Conference noted::bicycle

< Note 1200.0 by STAR::MCCARTHY >
                               -< MIYATA DEALER >-

>    	I'm looking for a Miyata Triple Cross for my wife, unfortunatly
>    the only Miyata dealer that I know of is Sunshine Sports in Nashua

Try Belmont Wheelworks in Belmont, Ma. 617 489-3577.  They have a good 
selection of hybrid bikes, including one based on the Specialized Sirrus, 
which I bet is an outstanding bike (my fiance has a Sirrus).  I believe they 
carry Miyata.

Kevin

    Also try Tri-Level Sports in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.  I haven't
    been there for slightly more than a year but, at that time, they
    carried Miyatas.  I believe Tri-Level Sports is now located on Albany
    Street, off Islington Street.  I don't know the phone number.

	You might want to read an article in the July Cyclist.  They
	basically say that hybrid bikes are a lousy compromise.  I'm
	not sure I believe their arguments, though, as they seem to
	look at them as a serious rider would.  I think most buyers
	of hybrids are more casual riders.  Interesting reading.

	chris

    
    
    re to .3
    
    I can understand their argument about a lousy compromise but I think
    you hit the nail on the head saying MOST riders that buy hybrids are
    casual. My wife is as casual as you can get and unfortunatly we live
    in a very hilly area so she will not ride. The Miyata has 18 speeds,
    very comfortable riding position, light weight and durable a perfect
    package for the casual rider. Hopefully riding a "nice" bike will get
    her interest and she will want to upgrade and ride more and more. Maybe
    someday she will want a Marinoni like mine!!!
    
    By the way Belmont Wheel Works carries them and I will be going down
    shortly.
    
    Joe

I read the same article about the hybrid bikes too.  It seemed as though
they are answering a need for 18 speed road bikes.  Several years ago I bought
a TREK 720 new.  It was a 15 speed "touring" bike.  It's great!  absolutely the
best bike for touring around new england roads.  I've seen a few show up in the
want advertiser now and again.  If you could find one there, and add a 6 or
7 speed freewheel and you'd have a really nice 18/21 speed touring/road bike.  
Unfortunately, all of the 720's I've seen in the W.A. were selling at premium 
prices $600+  (but if they're in good condition, I think they'd be worth it!)

-Rob-who-loves-his-Trek-

p.s. by the way, the 720 will let you stay in your seat and crank up any hill,
     slowly maybe, but you'll get to the top and you'll be able to keep on goin'

    I took my 720 on a recent trip.  I got more favorable comments on it
    than I have on many of my road frames.  I do remember someone who said,
    "Oh, that looks really old!"  But that person was no cognoscente so the
    remark doesn't count.
    
    (It's a 21 spd.)
    
    ed

>>< Note 1200.5 by WHELIN::LAMBERT "Can't you see the light?" >
                            -< Get a used Trek 720 >-
>>
>I read the same article about the hybrid bikes too.  It seemed as though
>they are answering a need for 18 speed road bikes.  Several years ago I bought

What need for 18 speed road bikes? Loaded touring bikes have been 
around for quite a while. For example the Miyata 615, Fuji 
Saratoga, Nishiki has one too. All with triple cranks. The hybrid 
is not IMHO really a road bike with 18 speeds. I think that the 
net cost in performance for specifically road riding is 
significant. It was my impression when looking at these bikes 
that they were to fill the niche of those riders who liked to 
ride on dirt roads and relatively undemanding trails 
occasionally. I think the hybrid is definitely better than using 
a mountain bike for road riding though. a lot of people seem to 
buy mountain bikes for that purpose. But I would not want to ride 
a century on a hybrid. 

Just my 2 cents. 

Love my Fuji Saratoga

JC

I just gave Belmont Wheelworks a call and they have a 5 bike 
waiting list for the Miyata and has them priced at $480.

I called Tri-level and they don't carry Miyata anymore.
Mike

    
    
    re to .8
    
    I purchased the Triple Cross yesterday, fortunatly I needed a 46 cm and
    they had it in stock. The guy I talked to said they only have "very big
    or very small" in some strange accent, it might have been the famous
    Rowbar or what ever his name was. Belmont Wheel Works also has Peter
    Mooney frames on display, I guess he is part owner of the shop and
    those frames are beautiful worth checking out!!!
    
    Joe

    
    I talked to a Miyata dealer in March about the Triple-Cross.  She
    didn't have any in stock, but wished she did- based on the inquiries,
    she'd be able to retire.  She said that when Miyata introduced the
    model at the big show last fall it got very lukewarm response from
    dealers.  As a consequence, production on the model was very low.
    
    However, to the surprise of the dealers, actual riders wanted the bike.
    It's now taking awhile for production to catch up with orders.  The
    Miyata dealer I talked to in March now has one or two a week come in.
    
    Sounds like if you're patient you'll eventually be able to get one.
    Sounds like if you're really patient you'll get one without the dealers
    charging a premium on the list price.  Once production starts to catch
    up- who know, you may even see discounts due to overproduction!
    
    	Dave

Belmont Bicycle Works - Belmont, MA
there's also one in Watertown, MA, whose name escapes me

Well I ended up buying a Specialized RockCombo.  Nice bike, nice price!

Mike