I think so :mrgreen:
Yes, they're both mine. Where do I find all this collector stuff? Well, be patient and know what you are looking for.
The tall Miyata Century I bought from a well know Dutch classified site several years ago. It was advertised as 'Miyata' (it is a US Miyata), while most Dutch probably simply search for 'Koga' (what it isn't) if they want a Koga Miyata. Moreover pics were very poor. That it was badly advertised was maybe part of my luck. Now, why this US Miyata was in Holland? I have been told it was a business gift from Miyata to a CEO of a very huge bicycle company overhere.
The tall Miyata Century's build is as follows:
XTII
Tange Novel needle bearing headset
Trimble ROO bar/stem combo
Tange Switchblades
Ritchey Vantage rims
The Switchblades is the only non original part.
The little Century was advertised in Erkan's signature for about 1.5 year. When I saw it I started saving, kept saving, was almost there ...but than the gold price went up, so I continued saving
BUT in the end I bought it. No, Erkan did charge a reasonable price. Thx Erkan, it found a caring home as you know.
Little explanation on the Miyata Century model: Issued in 1990 celebrating 100 years Miyata bike building. Miyata originally started as rifle manufacturer. Because of their experience in working with steel they 1st started making repairs on 'strange' bicycles and in 1890 decided it would be a good idea to issue their own bicycle. To give the Century its festive look, the Japanse used 14k gold. There was a road and an off road version.
Btw I know of a fellow Retrobike member who found and bought
2 :!: :shock: last week. One road, one MTB.