1984 Miyata Terra Runner – ATB Cruiser
I bought this last summer, but after I acquiring a bunch of parts recently, I finally decided it was time to overhaul it.
Wheels & Tires
– Front: trued rim and regreased axle
– Rear: after issues with truing, I discovered the axle was bent. Time for a QR conversion! I got a Wheels MFG axle and it trued well enough for someone with mild OCD.
– Tires: I wanted to keep the widths close to stock 1.75”, but there are few options I liked that weren’t MTB or urban commuters, so I found the Kenda K847 Kross Plusses for $48 shipped with tubes and rim strips. They seem good after my shakedown ride. I didn’t get off-road much, but they’re very fast rolling on pavement
Cockpit
– Shifters: reversed and flipped them upside down ala Grant Peterson. It’s not perfect due to their long throw, but I like better than the original way.
– Handlebars: Uno mini bar ends as a “hoods” position. I prefer drop bars for longer rides to give different hand positions. The slingshot stem is beautiful, but limits bar options. I’m curious about the Wald 828s or Sunlite D-cruisers, but figured I’d try the stock ones again with the bar ends first.
– Some sort of cool, comfy, Brooks grips
– VO Model 5 Sprung Touring saddle: no idea if it’s comparable to the Brooks variant, but it looks great, is heavy on a bike that isn’t light, and the old one was worn out.
– Zefal HPX
There are a couple of things I didn’t service, but I’ll get to it another time. For now, it’s one of my favorite rides and has made me a Miyata evangelist. Let me know what you think!
by gladhandbart