Koga Miyata Gentsluxe-S – Vintage Steel Road Bike – Shimano Dura-Ace AX – 1980s

History:

In 1974, Dutchman Andries Gaastra revolutionized the European bicycle market with a visionary idea: he combined the rich Dutch cycling culture with the unsurpassed precision of the emerging Japanese bicycle industry. Gaastra collaborated with the traditional Japanese manufacturer Miyata, a company that had been experienced in metalworking since 1890 and drew its own excellent tubing. The result of this intercontinental alliance was the Koga Miyata brand. The frames were masterfully crafted in Japan under the strictest quality controls and subsequently assembled by experienced mechanics in Heerenveen, Netherlands.

Within a very short time, Koga Miyata dominated international professional sports. Legendary teams such as IJsboerke, Capri-Sonne, and Panasonic rode these frames to monumental victories, including Peter Winnen's unforgettable stage win at L'Alpe d'Huez during the 1981 Tour de France. Koga Miyata became the absolute epitome of ultimate reliability, extreme manufacturing tolerances, and lifelong durability in professional cycling. The indestructible steel frames from this Japanese-Dutch cooperation are still considered milestones of classic frame building today.

Description:

Within the catalog of its time, the Gentsluxe-S model was positioned as a purebred racing machine immediately below the legendary FullPro top model, specifically targeting ambitious licensed riders. The foundation of this iconic Gentsluxe-S is a high-quality Tange Champion tubeset. The butted chromoly steel guarantees a lively ride feel while providing excellent torsional stiffness during acceleration. Visually, the frame captivates with its intensely radiant metallic orange, contrasted by the characteristic Koga Miyata decals and intricately thinned lugs.

The drivetrain is handled by a classic Shimano Dura-Ace groupset, renowned for its longevity and buttery smooth shifting. A particular highlight of this build is the targeted, period-correct aerodynamic upgrade: The bike was equipped with Shimano Dura-Ace AX brake calipers and the corresponding Dura-Ace AX brake levers featuring aerodynamically hidden cable routing to significantly reduce drag and enhance braking performance. A flow-optimized, narrow Dura-Ace AX aero seatpost in a smooth teardrop design consistently continues this aerodynamic concept to further minimize wind resistance. The cockpit comes from Cinelli, authentically wrapped in classic black cotton bar tape. Seating is provided by an elegant Selle Italia Criterium suede saddle. Contact with the road is made via legendary Mavic GP4 tubular rims, which have been fitted with fresh Vittoria Rally tires.

Condition:

Pre-owned. The road bike presents itself in a fantastic, highly cared-for overall condition and has been fully mechanically overhauled in the Goldensteelcycles workshop. The Tange Champion steel frame is structurally absolutely intact, tracks perfectly straight, and is free of cracks or dents. The intensely radiant original paintwork was carefully deep-cleaned by hand, gently polished to a high shine, and permanently sealed with a premium carnauba wax, allowing the striking metallic orange to truly come into its own.

During the overhaul, the entire mechanics were disassembled into their individual parts. The Shimano Dura-Ace drivetrain and braking components were cleaned in an ultrasonic bath, checked for function, freshly lubricated, and precisely adjusted. All bearing assemblies on the headset and bottom bracket were serviced, newly greased, and adjusted without play. All essential wear parts, including the complete cable routing, the tubular tires, and the cotton bar tape, were renewed during the rebuild. A visually and mechanically superbly tuned classic that is immediately ready for the road.

Details: