In the world of classic racing bicycles, the name Koga Miyata stands for quality, innovation, and timeless design. Born from a unique collaboration between the Netherlands and Japan, the brand has carved out a lasting place in cycling history. Join us on a journey through the fascinating story of Koga Miyata – from its visionary beginnings to its enduring legacy among vintage bike lovers.
1. The Founding of Koga: A Visionary Start
In 1974, Andries Gaastra, former sales manager at Batavus, founded Koga B.V. in Heerenveen, Netherlands. The brand name "Koga" combines the first syllables of his last name and his wife Marion Kowallik’s maiden name.
Gaastra's ambition? To build exclusive, lightweight bicycles that excelled in both quality and design. The first Koga was assembled in his own home, and from the beginning, he sourced components only from high-end suppliers to meet the highest standards.
2. The Miyata Partnership: A Match Made in Cycling Heaven
In his search for premium frames, Gaastra partnered with the Japanese company Miyata Kōgyō K.K., which had been building bikes since 1892 and was known for precision craftsmanship.
Starting in 1976, Miyata supplied the frames while Koga handled assembly and distribution. The result? The iconic brand Koga Miyata, under which bikes were sold until 2010.
3. Innovation & Diversity: A Technological Pioneer
Koga Miyata was synonymous with cutting-edge innovation:
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High-quality chrome-molybdenum steel frames
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Proprietary tubing systems like the Hardlite tube set
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Perfectly brazed lugs and flawless paint finishes
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Clean, elegant frame designs
Most bikes were equipped with Shimano components, underscoring the brand’s strong ties to Japan. Over time, Koga Miyata's lineup expanded from road bikes to include touring, mountain, and e-bikes.
4. Racing Pedigree: A Brand Built for the Road
In 1980, Koga Miyata entered professional cycling, sponsoring teams like IJsboerke and later Capri Sonne. A career highlight came in 1981, when Peter Winnen rode a Koga Miyata to victory on Alpe d’Huez during the Tour de France.
This connection to elite racing spurred constant innovation and elevated the brand’s status worldwide.
5. Mountain Bikes & Market Expansion
When mountain biking took off in the U.S., Koga Miyata responded fast—becoming the first mountain bike producer in Europe in 1986.
To broaden market reach, a secondary brand, Giant, was introduced—but sold again in 1988 due to internal competition.
6. A New Chapter: The Accell Group Era
In 1992, Koga Miyata was acquired by the Atag Holding, marking a major shift. Gaastra stepped down but remained as a design advisor. Later, the company became part of the larger Accell Group, one of Europe’s leading bicycle conglomerates.
7. Saying Goodbye to Miyata
In 2010, the partnership with Miyata ended, and Koga began producing bikes solely under the name KOGA. While the brand lives on, Koga Miyata bikes from the golden era remain icons cherished by collectors and cycling enthusiasts.
8. Koga Signature: Personalization Meets Craftsmanship
Through its Koga Signature program, the company allows customers to custom-build their bikes:
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Choose your frame, color, and components
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Hand-assembled by certified mechanics in Heerenveen
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A perfect blend of precision and individuality
9. Koga Today: Blending Innovation and Heritage
Today, Koga offers a wide range of bikes:
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Road and touring bikes
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Mountain and trekking bikes
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City bikes, folding bikes, and tandems
Materials include steel, aluminum, and carbon fiber, and the brand is active across Europe and Asia, with strong sales in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Switzerland, Japan, and South Korea.
10. Road Legends: Iconic Koga Miyata Models
Koga Miyata FullPro 1982 – Elegance in Motion
Crafted from Tange Champion #2 CrMo steel, the FullPro was the pinnacle of 1980s performance bikes. With elegant lugs, a complete Shimano Dura-Ace 7200 EX group, and shimmering metallic blue paint with gold decals, it’s a collector’s dream.
Koga Miyata ProRacer 1978 – Classic Form, Enduring Performance
This agile road bike featured a Tange Champion frame, Shimano Dura-Ace EX group, and engraved components rarely seen today. MAVIC rims and a unique YFC/Koga Miyata saddle added both comfort and flair.
Koga Miyata ProRacer-S 1985 – High-Tech Racing DNA
Built from Miyata Hardlite FM-1 steel, this model was made for speed. With a Shimano Dura-Ace 7400 group and revolutionary SIS indexed shifting, it offered cutting-edge performance, aerodynamic design, and unmatched ride quality.
Conclusion: A Legacy That Lives On
Koga Miyata represents a rare and inspiring combination of Dutch passion and Japanese precision. With innovation, professional success, and timeless design, the brand has made a permanent mark on cycling history.
For classic bike lovers, a Koga Miyata is not just a machine—it’s a statement, a story, and a way of life.