“I cannot fix on the hour, or the spot, or the look or the words, which laid the foundation. It is too long ago. I was in the middle before I knew that I had begun.” ― Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

The seeds of a vision had been planted more than forty years ago in my garden of dreams. The vision did not fade, although the garden was absent-mindedly and haphazardly tended. Sporadically, silently, and inexorably, key elements of this vision were realized and collected over the decades until only one element remained to be discovered.

This particular vision revolved around a high-quality, Japanese-made, Dura-Ace-equipped bicycle, the specifics left open as to the make and model.

Reflections

From time to time, I reflect on my [bicycle] dreams. What are they? How do they serve me? Do they still matter?

Inevitably, these reflections lead to further reflections on specific, high-quality, steel-framed production bicycles from years gone by. And, as also inevitably happens, I search Teh Intarwebz™ to see whether any such “project” frames from bygone years were being let go by their former riders and owners. Although I have more than enough projects on my plate already (please and thank you), the end results of such projects are meant for resale, gifting, or adding to my stable, making their consideration (at least) worthwhile.

There are various steel frames and bicycles that I prioritize during these periodic searches. Three in particular that caught my eyes during the 1970s: the 1976 Austro-Daimler Vent Noir, 1977 Schwinn Volare, and 1978 Miyata Extra Record. All were high-quality, Dura-Ace-equipped road racing bicycles – none of which I could afford during the time they were being produced.

1978 Miyata Extra Record

The most enticing to me of these bicycles is the 1978 Miyata Extra Record. Of course, I search for one in my size every time the notion hits me, but haven’t found one.

However, while recently “enjoying” a period of immobility as I recovered from a foot injury, I was reminded of the collaboration between Koga and Miyata, bicycles aimed at the European market during the 1970s and 1980s (and afterwards). It then occurred to me to expand my search parameters.

1979 Koga-Miyata MXA

Serendipitously, I came across a rare Koga-Miyata MXA frameset for sale in my size and in excellent condition. I never knew Koga-Miyata offered a frameset-only option, let alone a frameset that visually matched that of the 1978 Miyata Extra Record. I was intrigued and did some further, in-depth research…

The 1979 Koga-Miyata MXA was touted as a top-of-the-line, handmade road racing frameset produced through the partnership of Koga (Netherlands) and Miyata (Japan). The MXA frameset was available in 52, 54, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, and 61cm sizes (measured center-to-top). Only one color was offered: metallic blue. It was only available for the 1979 model year.

The particular MXA frameset being offered for sale (used) was a 54cm (c-t) size, manufactured in Japan during 1979 (according to the “H” date code on the bottom bracket shell):

The frame was handmade in Japan. It was advertised as assembled using low-temperature [silver-]brazing, which was uncommon for European and Asian production frames of the era.

The finished frame featured: chrome-plated fork ends and dropouts; thin, cut-out Miyata lugs and bottom bracket shell; Miyata emblem engraved in each shoulder of the fork crown; and, a full complement of braze-ons, including the front dérailleur hanger.

A rare, beautiful thing indeed…

Marketing blurb from the Koga-Miyata catalog:

“Deze uitzonderlijk fraai afgewerkte frameset MXA kan zonder overdrijving Europa’s mooiste genoemd worden. Bijvoorbeeld de zeer lichte, fraai uitgewerkte lugs, de exact afgewerkte sterke verbindingen van de staande en liggende achtervorken met de padden, de verchroomde vorkeinden, de bijzonderre velgremorphanging voor en achter aan het frame middels imbusmoeren en de uitgebalanceerde en fraai afgewerkte voorvork. Kortom, dit frame mag een top-prestatie genoemd worden van de Koga-Miyata konstrukteurs. Een betere basis dan de MXA is voor een professionelle racefiets niet denkbaar. Eén specialist bij Koga-Miyata heeft 2 volledige dagen nodig om het frame van de MXA geheel met de hand te assembleren. En dat is een goede illustratie voor de slogan: “handgemaakte precisie”.

100% handgemaakt. Extra lichte buizenset (8 stuks) geheel vervaardigd van “Tange Champion” no. 1 chroommolybdeen-staal (doublet-butted). Gewicht ca. 1,7 kg. Padden-aansluiting van achtervorken extra ingefreesd en voorzien van speciale versterkingsplaatjes voor grote stabiliteit. Voor- en achterremmen middels speciale imbusbouten aan frame bevestigd. Solide en sterke lug-verbindingen middels bijzonder fraaie, uitgewerkte en dunwandige racelugs. Soldeertemperatuur beneden 600°C. Het frame is koud gezet en intens strak. Zeer verfijnd afgewerkt, extreem kort en licht gebouwd.”

An approximate translation:

“Without exaggeration, The MXA frameset — with its exceptionally fine finish — can be described as the most beautiful in Europe. Examples include the ultra-light, exquisitely crafted lugs; the precision-finished, robust joints connecting the seat stays and chain stays to the dropouts; the chrome-plated fork ends; the unique rim-brake mounting system (front and rear) using Allen-key nuts; and the beautifully finished, perfectly balanced front fork. In short, this frame represents a crowning achievement for the Koga-Miyata design team. It is impossible to imagine a better foundation for a professional racing bicycle than the MXA. A single specialist at Koga-Miyata requires two full days to assemble the MXA frame entirely by hand — a fact that perfectly illustrates the slogan “handmade precision”.

100% handmade. Extra-light tubeset (8 pieces) made entirely from “Tange Champion” No. 1 chrome-molybdenum steel (double-butted). Weight approx. 1.7kg (3.75 lbs.). Rear dropouts precision-milled and fitted with special reinforcement plates for superior stability. Front and rear brakes attached to the frame using special Allen bolts. Solid, strong lugged construction featuring exceptionally elegant, intricate, thin-walled racing lugs. Brazing temperature below 600°C (1112°F). The frame is cold-set and exceptionally rigid. Highly refined finish; built to be extremely compact and lightweight.”

This frameset seemed to be uncompromising in every aspect: it was assembled from some of the best tubing and findings available at the time, primarily Tange no.1 double-butted tubing; fitted with unique high-quality [stamped] lugs; featured Shimano SFR forged dropouts and SF fork ends; it was constructed and finished by talented Miyata constructeurs; it was even touted (see above) as being assembled using low-temperature brazing (implying a silver alloy filler). And, it featured braze-ons for cables, shifters, front dérailleur, and a water bottle cage, as well as recessed brake bolt mounts – all features not commonly found on production frames of the era. The finish was a single-color, light metallic blue paint with chromed dropouts and fork ends. This was a frameset built to high standards; built for light weight and high-performance.

In every way that mattered to me, the Koga-Miyata MXA frameset appeared to be the equivalent of the frameset used on the Miyata Extra Record and Koga-Miyata Pro Luxe bicycles. Both of which were outfitted with some of the best Japanese-made components of the time: Dura-Ace EX. This was a combination I had long dreamed of owning and riding.

Conclusions

Reflecting on a vision planted more than forty years ago, I was surprised to discover that the vision still mattered to me today. Indeed, the vision was still a source of creative inspiration. By its realization, the vision would also become a physical outlet of creative expression. Plus, the result was that most liberating and empowering of all mechanical inventions, a bicycle. So, when the opportunity presented itself, I planned and I acted.

The final piece of my long-dreamed of vision was on its way to me.

I’ll be posting sporadically about this 1979 Koga-Miyata MXA project as it progresses…

Postscript

Do you need or want a beautiful custom bicycle or replica? Do you have a treasured bicycle that needs repair, alteration, renovation, or restoration? Well, you can contact this introspective frame builder to do the work well and with great care.