Univega Alpina Comp, early 90’s?
#26
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You know, I look at gravel bikes and whatnot today, and I look at this frame, and I can’t wait to ride this on the road as well as the trail. It just looks so capable. I thought I might sell it because it’s too big if I adhere to typical MTB fit rules, but it’s a good French fit gravel bike if I ignore those rules.
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You know, I look at gravel bikes and whatnot today, and I look at this frame, and I can’t wait to ride this on the road as well as the trail. It just looks so capable. I thought I might sell it because it’s too big if I adhere to typical MTB fit rules, but it’s a good French fit gravel bike if I ignore those rules.
I don’t think the bike makes that big a difference. They all work. But, if you’re asking my own preference, or what I think makes the most functional sense, the most practical sense, I’ll stick out my neck and nominate an all-steel early to late ’80s mountain bike fitted up with a higher and maybe a swept-back handlebar, fenders, rack, and basket. Platform pedals, kickstand, bell, rear view mirror, and some kind of light. It might not suit somebody’s style, and I’m not saying it’s a better style; I’m just saying for me, that’s what I think makes a lot of sense."
Zachary Barowitz
Plus vintage MTBs tend to be fantastic bargains.
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I have a few, in fact most of my builds are mtb's. There doesn't seem to be much interest anyway so I don't post mine.
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Here is some progress and a mock up of how it might look when final. (Sorry, not the best cell phone pic.) I’ve completed the deep clean/light polish and overhaul of anything with bearings, and trued the wheels.
The only change I’ve made so far is the stem, which as a 25.4mm diameter quill stem was surprisingly hard to find. It has 80mm reach and more rise than the 130mm-reach original stem. The 26” VO fenders came from the co-op (but they're just floating in place for now for the pic, not truly mounted).
It may turn out that it’s too big, but for now I think it will be a good city commuter and trail bike without being too hybrid-y. Planning on a front basket. We shall see. I’m curious to know how it handles.
More to do, but I like it so far...
The only change I’ve made so far is the stem, which as a 25.4mm diameter quill stem was surprisingly hard to find. It has 80mm reach and more rise than the 130mm-reach original stem. The 26” VO fenders came from the co-op (but they're just floating in place for now for the pic, not truly mounted).
It may turn out that it’s too big, but for now I think it will be a good city commuter and trail bike without being too hybrid-y. Planning on a front basket. We shall see. I’m curious to know how it handles.
More to do, but I like it so far...
Last edited by noobinsf; 05-22-20 at 01:17 PM.
#30
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So here's my latest thinking on this, as I've gone back and forth with a number of bar/stem combos to figure out the fit. With the odd stem pictured above, I tried the flat bars as pictured, then tried drop bars with 7s brifters. Then, I had a what-the-hell moment and tried a vintage set of Belleri porteurs, and these felt ok, but a little cramped. Finally, I tried the porteurs upside down with the original stem, and eureka! Below is a pic of this mock-up.
Now, since the Belleris have a 25.0 clamp, I can't use them unless I shim, which I don't want to do. Also, the 23.8 grip area doesn't work for the original shifters and brake levers.
Eureka again! I found a used set of Nitto B352 Albatross bars, which are proportionally quite similar to upside-down porteurs, just a bit wider with a longer grip. Plus, I can use the original shifters and brake levers, and I can eventually use bar ends if I want. These bars are on the way...
Mock-up with upside-down porteur
Upside-down porteur
Now, since the Belleris have a 25.0 clamp, I can't use them unless I shim, which I don't want to do. Also, the 23.8 grip area doesn't work for the original shifters and brake levers.
Eureka again! I found a used set of Nitto B352 Albatross bars, which are proportionally quite similar to upside-down porteurs, just a bit wider with a longer grip. Plus, I can use the original shifters and brake levers, and I can eventually use bar ends if I want. These bars are on the way...
Mock-up with upside-down porteur
Upside-down porteur
#31
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So here's my latest thinking on this, as I've gone back and forth with a number of bar/stem combos to figure out the fit. With the odd stem pictured above, I tried the flat bars as pictured, then tried drop bars with 7s brifters. Then, I had a what-the-hell moment and tried a vintage set of Belleri porteurs, and these felt ok, but a little cramped. Finally, I tried the porteurs upside down with the original stem, and eureka! Below is a pic of this mock-up.
Now, since the Belleris have a 25.0 clamp, I can't use them unless I shim, which I don't want to do. Also, the 23.8 grip area doesn't work for the original shifters and brake levers.
Eureka again! I found a used set of Nitto B352 Albatross bars, which are proportionally quite similar to upside-down porteurs, just a bit wider with a longer grip. Plus, I can use the original shifters and brake levers, and I can eventually use bar ends if I want. These bars are on the way...
Mock-up with upside-down porteur
Upside-down porteur
Now, since the Belleris have a 25.0 clamp, I can't use them unless I shim, which I don't want to do. Also, the 23.8 grip area doesn't work for the original shifters and brake levers.
Eureka again! I found a used set of Nitto B352 Albatross bars, which are proportionally quite similar to upside-down porteurs, just a bit wider with a longer grip. Plus, I can use the original shifters and brake levers, and I can eventually use bar ends if I want. These bars are on the way...
Mock-up with upside-down porteur
Upside-down porteur
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#32
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Here’s an update, fully functional but awaiting cable trimming and fenders. Pretty happy with the progress so far. Other than saddle, Albatross handlebars, and consumables, everything is original, so it cleaned up nicely.
I hope to get the fenders mounted this week, if I can eke out the time.
Fit and ride are great...
I hope to get the fenders mounted this week, if I can eke out the time.
Fit and ride are great...
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#33
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All finished for now... The Albatross bars give me the perfect upright position and the occasional aero tuck. A very satisfying overhaul, as not much changed from the original setup.
#34
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Very cool, nicely done!
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N = '96 Colnago C40, '04 Wilier Alpe D'Huez, '10 Colnago EPS, '85 Merckx Pro, '89 Merckx Century, '86 Tommasini Professional, '04 Teschner Aero FX Pro, '05 Alan Carbon Cross, '86 De Rosa Professional, '82 Colnago Super, '95 Gios Compact Pro, '95 Carrera Zeus, '84 Basso Gap, ‘89 Cinelli Supercorsa, ‘83 Bianchi Specialissima, ‘VO Randonneur, Ritchey Breakaway Steel, '84 Paletti Super Prestige, Heron Randonneur
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#37
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Suntour XC Pro thumbies are my number one favorite shifters of all time! Very nice bike you have there. I love early 90’s MTB’s...
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#38
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Very impressed, it looks sooooo good.
What did you end up doing to the paint/frame damage behind the granny gear? Also are you still planning on changing the seat?
What did you end up doing to the paint/frame damage behind the granny gear? Also are you still planning on changing the seat?
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The saddle is actually a "new" one that came from a different Univega I parted out long ago. It's a Univega-branded Selle Italia, and it's actually very comfortable, so it will stay. The ratty gel seat that came with the bike went to the trash.