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The Unofficial Univega Appreciation Thread!

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The Unofficial Univega Appreciation Thread!

Old 11-20-08, 01:34 PM
  #126  
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Originally Posted by BengeBoy
Really? That's good news. My LBS looked at my Gran Turismo and said "no way" on the existing cantilever brakes. I bought a new set of tires and went on my way, though am planning to revisit the issue next time I have to deal with either the hubs, rims, freewheel or tires. With 27 inch tires I just *barely* have enough fender clearance on my bike; 700's would help.
I have done the 27" to 700c switch on a couple of bikes. I found that using an older set of Shimano cantilever brakes (non-low profile) allow for proper adjustmnet. Also Tektro makes a vintage looking cantilever that uses modern pads and has plent of adjustment room. I think the LBS may be wrong on this one.
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Old 11-20-08, 01:47 PM
  #127  
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My 1985 Univega Alpina Uno ..has becme my touring/camping bike.
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Old 11-20-08, 02:08 PM
  #128  
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Originally Posted by Magnus042
Picked this up a few weeks ago and spent some quality time taking it apart, cleaning it up, and rebuilding. Put on a Brooks Swift, Ergo Bar, Cables/Housing, Pedals. Planning on adding rack and fenders, and putting some touring miles on it.

Can anyone help date it? Serial is I999377

Very nice looking bike!

If it's a Miyata-built Gran Turismo, then the "I" says the frame was built in 1980. Mine has an "M" at the beginning of the serial number, and it was built in 1984. It's probably quite similar to the Miyata 610 of the same year- mine is identical to the 1984 Miyata 610. Somebody has posted Miyata catalogs that may give you more information about your bike- search on "Miyata Catalog".
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Old 11-20-08, 03:36 PM
  #129  
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Makes sense as I am calling my "K" serial number bike a 1982. Suggest you visit the vintage Trek site and look up the component codes. There should be codes on everything from the seat post to the hub QR.

Your 80 is the same color as my 82, but mine has canti brakes. Mine also has low profile hubs, although I am swapping some taller hubs off my Fuji.
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Old 11-20-08, 10:59 PM
  #130  
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Originally Posted by Squeazel
Very nice looking bike!

If it's a Miyata-built Gran Turismo, then the "I" says the frame was built in 1980. Mine has an "M" at the beginning of the serial number, and it was built in 1984. It's probably quite similar to the Miyata 610 of the same year- mine is identical to the 1984 Miyata 610. Somebody has posted Miyata catalogs that may give you more information about your bike- search on "Miyata Catalog".
Looks like my bikes twin. Mine is serial # H381940 and I estimate it as a 79/80 based on the component dates and the following article in Bicycling magazine. I think you'll enjoy it. It's my favorite bike and it gets plenty of usage.
https://www.wooljersey.com/gallery/v/...g-1980-03-A-3/

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Old 12-02-08, 02:30 PM
  #131  
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91-92 Alpina Pro

Great thread..glad I found it.

I've had an Alpina Pro since new, black, XT, Biopace, etc. Anyway, great bike and it's been through lot's of upgrades.

I'm interested in a finding out a few things, maybe you folks can help.

First, does anyone have the specs/measurements/angles recorded somewhere? Also, the bike's has so many parts changed (only two original pieces are the fr deruiler and non drive side crank arm) that I don't know the original seatpost diam or BB axle length. Those would be helpfull to know.

And last, it looks as if someone has been creating some decals for these bikes. Awesome! Do you have some for this model/year and can I help by sending some pics?

Thanks all.

Mike
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Old 12-02-08, 03:23 PM
  #132  
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Originally Posted by BengeBoy
Really? That's good news. My LBS looked at my Gran Turismo and said "no way" on the existing cantilever brakes. I bought a new set of tires and went on my way, though am planning to revisit the issue next time I have to deal with either the hubs, rims, freewheel or tires. With 27 inch tires I just *barely* have enough fender clearance on my bike; 700's would help.
If your bike has the DiaCompe 981 brakes (like Squezel's, and mine -- a 1983), they will adjust down low enough to handle 700c's. You can easily check the front wheel since the dropouts there are going to be 100 mm wide just like your other bikes with their 700c rims/tires. If you can get it to work on the front wheel, you can probably do the same on the rear. If you are lucky, you have a 126mm to 130mm over-locknuts hub and wheel around to check it out.

My bike came to me with 27x1-1/4" wheels/tires too. (Suntour cartridge bearing hubs). As I'm working it over, I've replaced both wheels, and after I fiddle with the brake pad holders, there won't be any problems getting the brakes to hit the rims.

For wheels, finding a 126 mm cassette hub that could take a 7-speed cassette was a challenge. I bought a 135mm Deore XT Hyperglide 36hole hub on eBay, and took out the big (8mm or so) spacer on the non-drive side, and put in a shorter axle. Built a wheel using a Sun CR18 rim (minimum tire size will be 700x28, due to inside width of the rim). For the front, I got a wheel with new Deore, same rim, 32hole, with skewer, at REI -- $65 -- less a 20% member coupon. I would have done the same for the rear, but the wheel they sell is set up for 135mm spacing and does not seem to have the removable spacer.

There are certainly a lot more 700c tires out there from 25mm to 37mm wide than there are 27" x 1, 1-1/8", or 1-1/4".

Separately -- decals? artwork at least? would be nice to know that source.
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Old 12-03-08, 09:43 PM
  #133  
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Grabbed this yesterday

I Noticed a gentleman clearing out a small barn yesterday and this Bicycle was some of his junk. Drove by it twice, stopped and picked it up after he had rolled it out to the telephone pole. Don't know much about it other than what I've read here in the forum. The derailers are Suntour Cylone M II, Brakes NGC 400, Mavic G40's, Sugino Crankset, the SN is M220926 Think it's from the early 80's but i don't know anything about them. Once i clean the layer of grime off of this it should look pretty nice.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/1592630...n/photostream/

Last edited by Livadas; 12-04-08 at 06:14 PM. Reason: Trying to get pic in
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Old 12-03-08, 09:52 PM
  #134  
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I've got a Univega Alpina Comp that you can add to the list. Details and pics to follow...
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Old 12-03-08, 10:20 PM
  #135  
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Well, I just picked up the 1983 Supra Sport I bought off of ebay last week. Frame is really clean, paint is in good shape.

So far, it needs a replacement front brake (got one out of the parts bin), tires, tubes, seat (got several thrift store seats on hand), bar tape, bearings and cables. Surprised this model has steel handlebars. Too bad the bike is too small. It will end up on C/L.

Serial number is L996442. RD has a "ZD" (April 1983) code on it. Bike has Suntour AR derailleurs.


Last edited by wrk101; 12-21-08 at 08:10 AM. Reason: typo
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Old 12-06-08, 09:16 PM
  #136  
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I seem to be having a run on Univegas. Picked up another one at my favorite thrift store. Nice Tange cromoly frame, alloy rims. It looks like a hybrid. Cheap components unfortunately. I think the frame deserves better. Typical thrift store price (low). I'll post a couple of pics when I get back home.

Its a 1989 or 1990 Univega Activa ES, based on component dates. The color is a bronze chrome, mirror finish. Although it is a hybrid, it could make a nice touring bike, with all the clearance ever needed and lots of braze-ons. Pic is after cleanup.

Last edited by wrk101; 12-21-08 at 08:11 AM. Reason: addl info
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Old 12-07-08, 09:14 AM
  #137  
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80s via tech 1050. Aluminum triangle with cromoly stays and fork. 6 speed 106. Should be a really good ride.
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Old 12-07-08, 08:32 PM
  #138  
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I've been looking for a mixte for my wife. I found this on Craigslist. It's a Sportour. After reading through this thread I'm guessing that it's an 81 or 82 model since it equipped with Shimano 600 arabesque components. I've seen plenty of Sportours but this is the only mixte I've seen.

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Old 12-07-08, 08:34 PM
  #139  
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It doesn't look like my photos came through. They can be seen here https://www.rattrappress.blogspot.com
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Old 12-09-08, 04:26 PM
  #140  
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Frame material

Folks,
I'm looking for some information on the type of tubing used in a mid 80's Univega Neuvo Sport and/or what corresponding Myata model might apply? Thanks.
Dave
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Old 12-09-08, 05:43 PM
  #141  
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I found a 1985 Nuevo Sport on Goggle and it is high ten steel. That would basically be the bottom end of the Univega product line.
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Old 12-21-08, 12:32 AM
  #142  
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I picked up this 1983 Gran Turismo last night for $80, and a bike that came as part of a package deal. It has the lowrider mounts so apparently they did have them earlier than 84. Love this bike, and I can't wait to clean it up and redo the wrap, saddle, etc. The saddle is very comfy, too bad it's all cracked up. Maybe a borwn B.15 and some Tan cork would liven it up some?,,,,,BD













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Old 12-21-08, 02:32 AM
  #143  
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It's a solemn one...
Steel rims?
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Old 12-21-08, 07:08 AM
  #144  
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Can anyone give me info on this Competizione? I can get it for150 bucks.



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Old 12-21-08, 07:53 AM
  #145  
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Originally Posted by banjo_mole
It's a solemn one...
Steel rims?

Do you mean mine? Araya 27 alloy with Suntour hubs? I added a pic of the front hub. They didn't put those on steel rims.,,,,BD
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Old 12-21-08, 08:02 AM
  #146  
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Originally Posted by Lazyass
Can anyone give me info on this Competizione? I can get it for150 bucks.




I saw that one on Craigslist somewhere. Buy it! Buy it now! Superbe componants.

Mutt
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Old 12-21-08, 08:29 AM
  #147  
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Originally Posted by Lazyass
Can anyone give me info on this Competizione? I can get it for150 bucks.

Looks good to me? The price sounds pretty good too, since I believe they came with Suntour Superbe Pro dependiing on the year model. Go get it!!,,,,BD
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Old 12-21-08, 08:54 AM
  #148  
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Originally Posted by Muttleyone
I saw that one on Craigslist somewhere. Buy it! Buy it now! Superbe componants.

Mutt
Just sent the seller a message. It's $150 OBO hehe, he doesn't know much about it.
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Old 12-22-08, 12:37 AM
  #149  
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Thought I would add my Univega to the list as well.

I have an '83 Alpina Sport that was originally purchased by my grandfather who passed away only three years afterward. It's a 21", a bit big for me, but as it holds sentimental value I have kept it and adapted it to my needs. It's my current Urban Assault Machine, as such I have ditched the 2 smaller chain rings, fitted a flat bar and a short 80mm stem, and Michelin Country Rock Tires, which I strongly suggest for people looking for a great 26” tire to get around the city on. I almost sold this bike on CL recently (which is what these pics were for), but changed my mind as I did not have the heart to do so. I hope to also replace the 180mm cranks for 170's as soon as I find a set for free or cheap.

Great site by the way.


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Old 12-24-08, 06:46 PM
  #150  
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here's a question for you Univega guys. I just got a modo vincere (2001) and that viva tech 1050. So I have an everyday and a road bike taken care of. Did Univega ever make a dedicated track bike? now that would be a find
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