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From: diego@cca.UUCP (Diego Gonzalez)
Newsgroups: net.bicycle
Subject: Re: "STOCK" touring bikes
Message-ID: <6558@cca.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 6-Mar-86 11:50:53 EST
Article-I.D.: cca.6558
Posted: Thu Mar  6 11:50:53 1986
Date-Received: Sat, 15-Mar-86 20:51:11 EST
References: <552@mhuxr.UUCP>
Organization: Computer Corp. of America, Cambridge
Lines: 31

> . . .
> My question: after seeing on this net that many people spend MUCH more
> for a bike, how far off the mark would I be if I found a "stock" bike
> that fit me?  Also, of course any specific comments on those two
> manufacturers would be appreciated.
> 
> Happy rolling!    Stew Lindenberger     AT&T Bell Labs  Murray Hill NJ

I think it's a great idea to look at and purchase your first serious
bike "off the floor."  Not only are the two models that you are
considering from excellent makers (I rode a Miyata Sport) for more than
8 years), but you will also be knowledgeable when and if you decide to
go for a more exotic machine in the future.  My first 10-speed was a
Peugeot UO-8 in 1966.  I owned another one later, and then bought the
Miyata in 1974.  Between '74 and '82, I upgraded numerous items on that
bike including the seat, stem, cranks, brake pads and levers, derailleur
pulleys, and -- the biggest improvement -- a new set of narrow wheels
(yes, I learned about narrow-section high-pressure tires back in 1977
and put them on Mavic Mod Es that I built myself).  If the bike fits, is
acceptable in weight, and meets your present bicycling needs and
interests, you should be confident that it is an appropriate choice.

Once you have ridden it for a period of time, you may decide that your
interest is more serious than you initially thought and that you are
ready for a more sophisticated bike.  Modern frames generally accept
interchangeable parts, so you can upgrade for quite some time to come
without exceeding the potential of a well-made frame.  My suggestion is
that you go ahead with the bike purchase, make sure that the dealer fits
it properly to your body size, and get out on the road.  That's where
the fun is!  Good luck and good riding.