Univega Via de Oro
 

Hello,

I collected abandoned univega via de oro bike probably from 1996. I would like to bring it to second life, but not sure which way to go. It has shimano cx700 as rear derailleur, cx400 brakes and shifters. However, front deraileur is missing. Maybe you know if these parts originally were good quality? Is it hard to find front derailleur? I am considering three ways, one to make fixed speed bike from it, another is to make it back to its orginal state as a touring bike and third to make it as a vintage racer. Does the geometry of the frame is very different from that year racing bikes or i could just find race bike wheel and put on it? Also, I noticed that shifters are indexed, so maybe you know if newer shimano shifters would work with the groupset? Willing to spend as less as possible. Thanks in advance!

Shimano's CX_series were components designed for hybrid bicycles. They were produced for the 1992-1995 model years. The Via de Oro was Univega's top hybrid during this era but was equipped with SunTour in 1992 and Shimano STX in 1995, so what you have should be a 1993 or 1994 model. Original MSRP was $600-$625, depending on the exact year, which we may be able to determine from the serial number. I'd consider it very low mid-range. They do resemble a touring bicycle, except for the flat handlebar. The least expensive approach would be to replace the front derailleur. Shimano ATB derailleurs from 1990 onward should not have a problem with the indexing but a many of the more modern front derailleurs pull cable from the top and use larger clamp diameters, so you have to make sure you get the correct cable pull style and clamp diameter for your frame.

The Via de Oro from that era may have Univega's Bi-Axial Power Oval frame, which is pretty nifty looking. Some had a spatter-paint scheme too. Should make for a good bike to build up to your preferences.

There's an entire thread on the C&V forum dedicated to converting older style mountain bikes and MTB-lite type hybrids. Most folks seem to prefer drop bars, but I like swept albatross bars on my early '90s Univega Via Carisma. It's a nice city bike configuration that's also competent for casual gravel rides, both comfortable and reasonably aero for long casual rides.

T-Mar,

I’ve got a similar Via De Oro as well. It’s green / tan combo with the power oval frame, Araya TX350 rims, Shimano CX700/CX400 components and Concept USA stem/handlebar/seatpost combo.

Would you happen to have a catalog reference page on it ?

thank you.

Sorry, I don't have any early 1990s Univega catalogues, only price lists. At best, they offeer a cursory description. Both 1993 and 1894 were a 400CX/700CX mix but it doesn't beak things down beyond that. The 1993 mentions TIG welded Bi-Axial Power Oval CrMo while the 1994 just says TIG welded oversize CrMo. Colours aren't mentjoned but we may be able to determine the model year from the serial number.

Thank you T-Mar, will post pictures and the serial number when I dig it out from storage soon hopefully.

Serial number

WEKG03694

Nice! That is indeed the Bi-Axial Power Oval frame. Not sure it performed any better but it looks nifty. And that paint job is more subtle than the splatter paint on my Via Carisma.

So far I cannot feel any difference to the handling. It rides like any typical steel bike. The combined double ovalness sure looks cool and unique.

I guess that makes it a 1993.

Hey guys, I picked up this purple one last month, at a Goodwill for $24.99. 😎😁😎 It’s definitely a power oval, so apparently a 1993, thanks. 👍

Much thanks to T-Mar, for educating me on these, in another thread, awhile back. ✌️

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...4cd3bbfae.jpeg

BTW, I’ve been touring in Oregon & NorthernCalifornia, where cell signals are just a myth, lol. I went up to Longview, Washington, across the Columbia River from Rainier, Oregon. That’s pretty close to where the Columbia empties into the Pacific Ocean, and it’s pretty cool to see. 👍

I also passed Mt. Shasta, invisible in this pic, but visible from Weed, CA, which. only recently got it’s first dispensary. 😎 Weed was actually named for an early settler, but it’s one of those annoying “facts” that get in the way of real history. 🤔😁😉
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...efdd2a6bd.jpeg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...0edebd79b.jpeg

You've gone through.a few bikes on this trip?

I just bought a very similar Via De Oro for $50 off FB marketplace.while the paint is not bad it needs a thorough overall as the previous owner had not ridden it in over 20 years. The biggest differences I see are that mine does not have the word Chromoly on the down tube, Univega lettering is gold on mine not white. The purple color seems to be the same. My serial# starts with WEKK so ‘93 or 94?

Hey, I just saw this, wasn't ignoring you on purpose. 🙂

Yep, I've lost track now, of how many bikes I went through, and even when I left Pennsylvania, lol. 🙄😉

I've found a lot of interesting stuff about Mt. Shasta, since I went past it. The American Indians believe humans originated there, and it's also claimed to be visited often by Sasquatch, space aliens, and lizard people. There's a lot of stuff on the interwebs, if you're ever bored. 😁

Raining Via De Oro's
 

A couple of months ago I contacted a guy about another Via De Oro that he was parting out for $20. I texted him wanting the wheels and he said the next time he was in Raleigh, NC he would bring them. I completely forgot about it but then a couple weekends ago he texted to let me know he was in town and had brought the bike. What was I supposed to do? I told him 2 months ago I would take it for the wheels but took the whole bike instead for $20. As you can see using Turtlewax polishing compound really had a positive impact on the finish of both bikes. The one I bought for $20 is definitely a '93. The big difference between the '93 & '94 is the braze-ons behind the saddle for the '93 are...well....brazed on. For the '94 they are integrated into the frame. I realized the finish on the '93 frame is actually in better shape than the '94 although the '94 is not bad. With the parts from both bikes, I can put together a rather nice version of the Via de Oro for my son to ride when he is visiting, probably the '93. With the '94 frame? I'll definitely build it out, just need to decide what direction to go with it.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...88688a30fe.jpg
Here is the 1993 Via De Oro. It is missing the shifter for the rear as well as the brake lever for the rear.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...79e94d2bb5.jpg
The braze-ons for the '93
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...8bc0169e19.jpg
the braze-ons for the '94 are integrated into the frame.

Cgnman59 Again great looking colors and nice bike. I’d love to find one of these my size.

I wanted to post a picture of my 1992 Via Carisma because the welds are so much nicer looking than later years. Unfortunately, I don't have enough posts yet,
In 1992, the bike was bi-axial tubing, and the deraileur Was Exage 500CX. It had Exage hubs, but I wore them out