Catnap 

here's a two bikes I've built in the last few weeks, I figured you guys would appreciate them:



This one is a 1972 Italvega, most likely a Super Record model. I stripped the paint and polished the chrome, and built it up with a mix of Shimano 600 and Z-series parts. Amazingly smooth shifting for such vintage parts - the Shimano SL-A400 ratcheting shifters are similar to SunTour but even smoother. More details and pictures on my blog.



I built this 1983 Univega Alpina Uno in the "Rivendell" style, inspired by their Bombadil bike. I built a compact triple from a Sugino crankset, and used the modern SunRace thumb shifters that Grant is a fan of. The idea was for a go-anywhere urban townie that could be converted into a touring bike with the addition of racks and drops. More details and pictures on my blog.

Right now I'm in the midst of refinishing and building up the Schwinn Crosscut I bought from BluesDaddy. Hopefully it'll be done this weekend.

Giacomo 1 

Wow, that Italvega is right up my alley, just beautiful! We rarely get to see these on the forum. I don't think they were to widely distributed here in the States, and I believe they were pretty much only found in California shops.

The Shimano 600 looks great and I really like the water bottle cage. Great job on the chrome to! How is the ride?

I'll be looking for this beauty on the streets of Brooklyn!

ennchicago

That Univega is stunning.

A few days ago I went and looked at a 1985 Mongoose ATB (all-chrome frame with biplane fork and mid-fork eyelets!) that someone had turned into a single-speed with big slick tires (Fat Franks I think). I even had visions of putting Wald fenders on it like your Univega. Unfortunately it was a bit too small for me, but now I really want a bike like that.

Catnap 

This Italvega came from the Zumwalt's Bikes store in San Diego, which matches your comment. The ride is great, nimble and speedy. With the smooth shifting and skinny tires, it handles like a proper racing bike.

A co-worker of mine who lives Ft. Greene bought it yesterday, so you might just see it out on the streets this summer.

azgreg

Both of those are really nice. I especially like the Univega. As a matter of fact, I was trying to figure what to do with my Diamondback and I think you just answered that question.

Catnap 

i'm becoming a fan of these hardtail MTB-to-townie builds. they handle better than a beach cruiser while retaining the comfort and some of the similar style. they're also a lot more useful, since they can be quickly converted to tourers or cargo haulers.

i would LOVE to do one of these builds with an all-chrome frame like the Mongoose ATB.

noglider 

They're both excellent. Well done!

John E

I remember Italvega when it made its brief US appearance in the early 1970s, before they had to change the name to Univega because it was no longer made in Italy. I looked at a Valentino-equipped model at Charlie Harding's shop near UCLA, but ended up buying the American Eagle Semi-Pro, instead.

I suspect your Univega serves the same purpose for you that my Schwinn KOM does for me -- the main difference is I prefer ATB bars with extensions, although I have contemplated putting drops on it. However, since my wife does not care for drops and occasionally rides my mountain bike, I'll probably stick with the current configuration. (I originally built the Peugeot 40 years ago for her, but since she does not do much on-road riding, I took it over as my commuter/beater and put drops on it.)

Giacomo 1 

I didn't know that!

The things you learn hanging around here!

azgreg

By the way, you mind if I ask what handle bars and fenders you have on the Univega?

Catnap 

Wald 26" chrome fenders and Action Bicycles house-brand porteur bars.

azgreg

Thanks.

Tpoh33

No doubt right!?!?

Soody

fantastic job and both really nice bikes
this is nitpicking but one day i reckon white tape on the road bike to match the hoods
and 1.75" paselas on the mtb, plus some custom decals

niliraga 

I will keep an eye out for that Italvega! I had a blue one for years, that in the end sold to a guy in Bed Stuy who I often pass crossing the bridge - now I wish I had stripped him back to all-chrome!

squirtdad

great builds...... the univega is a totally practical build and if it it like my similar nishiki build it is simple fun and great to have a "throw a leg over and go bike" in the stable

fishboy316

The Italvega is awesome! I love a chrome frame!

bikemig 

Both very cool bikes. We don't have enough mountain bike builds in C&V.

Chicago Al 

Well these 'recent builds' were from 6 years ago, but they are by all means still neatly done and good to see. In fact that Univega catches my eye as just the kind of thing I'm trying to do right now.

SurferRosa

How do you like that Soma saddle? I noticed one brand new on ebay for $45 shipped...

mech986 

Catnap hasn't been here since 2017.

That said, I've got an Italvega Super Speciale, circa 72, and that frame is partially chromed in the exposed places (head tube and seat lugs, fork, some parts of the stays) but it isn't completely chromed, so I wonder if the OP actually polished up both the chrome parts and the tubes, can't quite tell from the pics he posted. I'd certainly love to see a fully chromed Italvega or Torpado or Torresini frame, that would look spectacular.

UKFan4Sure

You've produced two very nice rides there! I'm envious!