 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bicycle After Restoration |
I have had this 1988 Miyata 312 around the shop since mid summer and I figured now is the time to get to work on it, it deserves to be restored and out on the roads. I gentleman came to me and asked if I anted to by the Miyata 312 that he had converted to an up-write city bicycle for his wife, he said his wife did not like the feel and the Miyata just did not feel right as an up-write bicycle. It makes sense that the Miyata 312 did not feel right because it is really made for speed and a tucked riding position. It has very little clearance for wider tires which is very important for a comfortable city style bicycle. Also the saddle was not wide enough for an up-write position, as a rider sits taller the angle of the body against the saddle changes and a wider saddle is needed. One last thing that makes it a little harder to be comfortable in an up-write position is the shift levers being down tube mounted. With city handlebars and a tall position it is a long reach down to shift gears.
I thought for a while if there was a way to solve the problems of the city bike riding position and in the end decided the only way to go was to put the Miyata 312 back to the fast, efficient bicycle it was meant to be. A bicycle that would be a fantastic triathlon bike for someone who is just starting out. Miyata marketed the 312 as a Triathlon bike and actually has a triathlon decal on the chain stay. The Miyata 312 would also make a great steel framed road bike, so much better then today's entry level $2000 aluminum frame bikes.
The Miyata 312 has a wonderful Chromoly Triple Butted frame. Index 12 speed shifting, index on the front also which is a nice feature. Very nice 700c alloy wheels. And what I think is a very cool color scheme.
The Miyata 312 will receive a total restoration along with all new cables and cable housings, new brake pads, all new bearings, new handlebars converted back to the drop position, new brake areo brake levers, new saddle and new tire tubes. The tires I think I am going to keep as they are practicaly new and still seem to have most of the mold marks.
Miyata made just wonderful bicycles and are very near to the top of my favorite as past readers already know. They built fantastic frames that where well thought out. Miyata really thought through how a bicycle should be set up and perform. I can't wait to see the Miyata 312 complete. I think I am going to incorporate a little orange with that paint scheme.
Somehow I lost the photo of the Miyata before from the side.
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bicycle Before |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bicycle Before Handlebars |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bicycle Before Handlebars |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bicycle Before Head Tube |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bicycle Before Front Brake |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bicycle Before Front Wheel Hub |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bicycle Before Front Wheel Rim |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bicycle Before Stem |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bicycle Before Headset |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bicycle Before Fork Crown |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bicycle Before Front Wheel Hub |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bicycle Before Top Tube |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bicycle Before Shift Levers |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bicycle Before Down Tube |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bicycle Before Seat Lug |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bicycle Before Triple Butted Decal |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bicycle Before Bottom Bracket |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bicycle Before Crank |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bicycle Before Front Derailleur |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bicycle Before MKS Pedals |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bicycle Before Rear Brake Caliper |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bicycle Before Triathlon Decal |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bicycle Before Rear Derailleur |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bicycle Before Rear Wheel Hub |
I stripped the frame of the components. I found the frame to be in very good condition just dirty and dull with two very small chips. I love the white head tube and the shape of the lugs.
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Frame Before |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Frame Before Head Tube |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Frame Before Head Tube |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Frame Before Head Tube |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Frame Before Top Tube |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Frame Before Shift Bosses |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Frame Before Down Tube |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Frame Before Down Tube |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Frame Before Seat Lug |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Frame Before Seat Tube |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Frame Before Bottom Bracket |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Frame Before Bottom Bracket |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Frame Before Bottom Bracket |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Frame Before Seat Lug |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Frame Before Seat Stays |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Frame Before Triathlon Decal |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Frame Before Drop Outs |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Frame Before |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Frame Before Fork |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Frame Before Fork Crown |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Frame Before Fork Crown |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Frame Before Fork Blade |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Frame Before Fork Blade |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Frame Before Fork Drop Outs |
I gave the frame a deep cleaning and then started working through the polishing grits. The frame polished beautifully! It is quite a stunning frame! I love it.
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Frame Polished |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Frame Polished Head Tube |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Frame Polished Head Tube |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Frame Polished Head Tube |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Frame Polished Down Tube |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Frame Polished Seat Lug |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Frame Polished Bottom Bracket |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Frame Polished Bottom Bracket |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Frame Polished Bottom Bracket |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Frame Polished Chain Stays |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Frame Polished Drop Outs |
The fork turned out better then it looks in the after polishing photos. I later removed the decals that where badly damaged and with the touch up paint the fork looks great.
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Frame Polished Fork Crown |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Frame Polished Fork Blades |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Frame Polished Fork Drop Outs |
I like the headset, it has a nice shape and is well built, I also like that it has the plastic seals. The bottom bracket is also very nice and both show little ware. I cleaned all the pieces in the crock pot and then polished the chrome pieces on the polishing wheels. I replaced the bearings and packed the bearings in the new grease I am trying. Both the headset and bottom bracket spin fantastic and look great. I am already thinking if this Miyata was a 63 cm I would be keeping it!
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Headset & Bottom Bracket Before |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Headset & Bottom Bracket Polished |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Pressing Headset Cups |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration Headset Cups Pressed |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bearings Packed Trying a new grease. |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Headset Complete |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Headset Complete Awesome!! |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bottom Bracket Complete |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bottom Bracket Complete |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration Headset - Complete |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Headset & Bottom Bracket Complete |
I love the stem, it has the very cool Miyata medallion in the front. I cleaned the stem and worked through the polishing grits. The stem polished beautifully! I am very happy with the stem.
I have had these handlebars in the shop for a very long time. I have no idea where they came from but I think they are perfect for the Miyata 312. They are alloy, Italian and a more modern wider dimension. The handlebars also have a modern ergonomic shape.
Installed the stem and handlebars look fantastic and will be a great shape and position for the Miyata 312. Have I mentioned I love this stuff??
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Stem - Before |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Stem - Before Miyata Medallion |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Stem - Exploded |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Stem - Polished |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - New Handlebars |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Stem & Handlebars Installed |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Stem & Handlebars - Installed |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Stem & Handlebars Installed |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Stem & Handlebars - Installed |
The crank is a Shimano Bio-pace crank. I like the Bio-pace cranks, I rode one for years and I found it to be nice. I broke down the crank and polished the crank arms and small pieces. The crank turned out very nice and looks great installed against the polished paint scheme.
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Crank - Before |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Crank - Exploded |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Crank - Polished |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Crank - Complete |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Crank Installed |
I like the SR fluted seat post a lot. The Schwinn saddle is not going to be used on the Miyata. I cleaned the seat post and pieces and then worked through the polishing wheels. The seat post polished beautifully and looks great installed. I am really starting to be jealous of the Miyata.
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Seat Post - Before |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Seat Post - Exploded |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Seat Post - Polished |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Seat Post Installed |
I broke the calipers down and cleaned all the pieces. i then worked through the alloy polishing wheels. The brake calipers polished so very nice and installed they are quite stunning. I think I said this before but I love this stuff!!
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Calipers - Before |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Calipers - Exploded |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Calipers - Polished No matter what I do I can't get this photo to flip. |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Brake Calipers - Complete |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Front Brake Caliper Installed |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Rear Brake Caliper Installed |
I like the derailleurs a lot. They are Shimano Light Action, an early index shifting drive train. It is a very smooth shifting drive train. I broke the derailleurs down, flushed all the pivot points and worked through the polishing wheels. I lubricated all the proper areas and assembled the derailleurs. Some how I forgot to take photos of the derailleurs installed.
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Derailleurs - Before |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Front Derailleur - Before |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Front Derailleur - Before |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Front Derailleur - Exploded |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Front Derailleur - Polished |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Rear Derailleur - Before |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Rear Derailleur - Exploded |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Rear Derailleur - Before |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Rear Derailleur Polished |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Derailleurs - Complete |
The shift levers are very nice Shimano Index shifters. Whats nice is even the front shift lever is indexed, something that is not common. I cleaned and polished the shift levers and lubricated all the proper areas. The shift levers look amazing polished and installed and function very smooth and easy.
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Shift Levers - Before |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Shift Levers - Before |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Shift Levers - Polished |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Shift Levers - Complete |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bicycle So Far |
The wheels are very nice wheels. The wheels hubs are nice and the wheels are surprisingly light. The wheels are dirty, the grease is old and the bearings will be replaced but over all very nice wheels.
I broke the wheel hubs down and cleaned all the pieces. I then worked through polishing the wheel hubs and rims. The wheels polished beautifully! I installed new bearings and the new grease I am trying. I cleaned the tires and installed new tire tubes. The tires are in very nice condition. I am very happy with the results of the wheels.
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration Rear Wheel - Before |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Rear Wheel Hub - Before |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Rear Wheel Hub - Before |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Rear Wheel Rim - Before |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Rear Wheel Hub - Old Grease |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Rear Wheel Hub - Polished |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Rear Wheel Hub Bearings Packed |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration Axle Pieces Ready |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Front Wheel Before |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Front Wheel Hub Before |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Front Wheel Rim Before |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Front Wheel Hub Old Grease |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Front Wheel Hub Polished |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Front Wheel Bearings Packed |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Wheels - Complete |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - New Tektro Brake Levers |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - New Tektro Brake Levers Installed |
I decided to install orange cable housings. I think the light blueish green, white head tube and orange cable housings is as cool as it gets. Just enough orange to accent everything well but not to much to over power. Wired the Miyata tuned perfectly and looks amazing!
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - New Cables & Cable Housings |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bicycle Wired |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bicycle Wired |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bicycle Wired |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bicycle Wired |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bicycle Wired |
The Miayat has some very nice MKS pedals, they are a little rough but should restore beautifully. I cleaned and flushed the pedals and polished the pedals. The pedals turned out very nice and spin extremely tight and smooth. Perfect pedals for the Miyata.
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Pedals - Before |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Pedals - Polished |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Pedals - Installed |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Pedals - Installed |
I chose the Deda synthetic leather with gel handlebar tape. I really like this handlebar tape and I think the style is perfect for the Miyata 312. I chose a Vader saddle in black. It is a descent good value saddle that will fit the style of riding well for the Miyata 312. Most people have a favorite saddle that works for them so I don't like to put a new $80 saddle that may sit on a shelf in a garage for years. Unless the bicycle requires a nice leather saddle.
Installed the handlebar tape and saddle look fantastic!
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - New Saddle & Handlebar Tape |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bicycle Complete |
That completes the Miyata 312. I really really like this bicycle, I so wish it was in 63 cm size. It is that time of year here where the light is poor, gets dark at 4:00 and is raining and gloomy before we get the predicted 8-12 inches of snow tomorrow and Saturday. A depressing time of year for me. I think if the final photos where outside in the sun the Miyata would shine like a diamond.
I test road the Miyata 312 between rain drops. The Miyata is one fast, smooth and tight riding bicycle. It has just a long enough wheel base that it is not a twitchy ride at all but a nimble smooth ride.
The looks of the Miyata 312 might be even better then the ride. I love the color scheme and the Miyata looks like it is going 35 mph sitting still. I love it! Oh, and the graphic designer in me loves the decals, especially the Triathlon decal on the chain stay.
I think the Miyata would make a fantastic road bike or Triathlon bike for someone just starting out. It is so much better then today's entry level aluminum road bikes that run $2000+. I think it would also be a great bicycle for a women. The size and dimensions would work well for a women starting in Triathlons or just road biking.
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bicycle Complete |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bicycle Complete |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bicycle Complete Handlebars |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bicycle Complete Stem & Handlebars |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bicycle Complete Head Tube |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bicycle Complete Front Brake Caliper |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bicycle Complete Front Wheel Hub |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bicycle Complete Front Wheel Rim |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bicycle Complete Stem |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bicycle Complete Head Tube |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bicycle Complete Shift Levers |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bicycle Complete Front Half |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bicycle Complete Top Tube |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bicycle Complete Down Tube |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bicycle Complete Saddle |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bicycle Complete Bottom Bracket |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bicycle Complete Crank |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bicycle Complete Front Derailleur |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bicycle Complete Seat Lug & Orange Cable |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bicycle Complete Rear Brake Caliper |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bicycle Complete Triathlon Decal |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bicycle Complete Rear Derailleur |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bicycle Complete Rear Wheel Hub |
 |
| 1988 Miyata 312 Restoration - Bicycle Complete |
Thank You for the interest.
John Z.
Dude. This is amazing. You did a wonderful job on the restoration AND on documenting it here with your comments and pictures. Congratulations.
ReplyDeleteNice job John. What polishes do you use for the different parts? Do you use a different polish on the aluminum parts than you use on the chrome parts? And, do
ReplyDeleteyou use a small brush to touch up the bare metal areas with clear coat? Thanks, Jim
Hi John, is this still available? I'm very interested although I don't see the size? Looks to be 56-57cm? I really love the color scheme and the orange is just icing. Looking for something for a 5'9" lady.
ReplyDeleteYou have a good point here!I totally agree with what you have said!!Thanks for sharing your views...hope more people will read this article!!! best spin bike seats
ReplyDeleteI picked up one of these a couple of years ago and agree with your comments on how it rides. I love what you did with the 312!
ReplyDeleteMy friend gave me a "Three-Twelve" last year that looks just like the one you restored. Last week I finally got around to cleaning and greasing it. What a surprise when I rode it the first! It sure does ride well. Thank you for all the time and effort you put into documenting your restoration work!
ReplyDelete