eBay and Craigslist finds

Both nice, but which one to choose:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/koga-miyata-racing-bike-/280942491339?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item41697a36cb#ht_500wt_1290

http://www.lfgss.com/thread90773.html#post3076696

I'd go for the top, but that's because I'm lazy and it has brifters rather than downtube shifters, which can be a ballache on larger bikes. Also, it's obviously unlikely to stay such a bargain, but you never know...

But the bottom one has got a better groupset, and I assume that frame should be rather good too, correct me if I'm wrong.

keep it forum!

The groupset is from a higher range but older, depends on your definition of 'better'.

Also the Ebay one doesn't list the tubing, but from the second picture it looks like it's Reynolds 653, which isn't too shabby either.

I think the tubing on the newer Koga is Tange. And the older Koga is infinitely more beautiful/special.

So, what have we learned?

It's a matter of taste, do what you feel!

(although the newer one is a nicer colour...)

How do you know which one is newer?

The one on Ebay has a much newer groupset, but also the decals and paint job suggest (to my untrained non-RetroBike eye) the forum one is mid/late 1980s and the Ebay one 1990s or later.

Thanks for your help, I might go for a ebay one ;) Last thing is the frame, what makes you think it's Reynolds 653? I guess good frame makes a difference, I own a Specialized Langster now but would love to try a nice steel bike for a resaonable price ;)

Campagnolo Ergos > D/T shifters. You can argue about the rest of the groupset, but 8-speed Campagnolo is relatively easy to repair.

Also, yeah, it's a forum listing, but it's just another bike (re)seller who happens to post on the forum.

Yeah they're both decent bikes. Yes it's all taste, and I have a taste for the older kit.

The forum bike has a Dura Ace 7100 groupset, which was introduced in 1977. See here:
http://www.disraeligears.co.uk/Site/Shimano_Dura-Ace_derailleur_%287100%29.html

The eBay one is indeed probably mid 1990s, which is when 8 speed campy brifters were in abundance.

Last thing is the frame, what makes you think it's Reynolds 653?

It was the sticker on the seat tube that made me think it could be, it looked like one of these:

But as Ndeipi pointed out, it could also be Tange, as it looks similar to the tubing sticker on the 'forum' bike.

Good couple of bikes to chose from though.

I got taught the correct pronunciation of Koga by a couple of Dutch guys last night. Apparently it's Ko[phlegm]a.

Thanks for your help guys, will try to get the ebay one first, will see how it goes ;)

Another mega bargain Seta, again in my size. Hand hovering, must... not...

A 58cm Surly Pacer (frame and forks) sitting on £12 with just 1 bid, and 1 day 23hrs left. Snipe!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/300766438040?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_500wt_1204

Very tempted, but I think I want a Crosscheck.


'I have relisted this bike after having 29 watchers and no bids. If you do not intend to buy please do not add it to your watch list. Thank You'

This has been relisted again, but this time at a higher price.

I asked the vendor why and he said it was as a result of time wasters.

He must just attract them...

My neck of the woods is that...

Odd that Ciocc, finished at £365 then seller relisted, then ended again.

Another mega bargain Seta, again in my size. Hand hovering, must... not...

total bargs.

Nice little titanium frame (59cm) if you can handle the hassle of US-UK customs

i dont need that, why would you show me something like that when i dont need it. i want so much but i dont need it

Pretty sure Nizhny Novgorod isn't in the US. How are Russian-UK customs?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_trksid=p4340.l2557&autorefresh=true&item=230838135271&nma=true&rt=nc&si=eMi%252BI%252FyuJfPtDGBZBX4KUfcD92U%253D&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc#ht_500wt_1199

whoever just won this, I hate you.

I was on the phone to my missus and missed it.

totally hating on her as well.