would have this level of craftsmanship, quality and longevity.
Well said! You won't walk into any bike shop and find a Miyata 1000 for sale at any price. They just don't make 'em any more. Thannks again!
nice bike, thanks for the closer look
Any time! Thanks for watching.
Great video. Glad I found your channel as I get into touring as a long time hiker and backpacker. Currently searching for a good used bike and will add this to my list of potential fits.
Thanks for watching. There's lots of good options out there. Cycling is a great way to travel. Hope to see you down the road.
Fantastic combination of both knowledge and experience!
Video well worth listening to!
Thoroughly enjoyable!
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching. Ride on!!
Thanks for another adventure.
Thanks again!
Good video, thanks Paul. I'll be 64 next month and I have 6 bikes, 2 of which I can use for road touring or bikepacking (Specialized Stumpjumper M2 S-Works and Comp hardtails). And, I'm with you on the Terry Y Liberator saddles. One of mine is the gel model, but both are excellent. Cheers!
StumpJumpers make great touring bikes. I've tried a few different saddles, but now I have a Terry on all my bikes. Keep pedaling! Thanks for watching.
thank you for making all these no nonsense straight to the point bicycle videos, I am only 18 born in 2004. You've inspired me a lot to become a bicycle tourist. I was thinking to myself if this old man can cycle home from Colorado, or go from Ouray to Sacramento or around lake Michigan, then what's stopping me haha. I am building my own Miyata two ten from 1986 its the best bike I've ever rode and its exactly twice my age, You're totally right "they just don't make them like they used to" Here's to hundreds and thousands of miles on the road. Thank you for all the information and inspiration Paul!
-Mr. King Allen
Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Hope to see you down the trail. Stay safe and ride on!! Just watch the "old man" wise cracks, or I'll have to smack you with my walker!! LOL!!😎
Really great collection of bikes Paul. Bravo from Greece...
Thanks for watching! Greetings from the USA.
You rock man love your videos
Thanks for watching. Ride on!!
Fantastic videos. Thank You Paul.
Glad you like them! Thanks for watching.
best videos ever nd i find myself watching this man's videos so much for a person who doesn't even ride!
Thanks for sticking with me, TG. I'm on your side as well.😎
Woh... That's a nice collection. I'm liking your videos.
Glad you like them! Thanks for watching. 😎
Right on, that shot of all your bikes was rad !
Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Stay safe out there and ride on!!
Learning so much from your videos. Im planning my very first tour and wish to use my 6 speed Brompton. Maybe I am biting off more than I can chew. Keep the amazing content coming! And your dry humor is something else… “You should always have something to stop your bike. And for that, I recommend brakes.” 😂😂
Thanks for watching. Start off easy and increase as you get comfortable. Newtons laws of motion rule. Its all science. 😁
80’s Miyata’s we’re arguably the finest production steel bicycles ever made. Truly the zenith of the lugged, steel framed bicycle makers art. The subtle flex of the fork and bottom bracket area combined with the flex of the quill stem and handle bars are the secret sauce that produce the magic feel of these frames. The traditional main tube diameters also help smooth out the ride. Every time I ride any of my 80’s, Japanese, steel bikes I’m always reminded of this magic feel. My ‘modern’ tig welded, over sized tube steel bikes, not so much.
Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it! Sorry about the slow response. I like those old steel frames. They ride like Buttah! Confession... I've been riding a Surly Disc Trucker of late. 2 reasons. Fatter tires and disc brakes. Just trying it out. Video coming soon. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!
The fleet looks amazing!
Thanks! (n + 1)
And what a fleet it is
Great information Paul! Thanks for yet another awesome video. My buddy loves his Red Line stem as well. I'm still waiting for my FatBike to come to at least get out for a bit in the snow. Until then...walking and skiing are all I can do. Take care, hope to see you on the road one day! Alex 🚴🏽♂️
Around here it's too cold to ride, but not enough snow to XC ski. Great cross training. Thanks again. Hope to see you, Buddy. Ride on!
I have a 1982 MIYATA Aero Pro, now modified to my taste. Bullet proof, reliable, comfortable, handling is A1. .. we are buds. Owned it since new... Thousands of miles in California, Nevada, Utah, Oregon . 20mm tires, old fashioned toe clips, Highly modded, Suntour Superbe Bar Ends and Suntour Pro brakes, Suntpour Pro Drop outs, chrome Cinelli Crown forks...custom blue to silver fade paint, proper wide drop bars.
I will be 76 tomorrow (July 23) I have been riding since 1953. , still ride, have 7 bikes to include a 1983 SOMEC Rivendell Hunqapillar, Rivendell Cheviot, 1992 Giant Cadex III Mt Bike in mint condition though ridden constantly.
1994 TREK 940 Mtn Bike.
MIYATA were the best of the best in the late 70s though the 80s.. No compromise quality.
Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Sounds like a great bike. I do love my Miyata. Stay safe out there and ride on!!
@@paulsuchecki3985 Likewise !
Another very informative video that I am sure many bikers interested in trying bike touring will find useful. I really enjoyed the way you rolled out your fleet of bicycles. You are clearly a member in good standing of the N + 1 Brotherhood. I'm proud of you! Too bad you and I do not ride the same frame size or I could add to your collection!!
Thanks Bud. Glad you enjoyed it! Just bought another bike about 2 months ago. N+1 indeed. Take care of yourself. I hope we can ride again. Thanks again!!
whats n + 1 ?
@@freebird1ification
N is the number of bikes you already have, but you still want to have one more bike (N + 1). For example, you have 2 bikes in your house but you still add one more bike to have 3 (2 +1 =3). After having 3 bikes, you then want to add another bike to have 4 bikes (3 +1 =4). Then you'll want to add another bike, ..., and so on ... Until your house is full of bikes, or until your wife kicks you out of the house. :(
Great video, thanks for sharing all this knowledge and tips!
Hopefully planning to give touring a try on my 1999 Trek 820
Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Hope to see you down the trail. Stay safe and ride on! 😎
I've been looking for a Miyata 1000 in minty condition for years! Hard to find for sure! Excellent ride!
Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. They are hard to find. Stay safe and ride on!
I like how this guy talks... that's some sound advice... It's all the truth
As someone that is your age you are an inspiration to get me cycling past 30 miles, thank you!
Your Miyata, as currently spec'ed out/updated, nearly matches Fuji's 2022 touring model, with the Fuji having a 3 X 10 set up with Renyolds 520 tubing.
So, what was old is new again!
Thanks for watching! I really appreciate it. I love the old vintage bikes. But I also like modern components. Hope to see you down the road. Ride on!
Nice bike, like how you really adapted it to suit you!
Thanks for watching! I really appreciate it.Stay safe and comfortable out there.😎
Dude....I love them, there is no word too much or too little for your post, you are so right. I wish you many more nice kilometers. What could be better than old school....Greetings from Germany.
Thanks for watching. I appreciate it. Greetings from the USA. Ride on!
Paul, you're video's are the best. Interesting point in regards to the mountain bike. I bought a small mountain bike from a friend of mine, trek 8000 (or 800) for my wife, had it tuned up and changed the knobby tires to road tires and that bike feels great. I have a mountain and road bike myself but I would think you could build a decent touring bike from a mountain bike frame. Loved seeing all your bikes. They do look similar. I'm you age and mostly ride leisurely up on the north side of Chicago. If I ever do a tour you'll definitely be my inspiration. Can't ride my bike today, snowstorm. But I'll get back to it soon.
Thanks for watching. I grew up in the NW Suburbs so I know what Chicago winters are like. You might need those knobby tires in the snow. Stay safe. Ride on!
I think I really love your videos because you always have some blues in the background... I love the blues baby... Especially when riding
Thank you so much! It's like a music video set to bike touring. Stay safe and ride on!!
Wow, you have more bikes than a bike store! Great video.
I wish! Thanks for watching.
That Miyata is a nice ride! Total respect for their bikes from that era.
I love the butted steel Japanese frames from the mid-80s to early 90s. My favorite bike is a 56cm 1990 Alpine that I've had since new. I don't use it for touring, it's just for road rides - still has the 2x7 Ultegra drivetrain with downtube shifters that it came with. The double-butted Tange tubeset is the most comfortable road bike I've owned, with ideal geometry and dynamics.
I love the old steel frames bikes, too. My only compaint, they don't take wide tires. One of these days I might have to go with a 21st century bike. Thanks for watching. Ride on!
he said tripple butted frame i dont get it ?
My favourite bike was my old Apollo Gran Tour. I never toured with it but I used it for many years commuting to and from work for many miles five days a week. This video tempts me to get it back (I still know the guy who bought it from me) and ride it again. It would be a perfect touring bike.
I love the old vintage touring bikes. They ride great. I'm tempted to get a modern bike, though. Wide tires and disc brakes would be nice. Until then, I'll stick with my old Miyata 1000. Can't go wrong. Thanks for watching. Ride on!
Great video with a lot of good information on a setup for touring bikes. Thanks I own a Surly Disc Trucker and bought a Salsa Journeyman a couple years ago (eventually had to upgrade the wheelset). Both bikes work great for touring and everyday riding, done both on them. My buddy in Minnesota lends me his 1980s Centurion Bike when I visit in the summers (without my bike) and we do some touring. He put a tandem wheelset on the Centurion and it rides great.
Glad it was helpful! I hope my next bike is a Surly Disc Trucker. Might be time to modernize. Thanks for watching! I really appreciate it.
I've watched this vid more than once because it is so good. I still have my 1981 Univega Gran Turismo that I bought new. Rode it from Mexico to Canada... Rode it the other day, and it is still fun! Going to do some more tours on it now that I am retired. Yeehaw!
Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. That's the same frame as the Miyata 1000. They don't make 'em like that anymore. Stay safe and ride on!😎
I have seen a lot of Myata Touring and MTB, those are quite a heavy ride. My current touring rig is a 1990 Cannondale Touring bike (L.L.BEAN labled) deore XT group, Alsop suspension stem Deflector shield forward and rear fender blackburn racks. The forward Deflector I do need, as I wear glasses, without which spray is shot on my glasses. Same tire limitations! I build (laced) my wheels!
The touring bike is being revamped with touring bars, recycled MTB levers new shifters, and a Strumey Archer 3 internal gears (0.70, 1.0, 1.33) + 8 cassette (11-40) rear wheel also which I laced (still with the tripple in front). The gears will not be overkill as I am either climbing or decending, rarely are things flat, so I need the extremes. We have hills up to 20% which is even dangerous to walk the bike!
That bike was an upgrade in 1991 after a Maine Route 1 tour Lubec to Yarmouth then onto the Maine Bike Rally. The Cannondale bike I had was a 1987 ST400 with whimpy sidepull brakes, which with full paniers on a decent could not stop at a stop sign, that road had traffic it all missed me. That bike was replaced on the way home! The ST400 is still in use, but not for touring, it does triathlons!
On trails I tend to move to my 1992 aluminum Davinci Vandal hardtail MTB. With that I have a lite Burley Trailer.
Summer of 2020 I aquired a used aluminum ActionBent tadpole trike. It had been used by a lady who was in fear of everything, it had almost not been used. My dream is to get a higher grade trike, (like a HP, ICE or CATRIKE) but I got the Actionbent to test a trikes value, I am sold on them now! An electrafied trike, set to assist only, would be where I'd like to be on in about 7 years time. If I buy a new tour bike a disc trucker or maybe just a basic trucker (used) looks ideal.
With the price of oil gone nutz, this summer looks like a bike touring year!
Sounds like a great rig. Hope to see you down the road. Ride on!
Another enjoyable and educational video. Liking your down to earth and humorous style. Wish I had kept my old 90's Schwinn. After the Schwinn came the Trek 7200. Put a lot of miles on that bike. Still have it. It's my loaner bike if someone comes to visit and we decide to go ride. And I have toe clips on it. Love those things! Not all my visitors have. It's in great shape. Now I ride a Salsa Journeyman, drop bar version. I did put a different stem on it. Shortened it. Much better now. Did the OTET last year with the Salsa. It'll be my transport for the DC to Pittsburgh to Columbus, OH ride this year. Looking forward to that ride. Broke down and bought a fat bike late December last year. It's been my winter riding bike. Been a blast so far. And it's keeping me riding. I dislike trainers. I get bored on trainers real quick. Blah. Do you do any winter riding? Thanks again for the video. Looking forward to the next one. Stay safe! PS .... That's a lot of bikes! Awesome!
Thanks for watching. Glad you liked it! My bike collection started when my original Miyata developed a crack in the frame. So I bought another one on ebay. Then I bought another one. Before I knew it I had 4 or 5. Then I saw that I needed balance, so I bought a Trek, then a couple Surly's. Then I bought my wife a Surly. I don't ride indoors either, bores me quickly as well. I haven't rode at all this winter yet, but I need to start training for my next ride. Here in southern Illinois the winters are pretty mild and I train on a local rail trail. I don't mind cold and snowy, but I hate cold and rainy. Thanks again for watching. Ride on!!
Great video. I'm a seasoned cycle tourer, but I still found your video informative and entertaining. Makes me feel better that you like me perhaps don't have enough bikes. I have a few Surly bikes Troll, Disc Trucker, Straggler, Moonlander, a couple of MTBs, a couple of roads bikes, a few hybrid bikes and a Brompton. I love them all like they were my children.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching. I'm looking at getting a Disc Trucker one of these days. Ride on!!
Good review. Our touring has mostly been an a hand built Assenmacher tandem. Reynolds 531 double butted frame with a unique square bottom connecting tube (also Reynold 531). It was built in 1981 and is presently on its third set of wheels and third set of chain gear assembly. We have toured in multiple places in the US and Canada, Ireland, the Caribbean, the South Pacific and New Zeeland. Unfortunately, the wheels are 27 inch with 48 spokes - only one manufacturer left that our bike shop was able to find. Many tours - many stories.
Thanks. My dream is to bike tour in New Zealand. Stay safe and Ride on!
Some one asked what I wear for biking when it rains. "As little as possible." The more you wear the longer it takes to dry off. This is only possible in Florida.
Another friend thought I was "obsessed" with riding. What a great complement!
Great point! My friends are obsessed with sitting on their couches. Gotta keep moving!
If it was a motorcycle they would call your handlebars, "buck horn" handlebars. Awesome setup, Your videos keep getting better, quality content, cant wait to see where you ride to next. Ride safe, two wheels down.
Thanks for watching! The handlebars almost look like they belong on a little girl's bike. Only missing the pink streamers on the bar ends. LOL! Ride safe out there!
Great video! My favorite part is how you really broke down your gear ratios. You told us the number of teeth on your chain rings and on your casette. So many bikes have such huge chain rings.
Glad it was helpful! I'm not a racer so I have no use for the really big chainrings. Thanks for watching. Ride on!
Very helpful. I am a newbie. Glad i found your channel
Thanks. Glad it was helpful!
Another good video. You are lucky to have the 1000s.
Friction shifters and vintage steel for me. I ride a Raleigh Touring 18 I bought in 1983, a 1985 Schwinn Voyager SP and a chrome moly Fuji Suncrest mountain bike modified with an Alfine internal rear hub for rail trail touring. All of them have Sakai North Road Alloy bars so I can enjoy the scenery and Brooks B67 saddles cause that's what I like. I also modified a Trek FX3-Disk because it had good gear range, the frame fit me well, it had chain stays that were long enough and front fork bosses for racks. The Trek works OK except that it rides rough as a lumber wagon with the aluminum frame.
I love a vintage steel bike. I especially like the Miyata's. I remember the first time I rode a Trek 520. It felt like ride a wooden saw-horse. So I know what you mean about the lumber wagon. Thanks for watching. Ride on!
Loved this. Thanks for the laughs too. Friction shifters for me. They're much less fussy than index shifters. But not on the down tube like back in the day, we called those suicide shifters.
Thanks for watching, I really appreciate it. Love those old school vintage bikes. Stay safe and ride on!! Sorry for the slow response.
I thought I had too many bikes! Nice fleet!
Me too! There are worse habits. 😁
Awesome!
Thanks for watching!
That’s a well thought out setup. Nice bike.
I rode a Koga-Miyata for a while, with the 62cm bike frame, I found it really flexy around the bottom bracket. But it did ride nice. 👍🏽
Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Miyata frames have been known to get a little "noodly" under a load. Especially the taller ones. But they do ride nice. Ride on!
Paul, thanks for sharing this helpful video!
I still ride my 2011 Surly LHT, that has rim brakes, and toe clips. Like you, I had some shoulder & neck issues years back, as a result of my handlebars being in a low position. Since then, I've ridden in a more upright position. (In fact, when I got my Surly, I insisted that the bike shop I bought it from NOT cut the front fork to the standard size. It's much more comfortable riding in an upright position).
I use the stock drop handlebars that came with my Surly, but have looked at some of the Jones Brothers bars, that seem more upright. I will say your handlebar setup looks comfortable, and makes sense.
I mentioned that I still use toe clips. I've been chided by some that I'd be better off being clipped into my pedal. I've never been comfortable with that thought. And, I'm not a racer. After over 30 years of biking, I seem to do well with toe clips. Could I change to clipless pedals? I suppose I could, if I bought an indoor trainer. But I don't see a need to.
As for shifters on the downtube, I had those on my first real bike, a Schwinn LeTour I bought in 1989. I never had a problem, but I almost lost my balance once when trying to shift on a ride. I really like bar-end shifters -- simple, and easy to reach.
Aga Paul, thank you! I'm a Warm Showers host, and if you're ever touring through Western Iowa and need to place to stay let me know!
Thanks for watching! I really appreciate it. Sounds great. I agree, on my next bike I'm going to leave the steering tube long and use some upright handle bars just for comfort. I've got MTB shifters on my HB's. I still use my toe clips. Don't care for clipless pedals. I'm a dinosaur. Thanks for the invite. I rode through Red Oak once. I'd like to do RAGBRAI one day. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!
I've still got my Miyata 1000 too, and it's an '84 (I'm even older than you)! It's carried me for thousands of wonderful miles...
You forgot to mention what makes the miyata 1000 such a comfortable touring bike to this very day; the angle of the tubes and their flex that are the hallmarks of a well designed touring frame. Unlike the stiff tubes and more upright angles of a racing frame, a Miyata 1000 (or any great touring bike frame) has angles that are more spread out giving you a more elongated wheel base, and the tubes are designed to flex a lot more than a racing bike's frame. That's 100% for comforts sake. That longer wheel base spreads out bumps in the road a lot better, giving you a much smoother ride, and the greater flex in the tubes absorbs a lot of road shock and handles the extra weight of your gear a lot better. You sacrifice some efficiency in the transfer of your peddle stroke power to your forward motion because some of the power you put into the peddles gets absorbed by that flex in the frame, something a racer can't afford. They need every ounce of the power they put into their peddles translating directly into forward motion, regardless of the beating their body takes because of the more unforgiving ride of their stiff frames. But when you're carrying a load and riding for long days for weeks or even months at a time, you'll be soooo grateful for the more comfortable easeful ride a touring frame will give you in comparison. That bit of lost efficiency is worth the price in exchange for the comfort and kindness to your body all day long, day after day after day.
I still have all the original vintage parts that came on my Miyata 1000 (though some have had to be replaced due to wear of course), and tires are sooo much better and more durable than they used to be. The only changes I've even considered making is getting disc breaks and a dropped front rack (they didn't have those back in the early '80's). In the end, I've stuck with the original parts, but I've lightened my load so much from those early days I rarely even tour with front panniers anymore.
On that first (6 month long) tour I think I was carrying 87 lbs(!) because I was carrying ALL the bike mechanic tools (even a small crescent wrench, flat wrenches and a pin spanner!), extra spokes, a spare chain, a backpacking stove that weighed close to 4 lbs with a metal fuel tank filed with Coleman fuel that weighed another two, a tent that was almost 6 lbs, a sleeping bag that was 5 lbs, etc, etc. It was INSANE! Now my kit weighs about 25 lbs in total. My tent weighs 1.5 lbs (and I could fit my bike inside with me if I had to), 10 degree sleeping bag is under 2 lbs, my stove is a cat food can that's less than an ounce and my fuel bottle is a plastic squeeze bottle with denatured alcohol weighing about 5 oz, etc. There are so many bike shops on the road now that I carry only the tools I need to change/fix tires/tubes and a spoke wrench, and only a couple extra tubes, a patch kit and one tire. It helps that I can afford to pay a bike mechanic to fix my bike now too! : - D Instead of water bottles combining to weigh a half pound, I carry water bladders that carry 3L yet weigh less than an ounce...great for all water I need to drink and a real shower at the end of the day, etc. It's a new world.
Anyway, I think the Miyata 1000 is hands down one of the best designed most comfortable touring bikes ever made, certainly the best one you could buy off the shelf. I absolutely love my bike! It's been so cool finding you and your channel. It's been quite a long time since I've gone touring and you've inspired me to get back out there and get back to it. Thank you.
I agree. I've always loved my Miyata 1000. I just wish it took wider tires. But back then everyone was into skinny tires. Nobody had fat tires. Thanks for watching. Ride on!
Thank you so much for your interesting video. I drive a Herkules Grand Tour from the 1990th I guess, Its a very good bike an the best thing is: that bike wil nobody steal.
Sometimes the best bike is the one you have underneath you. The teenagers around here say, "ride it like it's stolen". I guess it means fast and reckless. 😁
Just back from a 4 day ride, had some bad neck pain on the last big day. I think you've made my mind up about some riser bars, I'll need to get some ordered.
When I was having bad neck and shoulder pain I went to see my Chiropractor. He's a sports and nutrition guy and helped set me on a better path. Keeping the head above the shoulders instead of out front (like a bowling ball at the end of a diving board) takes a lot of strain off of my neck muscles. Also, having less weight on my hands means my arms don't absorb as much road vibration, which is transferred directly to my shoulders and upper spine. Thousands of miles of small and large bumps over 40 years adds up on these old bones. Plus, being upright I can see better. The downside, it's less efficient. Also, it puts more weight on your seat, and now your seat absorbs all of the bumps. I had to tilt the nose of my seat up a little or my lower spine would hurt. I hope your neck pain goes away soon. Keep on riding!
"But if not brakes, I'm sure something will stop it." That cracked me up! Thanks for the wit!
It's true. But brakes are better! Thanks for watching. Stay safe.
Hello Paul, you are my perfect inspiration! Someone who love biking, but not a cyclist athlete, who strives for time performance, but rather someone who enjoys the journeys at the proper 20km/h pace, on this marvel creation of humankind called bike.
I’ll be 63 in June, used to ride bike a lot in my hometown, at São José do Rio Preto, always had bikes and, on the last couple of years, restarted to make more frequent use. First, riding a couple of miles to the sports club, in Campinas, where I leave now, then making 5 to 10 km on flat gravel tracks, and increasing, up to 100km... to 120km (that’s my record so far - LOL), but with dream of long rides (not making my old body suffer, as the contemporary philosopher Paul Suchecki says…). Those dream rides include Mosel Valley, in Germany, around 270km, crossing Austria alongside the Danube, 300km, and making the Rhine from start to finish, around 1300km…
Again, you are a true inspiring person!
Now, GO RIDE YOUR BIKE!
Thank you again, my friend. I really appreciate it. Stay safe and ride on!! 😎
That bike showin your age old man..lol..cant believe your still pedaling..your a beast..talk to u soon
It's not the years, it's he miles that count. 😎 Yeah Buddy!!
Love it, excellent video! N+1 is your number of bikes. I have a Co-Motion Norwester Tour from 2009 which suits me since I'm 68.
Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it! I probably need to thin out the herd a little bit. Hope to see you dow the road. Ride on!!
I've been riding to work, to the grocery store and touring using my one and only bike, the past 54 years. I have never had more than one bike at time, and it has to do it all. As we age there is always the old me and the new me. Instead of getting a new bike I adapt my bike to fit the needs of the new me. A bike does not need to cost a banker's fortune. I watched a young man on UA-cam talking about getting into biking. He thought a $5,000 bike is a great place to start. That is just crazy talk. Yesterday I was picking some parts at the bike shop and there was a woman who was getting her new bike set up. She said this bike was for touring on pavement. Her other bike was for touring on gravel. When I'm out touring, I expect that I will be on paved highways and byways, dirt, gravel and trails to get to my destination. Biking is my tool of choice for traveling. It has the patina to prove it. Lots of scrapes and a mixture of old and new equipment. 45-year-old paneers, 30 year old Brooks saddle, 3 year old padded camera bag turned handlebar bag and spiked flat peddles. Yesterday I bought a new water bottle cage that holds a one-liter Nalgene water bottle. Today I was out in the shed reconfiguring how to maximize carrying capacity on the bike. I personally don't need a three-car garage full of bike, just one that you can use a whole bunch of ways.
Thanks for watching. I think it's safe to say that everyone has their own way of bike touring. I like to keep things simple, especially if your biking in a remote area. If things breakdown, you may need to become resourceful. That's when simplicity pays off, I think. In my opinion, $5000 for a bike is not where I would start, unless I was rich. Then it wouldn't matter. For me, I know I could find a good touring bike for much, much less. More like under $2000, or less. That's where I would start. I really appreciate it. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!😎
I bought a Miyata 1000 in 1985. Was my dream bike with bar end shifters. Had it till a few years ago. After being diagnosed with a severe lung disease a number of years ago I was holding on to the bike with hopes of riding again but it was not to be. IT HURT selling it! It was a great bike and held up amazingly well. Never had to do anything major to it, some regular maintenance and it was happy. Was worth the money I pad for it and I even got what I paid for it when I sold it. Now I ride an electric bike for the occasional ride but sure miss the 1000!
Hurts me to hear about it. Glad you can still get out. Ride on!
I bought a 1986 1000 new. I is a truly lovely touring bike. I rebuilt the wheels three times. One of the bike mechanics who rebuilt my wheels was gobsmacked by the hubs. I sold the bike for nothing when you consider it came with tools, Park-City stand, car rack, 18 tires and some old panniers. It was due for a groupo upgrade (bar-end shifters and maybe finally replace the rear hub to carry a cassette). I found a fellow who would truly appreciate that bike so he got a fantastic deal for $100. In an VMA, I got a head injury that profoundly effected my balance, so I now tour on a tadpole trike (a ICE Sprint RS or a Azub Ti-Fly 20).
On my 1000 I used the original drops with aero-bars with flip up arm rests (the buyer did not get those) and Black Burn Low-Riders on the front. That bike was $1300 (without the aero-bars) in the early spring of 1987 which was very expensive but it was a gift to myself for quitting smoking, so, in reality, it really cost me nothing.
A couple of years back I stumbled across a near mint Nishiki touring bike at auction. I was really tempted to bid on it just because it reminded me so much of my Miyata 1000. When I saw one of your other videos I recognised your Miyata right off.
Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. I love my Miyata 1000. It rides like butter. Nothing else like it on the road. And they don't make 'em any more. Stay safe and ride on!!
I found a 1990 Miyata Cross Ride in 2011 and made it my touring bike. A sweet CroMo frame with wide stays and fork. I have run 38 to 45mm x 700 tires. Put 30,000 miles on it over 8 years. Gears were 8 sp 11-34 with 54 - 40 - 26 crankset up front. I built the rear wheel with a 36 hole rim on an XT hub. Most of my rides were loops from my home in Central Va and back. You have reviewed many of the trails and routes, like the C&O, GAP, Greenbriar River and the Blue ridge Parkway. But never my favorite, which is the heart of Virginia, Southside, from the James River to Bugs island, a thousand miles of very low traffic roads with beautiful rolling country side. My daily rides there are 30-60 miles where I can do a different ride every day. I have done dozens of multi-day/multi-state tours, rides up to 800 miles on that bike. One was an 8 day loop that took me from The High Bridge trail near Farmville, Va, West to Pamplin City, North thru Appomattox Forest, zigged over to Cumberland Forest and zagged back West to cross the James into Nelson County at Howardsville. Then up Crabtree Falls Rd to the Parkway, Southwest to Peaks of Otter and off on Peaks Rd to Bedford, South and East to Patrick Henry's Red Hill, Staunton River Battlefield SP and down to Buggs Island. Then took the American Tobacco trail to Lawrenceville before turning North, going East of Fort Pickett thru Mannville to Amelia WMA and back Home on the US 1 bike route. Fully self-contained, camping in wildlife management areas (Horsepen lake, Dick Cross and Amelia). Spent a night on the AT at 56 near the swinging bridge and one near Panther Falls Rd. Rented a private cabin for one night near Red Hill with a real bed and a shower. One night was under a pavilion behind a church somewhere near Alberta and one was a stealth camp in Cumberland State Park. An amazing ride and never left Virginia.
Sorry for the slow response. I've also been out bike touring. Sounds like a great ride. Thanks for watching. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!
Hello Paul: I like your videos, the Koga-Miyata and the upright postion.
I'm cycling everyday, everyday use, 10'000 to 20'000 miles a year. Steel frames only. For years I ride a GT Cirque. Rims: Alexrims, Ryde ZAC19, Rodi Vuelta Tempest, Spokes 2.0 mm Nirosta from different brands, of course also from DT SWISS. I have never had and issue with rims and spokes, but the SHIMANO freewheels usally break after 8'000 miles. I can choose hubs SHIMANO Altus Level or higher - always the same, the freewheels break. DT SWISS are supposed to be the best hubs/freewheels that are not extremely expensive. If SHIMANO could make better freewheels, these hubs would be the best in the world, because inexpensive and good.
Tires: CONTINENTAL Contact Travel Plus or SCHWALBE Marathon Tour Plus last the longest in my case.
Cranks: I swear on SHIMANO Alivio or Acera squared. Chainwheels: Steel only. Gearing: 44/32/22 to 11-46 teeth, 3 x 8 Speed. Very good for climbing, good on flat ground. Bottom bracket SHIMANO BB-UN26. Derailleur (rear) SHIMANO Altus Shadow. V-Brakes: SHIMANO Alivio. Brake pads: BARADINE Tricolor are great. The best chain: KMC 6- to 8-speed, grey. Shifters: SHIMANO Altus. Brake Levers: SHIMANO Basic.
With $ 250,- a year for spare parts I ride as much and as far as I can and time allows. Cycling is cheap and efficient to get around and do miles.
Sounds awesome. Thanks!
I have a Schwinn Passage 1988 I think . It's upgraded and was lucky to find it almost unused. I also recently bought a Schwinn Voyageur 1980s also. . Looking forward to touring. PS , these bikes take wider tires and mounts for fenders.
Sounds great! Thanks for watching. Ride on.
A pale yellow Miyata 710. Her name was Buttercup. 54cm, Suntour shift, Gran Compe braking. Original Kashimax Miyata saddle. Wolber rims on Campagnolo record hubs. Pretty much untouched. I found pearl white vintage bar ribbon for it too. Wow I miss her.
Sounds like a great ride. Long live Buttercup!!
Great video, every newbie needs to see this. Sell some bikes to them too. LOL.
Too bad about your shoulder. My sister's BF broke his collar bone, it never got back in one piece.
Only thing you don't have are IGH bikes, the only thing I have now, 3 steel bikes that are basically roadster heavyweights. Last year I did 3 centuries on my old CCM with a new SA XRD3. Goes easier, if not faster, than any bike I've had. Sure as hell is 100% reliable, unlike any derailleur I've ever had. Rohloff14 is far superior for touring, IMO.
Thanks again. No broken bones for me, I separated my AC (shoulder) joint about 5 years ago. No pain any more, but still fouled up. As long as I can still ride I'll be alright. I'll have to look into that Rohloff. I've heard good things. Ride on!
I love my Terry Liberator Y saddle, been using them for 15+ years
I also love my Terry Liberator. I have one on every bike I ride. Don't know what I'd do without it. Thanks for watching!
Great bike
Thanks for watching.
Nice bikes. I used to have a lot of bikes when I was younger but, I ended up selling them. They just collected dust. I'm old now and only need one bike for touring and that's my 2000 Raleigh M45. It's American made with thousands of miles on it. It's never let me down.
Thanks for watching. I was thinking about thinning the herd. Make some room. Maybe just focus on fewer and better. Ride on!
Glad to see your bike collection. I feel more justified having my 3 1/2. I’m not doing to racing and definitely prefer the steel!
Thanks for watching! I really appreciate it. I prefer the old steel bikes, myself. Ride on!
👍👁❤☝️thanks for all that years of experience info, enjoyed the tour.
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks again!
Love me a Miyata I do. 1 of 3 of my daily riders is a Miyata. It was a 310, about 1984 ish. Beautifully equipped bike when I bought it for $13 at thrift store. Gave it to a good friend. After a while he wanted a 1 spd like I had, so I did a conversion. I don't just cut off derailer hanger and use forward facing horizontal drop outs. No, I fit rear axle in small triangle where stays meet. It's too much to go into now. Just let me say it's a pain in the butt to do, but once you figure out your magic gear with an already stretched chain, it's rad. I came to this modification to prevent rear axle shifting on hard take offs in tall gear. Anyway, my buddy happily rode his 1spd until it was stolen. 2-3 months later I saw the bike being walked down sidewalk by one other than it's owner. I jumped outta my car and retrieved it. But once home the assessment was sad. Our back powder coat had been disrespected with spray paint and abuse. By this time I'd built him a replacement and kept the Miyata for myself. I've now turned it into basically a 1speed freewheel time trial bike. What I'm saying is this, and all the other Miyata road bikes I've had have been memorable. And, worthy of the same praise as thier "exotic" Italian counterparts.
I am also a member of the Miyata fan club. Their high end bikes were 2nd to none. Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Stay safe out there and ride on!!
Here-Here on the fenders issue. I tried them once. Havent used them since. Horrible trying to fix flames and always rubbing. Nice seeing the Miyata 1000 again. I wanted it in '86 but couldn't afford the extra money. I bought the red 610. Before then, it was 10-12 speeds for touring. Sure glade I got the touring bike. Been great ever since.
I never liked fenders. They seem to just get in the way, and in a rain storm, you still get soaked.
@paulsuchecki3985 Yep! Taking a flat rear wheel off is a whole lot easier without fenders. And replacing it. // I never used kickstands in my cycling before three of four years ago but I've converted most of my bikes over to them. I've got better pictures 📸 with them and they are convenient. I like the the twin stand ones too. Much easier to fix flats.
I totally concur
Thanks!
Nice video!
Thanks for watching!
I like the old school, as a matter of fact approach.
Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it!
Thanks for all the great content Paul, enjoyable as always.
I know nothing about bikes and don't even own one but I love the slow pace of your content and watching the scenery roll by. Given my lack of knowledge in bikes I was wondering, what are your thoughts on front and rear shock absorbers? You mentioned your handlebar setup is designed to absorb some of the shock, so I wonder why you might not have taken this a step further?
Glad you like them! Thanks for watching. Some mountain bikes come with a front shock. Makes it more comfortable, but very heavy. Never tried it on a road bike. My bike has a shock absorbing handle bar stem. I've seen shock absorbing seat posts, but never tried one. Sounds comfy.
New sub. Good touring content without BS. (UA-cam is STUFFED with mountain bikes, spandex, etc.) A steel touring bike rides like a Lincoln limousine. Nicer steel ride means more EFFICIENT ride. Aluminum is light but hard and a frame fracture ruins the frame.
Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. I've only ever owned steel bikes. Aluminum and carbon fiber bikes are more for the jet-set crowd. Hope to see you down the trail. Stay safe and ride on!!
Nice stable of bikes.
Thanks! 😎
Thanks for this video! I guess my first multi day rune on the Erie Canal Trail will have to be on my aluminum frame road bike with a rear rack and panniers. Because it’s what I’ve got. I’ll put new tires on it like you said. I might go with 32 on the rear and 30 on the front. I’ve got cable activated hydraulic brakes. Should be good to go. Thanks again
Thanks again, Eric. I really appreciate it. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!
I like how you prefer your tricked out old Miyata for touring even more than your Surly Troll. 🙂 ...and how you actually get out and ride!
The Miyata is like an old Cadillac. Can't beat it for long distance road touring. The Troll is the bicycle equivalent of a Jeep. I love the Troll for off road stuff, it goes anywhere. But I can see how it could make a really cool touring bike. Thanks for watching!
Paul I got the real goofed set up. Top stem holds jones h bars bottom stem holds my bike packing roll and then I have a 3 rd stem mounted to the cross bar on the jones h bars to attach my ortlieb handle bar bag to
I'd like to see a picture of that one.
Nice tunes🆒
Thanks. I like 'em too.
A big thumb UP ❤❤❤
Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it! Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!😎
My first touring bike was a 10 speed John Deere with steel rims. Had no stopping power when wet so I had to walk down hills when raining. Then I got a slightly better Raleigh for a few years till I could afford a Fuji with a cromoly frame. I bought used with too big a frame so sold it after a year. Fell in love with Miyata 1000 but it was out of my reach financially. Years went on till I bought a 91 Bianchi cyclocross with butted frame and space for larger touring tires 700x38. Still riding it today but not much original other than frame-brakes and H bar as well as front derailleur. Looking at replacing h bar with other drop type that rise up from the stem. Lower back getting rusty but can’t quit now.
Thanks again. Ride on!
I have an '84 univega specialissima , frame by miyata, it's a great bike
🤠
Yep, same frame. Nice bike. Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. (Sorry for the slow response).