Hello! A couple years ago I responded to a listing featuring an early 80's Pro-Miyata. I was pretty excited at first, but after seeing it in person that excitement faded, as it was horribly beat-up, and the previous owner had turned it into a fixed-gear. I think they had been a courier, and it appears they had haphazardly slung a lock on it, which swung around and absolutely obliterated the paint. Furthermore, I soon discovered that the seatpost was stuck very badly, and using a torch did succeed in freeing it, but further damaged the paint.
So anyway, I've acquired some parts over time and am trying to decide on which to choose when/if I finally repaint and rebuild it.
Option one is a Dura-Ace mishmash, featuring a 7sp rear derailleur, 9-speed bar-ends (apparently that will work for 8sp DA… not sure about 7sp?) Dura-Ace AX crankset with the unusual Dynadrive pedals (I have bought adapters.) There is also a Shimano 600 AX stem that was original to the bike, but its quite beat-up. This group is missing much, such as brakes and levers, other incidentals.
Option Two is 8-speed Shimano 600 Tricolor. Its in moderate condition, although the shifters are 8-speed Sora and a bit grungy, so if I go this route I think I could swap in brand new Claris shifters- I'm not sure what is opinion on the side-mounted downshift levers on these Sora shifters? This group has a matching wheelset, but the rear hub is in poor shape; the co-op may have a replacement. Would have to rebuild the rear wheel.
Option three is a practically mint condition 9-speed Ultegra groupset. I pulled this off of a totalled '99 Trek; everything is in great shape except for a damaged left shifter. Cassette not pictured.
I'm curious to hear all opinions- which group works best? Which looks best? Any other opinions or things to be wary of.
by gregn8r1