Which 80s MTB to replace my too small Univega Alpina Uno?
06-12-19, 11:36 PM
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Which 80s MTB to replace my too small Univega Alpina Uno?
I really love my chrome 80s Univega Alpina Uno, but the truth is, it's just too small. It has been a reliable daily driver commuter bike, through all seasons, for about a year now.
Now, I find two nice 80s MTBs on the local CL, that are both my size. I'm thinking of selling the Alpina Uno for one of these, as the new daily driver. But which one should I choose?
Specialized Stumpjumper -OR-
Univega Alpina Pro
Now, I find two nice 80s MTBs on the local CL, that are both my size. I'm thinking of selling the Alpina Uno for one of these, as the new daily driver. But which one should I choose?
Specialized Stumpjumper -OR-
Univega Alpina Pro
06-13-19, 12:44 AM
#2
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alpina pro.
done and done.
done and done.
06-13-19, 06:07 AM
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I was leaning that way; $100 less, already like the Alpina I have, love the crankset on there, etc.
06-13-19, 06:41 AM
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Both cool bikes, but I give the edge to the Alpina. The Sugino crank that is a copy of the TA is very cool. And the double cantis is preferable to the chainstay u-brake on the Stumpy. However, the Stumpy does have nicer derailleurs and is already kitted with fenders and Paselas. Although I would switch to metal fenders.
Last edited by TenGrainBread; 06-13-19 at 06:47 AM.
06-13-19, 08:52 AM
#6
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As a commuter, the slacker geo of the alpina would be hard to resist. those early 80's atbs just cruise nice. Also, any mtb without a unicrown fork is a big plus. The crank, as mentioned above is awesome too. and those dia compe cantis are great brakes when dialed in.
stumpy has nice fenders. but you likely have those if you're already commuting on a 26er. I'd also say the stumpy is more attractive to thieves
stumpy has nice fenders. but you likely have those if you're already commuting on a 26er. I'd also say the stumpy is more attractive to thieves
06-13-19, 10:33 AM
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The Stumpy would be the sentimental choice except for that chainstay brake. A dark point in late 80’s MTB design. Univega!
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06-13-19, 11:58 AM
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Well, I think the Univega is winning by a long shot, and that's how I was leaning, anyway. Bonus being that it's $100 cheaper than the Stumpy.
06-13-19, 12:17 PM
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whichever one you get please level the rear rack! My OCD is killing me looking at those pics. Looks like a winner either way, post pics when you decide OP. I'd probably go Univega just for the Bullmoose bars.
06-13-19, 05:39 PM
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Well of course a Stumpy is a Stumpy, still, NO unicrown, Alpina pro, beautiful fork and all else very cool, no contest, Univega FTW. 
06-13-19, 07:17 PM
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I'd buy them both at those prices. There is nothing wrong with the u brake on commuter. It is a strong, reliable design. It's crap for going offroad but it's fine for road riding.
06-13-19, 07:41 PM
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Looks like the Alpina Pro is the 1983 model. Would have had a Suntour Mountech rear derailleur originally (to match the front). Those had issues, so it's understandable that the Shimano STX is on there.
Last edited by johnnyace; 06-14-19 at 05:52 AM.
06-13-19, 08:28 PM
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I'd be all over that Univega for a C-note.
06-14-19, 05:56 AM
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Agreed, but I'm in N -1 mode; this would replace an existing bike, I'm not looking to add any more.
06-14-19, 07:05 PM
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Well, the Univega seller got back to me and said "I think I have a buyer lined up, but if it doesn’t work out I’ll get in touch with you right away." Hopefully it's one of those flaky buyers that's a no-show; we shall see. Dang, the bike has been on CL for nearly a month, I was pretty sure I was gonna get it without a problem. Not really into the Stumpy, so maybe I'll just hold out and see what comes along.
06-15-19, 06:53 AM
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Do not let the under-the-chainstay U-brake scare you away. I have one on my Schwinn, and it works extremely well, and maintenance is not that big a pain.
I'll second the vote for 1980s non-suspension mountain bikes as commuters and transportation beaters, but I would either convert to drop bars or add perpendicular handlebar extensions, to provide multiple grip positions, including one with neutral axial forearm rotation.
If you dislike non-level rear racks, you would hate the Blackburn Mtn Rack I put on my Schwinn, which lacks fender/rack eyelets on the dropouts. I used clamps on the seat stays, but placed them at a height that let the drive side chain hanging peg prevent paint-damaging slippage.
I'll second the vote for 1980s non-suspension mountain bikes as commuters and transportation beaters, but I would either convert to drop bars or add perpendicular handlebar extensions, to provide multiple grip positions, including one with neutral axial forearm rotation.
If you dislike non-level rear racks, you would hate the Blackburn Mtn Rack I put on my Schwinn, which lacks fender/rack eyelets on the dropouts. I used clamps on the seat stays, but placed them at a height that let the drive side chain hanging peg prevent paint-damaging slippage.
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06-15-19, 08:53 AM
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you can see they ask a bit more for them round these parts: but I suspect he will end up under 200 before it sells.
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bik...908378336.html
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bik...908378336.html
06-15-19, 10:45 AM
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you can see they ask a bit more for them round these parts: but I suspect he will end up under 200 before it sells.
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bik...908378336.html
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bik...908378336.html
06-15-19, 11:01 AM
#19
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80s Yokota
I got a lead on a similar one, gonna go check it out tomorrow:
https://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/...911695935.html
https://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/...911695935.html
06-15-19, 12:50 PM
#20
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yeah that yokota looks cool!
I found a Shogun that I did not even know they made that is also in the same vein:
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/bik...910042903.html
too far for you to travel but another brand to search for
I found a Shogun that I did not even know they made that is also in the same vein:
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/bik...910042903.html
too far for you to travel but another brand to search for
