Farkleberrie

When we pulled into the recycling area, I saw two bikes down near the garbage area. I went down to look and found this nice Univega Nuovo Sport in what looked like my size. There were signs all over that said removal of anything was prohibited, but as I turned to go back to my car a guy came out of the dump office and yelled "Do you want that bike?" "I wouldn't mind!" "Go ahead and take it." Sweet. So I wheeled it up to the car with a big grin and said to my surprised hubby, "We can fit this in the car right??" :-D. I've since measured it, it seems to be a 46cm frame with all Shimano components. It needs some work and I have neither the tools or the knowledge, but I can't wait to learn! Anyone know anything about this bike and want to offer suggestions on how to upgrade/fix it? I'd like flat bars and fatter tires, but that's all I've got for now as far as ideas.

markhr

Score!

The bike looks pristine.

beingtxstate

Man that is awesome!

I wish I dug into ppl's trash more

Seriously, great find!

roccobike

Outstanding find, can't beat the price! Does the label on the right rear of the top tube say "Triple Butted Chromoly Steel"? I have a Univega with that decal, and it has a very nice ride.
As for where to start to work on it, first I would wash/clean it to shine it up, use auto wax if needed to make it shine. I do that to increase my interest in the bike. Next, I would determine if everything is working, and fix whatever is not working first, followed immediately by cleaning the chain. Any bike that has sat for a while needs to have the chain cleaned to perform well. Next, I'd check the brakes. A bike that age usually needs new pads.
Some will say replace all the cables, housing, tires, and bar tape. If you're sure you want to ride the bike and don't mind spending the coin, you can make all those changes, but I like to try out the bike first.
Just make sure the brakes are satisfactory.
If you decide to keep it and you're looking to upgrade components, I'd upgrade the brake levers to aero, they look better and will increase the braking capability.

splytz1

Seeing that old Cannondale velcro water bottle "cage" brings back some memories... like that bike stepped out of the 80's!

20 years ago those things were all the rage - I think I had one on my Univega when I was a teenager, in fact.

That bike doesn't need much of anything - make sure the grease is good, chain's clean, cables and tires are in decent shape and it's good to go!

bonechilling

How do you guys just go to the dump? We have landfills here, but they're not the type of place where you just show up and poke around. The other dump is the river front, but I don't need any yard waste, used tires or stolen cars.

splytz1

Small towns usually have small town dumps that you drive into. You get a yearly permit. My dad used to load the trash into the station wagon every Saturday morning at 10am, then pick around in the scrap metal pile. They are also popular small-town gathering places to socialize, for some reason, despite the smell.

bonechilling

Interesting. I've only ever lived in the big city, so this is all foreign to me.

TBART

Excellent find!

dedhed

Many cities also have drop offs such as our "self help" locations for large items and such things as oil, batteries, yard waste, etc. I usually scan the metal dumpster when I'm there, but have never found anything nice, mostly stuff I've pulled some small parts off of and took the rest back the next time. I am still kicking myself for not grabbing the clean Honda Trail 70 last fall even though it was still on someones trailer and would have been an easy (and legal) grab. Decided I didn't need yet another "project" around the house even though it would have been a great blast from my past.

Farkleberrie

The label does indeed say "Triple Butted Chromoly Steel." Issues noted so far: a very flat front tire and rusty chain, cassette, and cables. Brakes look good, even the pads, though I think the front one needs to be adjusted since it's not centered over the tire. I'll probably replace the saddle as well.

Thanks for your suggestions. Unfortunately, I'm a complete newbie to maintenance so I can't tell just by looking how good the parts are unless they are very obviously bad :-). I do know the local mechanic at Eastern Mountain Sports and he might be willing to just look it over for me. This is definitely going to be my "learning" bike!

John E

All you need to know about brake pads for your new find is "salmon KoolStop with hreaded mounting studs."

Farkleberrie

You've just described our dump perfectly! We go every couple of weeks to do our recycling. Ours also has a shelf for books and we usually leave with a few of those. This was the first time I've ever noticed bikes, must be Spring cleaning time.

I also have fond memories of going to the dump with my father on Saturday mornings when I was a kid and checking out what others had tossed.

mike

Wow! fixing the tire, cables, and chain are so basic they almost don't need mention.

You might be able to just oil the chain and run it till it breaks. NOt tidy, I know, but do-able.

Brake cables on old bikes almost always require replacement or cleaning/lubricating. That is a cheap fix.

Coolio, Man!

Louis

Nice find, congratulations. I'm always amazed at how people through away good stuff like this.

hxzero

I should really go to the dump one of these days. I never see any good stuff in dumpsters either, it's always rusted out Electra beach cruisers and junk like that.

infinityeye

Funny, I have one I just put in the garbage can yesterday! It was just to 80s for my taste

BlankCrows

Nice bike. That one must've been a garage queen before you found it. The saddle even looks new. That tubing was on some of Univega's better offerings I believe.

ollo_ollo

Start by cleaning & lubricating everything. There is much information available, checkout Sheldon Brown's site and the Park Tools site for help. Hold off a while on the straight bars. Once you have the bike all cleaned & greased up, adjust the seat post/saddle and the current bars for height and angle, be careful to not exceed the maximum extension marks on the seat post and stem. Ride the bike in its current (as designed) configuration awhile and you may find you like it as is.

Farkleberrie

My dad is a mechanic and he said the same thing, that most rust is superficial. He said to coat it with some penetrating oil, let it sit, run the pedals and wipe it off. So I'm going to try some WD-40 later.

Farkleberrie

Yeah, I have considered that. As a child of the mountain bike age, I've never had a bike with drop bars. This might be a good chance to try them out. Plus I can't afford a lot of new parts at the moment. Ironically, I bought a new Surly Cross Check two weeks ago to use as a commuter.

jet sanchEz

It looks great! I would suggest that you not use WD-40 as a lubricant though, it makes things rather sticky and road grime will stick to the chain and gunk up your shifting. Do exactly as your dad said but just apply a little bit of oil onto the chain and wipe it off.

Timtruro

Take the reflectors off the wheels.

ticwanos

I do believe that the town dumps in New Hampshire must be the best dumps in the world! Amazing find!

bikingshearer 

You may also want to have the mechaninc reccommend a good bike repair and maitenance book, as well as making use of the Sheldon Brown and Park Tools on-line information. Also, make good use of the mechanics/repair area (whatever it's called) of Bike Foums - there are a bunch of knowledgeable folks there who can help answer questions (or point you to answers) to questions that you have trouble finding answers to anywhere else.

What a great find!! Your excitement over it is infectious. I'm delighted that bike ended up in the hands of someone who will appreciate it. With a little work now and a very little bit of maintenance over time, I bet that bike will last and ride great for many years yet.