Kevindale

Thanks for posting the photos. Those are two good looking bikes. I wouldn't be surprised if the two frames are virtually identical, in materials and geometry. You can verify the geometry is the same by carefully measuring all the tubes. Since components changed from year to year, I suspect in 1985 the Viva had better components than the Nuovo, and the same in 1987. However, that doesn't mean the components on the '87 Nuovo aren't on a par with the 2-years-older components on the Viva. I would bet that the two bikes are pretty close in quality of components, and identical in quality of frame/fork.

The derailleurs on the Viva Sport are pretty unusual, and were apparently only made for 1985 and 1986. You might post a good photo of the rear derailleur. They made both a 2 wheel and 3 wheel version, I assume this is the 2-wheel (the 3-wheel was proprietary for at least the first year to Nishiki bikes).

Check your left brake cable on the Viva Sport - it looks like it might have gotten kinked (note the sharp bend), which might make that brake not work as well if the cable drags in there. As for the bar tape, it looks like classic Benotto cellophane tape, and may well be original. You can still get it, check ebay.

Also, check the stem on your Nuovo Sport -- it looks very high. Make sure it's not past the 'minimum insertion' line.

Sagi57

On the Nuovo Sport the original stem has been replaced by the guy that sold it to me. It is a longer stem so it looks taller than usual. I love it. Being an old fart drops are more of a pain then a pleasure but this set works great. I just checked the cable on the Viva and can't see a kink, maybe it's the over lapping look in the picture.
How can I figure angles of the frame by measuring the tubes?

Sagi57

Looked at the pictures of the Viva Sport and it does look like the cable is kinked on the right brake cable but inspecting the bike I don't see it.
I reread your post and see that you suggested measuring the tubes of both bikes. If they measure the same then the angles are the same, no equations needed. Thanks for the reply.

Lazyass

If you have a smartphone download Angle MeterPro, it's a free google app. My Nuovo Sport has ST 71* and HT 72*. Yours looks like the same size as mine.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...meterpro&hl=en

Kevindale

Must have been an optic illusion of the photo. The metal structure of brake cables is so thick that it can really hold a sharp bend, and that's what I thought I saw. Glad to know it's fine, and also that the tall stem is designed that way. Now you just need to get another one for the other Univega.

Sagi57

Looking at the Viva Sport again and I noticed there's a hairline crack in the stem where the allen bolt tightens for the handlebar. So I guess I'll be replacing the stem earlier than expected. Damn I won't be riding this one too much ATM. Fortunately I just bought an '89 Schwinn Prelude (red,white and blue paint job, butt ugly for me and not their best) so I've got something else to plant my butt on.

NZier

Picking up this Gran Turismo tomorrow for $60, looks to be in immaculate shape and the seller says it's all original components. Based on the saddle I've placed this between like 79-85. I'm going to check the serial numbers tomorrow. Everyone is saying this is a slam dunk, but does anybody on here actually tour with their Univega Gran Turismo, or is it just a glorified commuter?

T-Mar

It's definitely from the earlier portion of the tine frame based on the centre-pull brakset. The Gran Turismo had been upgraded to cantilevers by at least 1983. It appears to be the circa 1980 version, which was plain gauge CrMo with hi-tensile stays and fork.

It's more than a glorified commuter in that it has a triple crankset with wide range gearing and touring geometry but it's missing the state of the art grand touring features of the era. It was considered more an economical touring bicycle.

Velocivixen

I love this thread! I'm going to cross post although since I'm on an iPad I'm not certain how to add photos, so I'll add those later. A few days ago I spotted a CL ad saying "Hot Pink Bike..", and as it turned out it's a 1985 all original Univega Alpina Uno MIXTE in hot pink!

The gal was selling her parents bikes and was/is still selling a same era Diamond Back Ascent. Anyway her mom got the bike to please her husband and wasn't a big cyclist. The bike is all original with the exception of the tires and I'm fairly certain no maintenance has been done.

It's got SunTour thumb shifters (ratchet), SunTour XC Sport front/rear derailleurs, and SunTour XC Sport high flange hubs laced to black anodized Ukai rims. Sugino GT triple and Victor gold anodized bear trap pedals. Date codes on components range from late 1984 to early 1985, and the frame serial number begins with "M" and sticker says "Made in Japan".

Anyway I posted it over on the "Show Us Your Vintage Mountain Bike" thread so if someone cares to move that link over here that'd be fine, otherwise I'll post photos tonight.

As an aside, I've been teasing Mr VV saying that I'm getting him a pink mixte to ride.....but now that I have one I'm not so sure I want to share!

Velocivixen

OK, Photos:
1985 or '86 Univega Alpina Uno by velocivixen, on Flickr
SR Slingshot stem by velocivixen, on Flickr
Dia Compe Brake Levers by velocivixen, on Flickr
Suntour High Flange Hubs by velocivixen, on Flickr
Dia Compe "Frog's Legs" Cantis by velocivixen, on Flickr
Chromoly Baby by velocivixen, on Flickr
I think these are Ukai rims Black by velocivixen, on Flickr
Interesting rear brake setup by velocivixen, on Flickr

noglider 

That's cute, @Velocivixen, and yes, the rear brake cable routing is clever. What are your plans for the bike?

billytwosheds 

Loving the weird pink mixte, @Velocivixen.

Surely a keeper if you have the room.

Velocivixen

@noglider & @ billytwosheds - I'm in the process of a full overhaul now & completed headset, most of bb and serviced shifters, derailleurs & crankset. I'll likely keep her. I only rode up & down the street and everything worked. Just ordered clear vintage style brake housing like what was original from Porkchop BMX so trying to be true to the bike.

tonedawg

Twice as confused..jk. just like opinions,even if its just on the bike itself,(probably WON'T buy because age and price) now,one seems more oem .the univega alpina s6.3 w/concept amp fork (is that stock or upgrade?) 2- 250$

1994 univega alpina 5. 5 of course all switched up.
and 94 Frame : 969 Racelight Cro-mo / Total bike weight is around 25lbs
Fork : AMP version 1 Linkage off a alpina 5.7
Headset : FSA Orbit 1" threadless
Bar/Stem : 680mm carbon bars / 80mm no name stem
brakes: Shimano STX cantilever w/ shimano levers
Drivetrain : STX FD, M737 RD, KMC chain, 8 speed bar shifters, XT 46/36 Crank, 11-28 M737 cassette
wheels/ tyres : Mavic SUP 217 XT hubs w/ Schwalbe RR 2.25 26"
Seat/ Seatpost : Ritchey Vector , OEM post
3- 350$ ..hope the pics are done right way..ty sorry to bother.just need some different points of view!

tonedawg

20170328_205008.jpg

20170402_144414.jpg
This is my new find 98' univega rover 305..haven't got into wiping it down,wanted to post how clean and "stock"it was when i picked it up,'i think it is'... believe I scooped up a nice'piece'

Trashpanda

I found this at goodwill for $12.50 today but I'm having trouble finding another with the same logo on Google images. Any guesses on the age? Is it a good bike, worth putting some money into?

imgur.com/a/llPir

numbernine

I'd guess about 1980. Are you trying to ride or sell for profit? Should be a great ride after a little TLC but don't expect to make much selling it. If you want it to really roll you could repack the bearings with fresh grease, replace the cables, housing, and tires if their sidewalls look worn.

T-Mar

Based on the down tube logo it is late 1970s. We'll need the serial number to determine the exact year of manufacture.

Trashpanda

Thanks! I don't have a bike and this one's my size, so I'd like to ride it, but it does need a little work... The gears on the back wheel spin freely both directions, so right now it really can't be ridden :/

Trashpanda

Thank you! Reading through this thread last night I was able to figure out where to find the serial number and got it today, it's: G638969 on either side of the engraved numbers there are vinyl stickers that say "C" at the beginning and "D" at the end, I'm not sure if this is important, however.

T-Mar

Your bicycle was manufactured by Miyata in 1978. The serial number is high enough that it might be a 1979 model, manufactured in late 1978.

Dougbloch 

How about my new Gran Rally? J610869 with F stickers on both sides. Thanks!

T-Mar

Your Gran Gally was manufactured by Miyata in 1981. We have enough extant Miyata serial numbers from this period to known that the Miyata branded bicycles with serial numbers in this range were still 1981 models. Consequently, your Gran Rally is most likely a 1981 model too.

scheibleshannon

I'm hoping to do up my land Rover-fs just like this.I just got it.

lfriedla

Hi,
I just joined the Forum and this is a great thread. I have a question.
I have a Univega Via Carrissima, serial number M2HW4677. I've had it for at least fifteen years, probably more, but can't remember. Does anyone know the year of this bike?
Bike is solid, has served me well, but I'm hitting 65 this year. Have heard from other people that new bikes are lighter, easier to ride, etc. I'm sure this is at least partly true, but if this bike is in good shape, I'm guessing the difference for riding in town and on paved trails isn't likely to be that great. I'm kind of fond of it and don't see a good reason to get another bike.
Thanks.