UKFan4Sure

I am thinking about picking this up at my local "retailer" for my wife. For about a buck 20 is it a pretty good deal? Does anyone know what steel the frame is made of? I know it's a Japanese built bike, but don't know much about the Univega brand.

Thanks!!!

UKFan4Sure

More..

UKFan4Sure

The last of them.

merziac

Heck ya, hurry!

UKFan4Sure

Guess I'll hop on over on my lunch tomorrow then.

Kevindale

My 1980 Gran Premio is Tange Champion. As you likely know, the Gran Premio was the road bike just below the pro models, at least for most years. Basically the club racer bike. That one looks like it's in almost brand new condition. I'm pretty sure that's the original saddle, along with everything else. Without looking at the catalogs, I'm going to guess it's mid-80s with that pump peg. You can date them from the serial number: a leading 'K' means 1982 build, 'L' for 1983, etc. Definitely grab it at that price.

Kevindale

Looks like an '87. I think you've got the tubing decal in your first post.

zukahn1 

Great bike from 84/85 or so based on the full sprint groupo worth at least 2x the asking price if it has no issues. I would say go fast if you want it this bike will likely be gone in less than a day.

T-Mar

This Univega was made by Miyata, who were arguably the best of the Japanese mass volume manufacturers. It is manufactured using Miyata's proprietary triple butted CrMo tubing, manufactured in their own mill. A Gran Premio with friction shifting SunTour Sprint components should be a 1986 model. As previously noted, the exact frame manufacturing date can be determined from the serial number. In 1986,the Gran Premio was 3rd from the top of the road line. Original price would have been ~$500 US.

UKFan4Sure

Thanks, everyone. Went over and paid for it today. I asked the lady who was selling it if she could do any better on the price, and she marked it down to $100. Pretty nice of her, I'd say!

It's going to need a good cleaning up and some tinkering with, but seems like a nice ride to me. I initially thought it would be too small for me, but I think it's OK.

StarBiker

That handlebar arrangement looks familiar.

daf1009

Got yourself a very good deal...have fun with it...

UKFan4Sure

I checked on this today, and it is the letter N, so I assume it's an 1985 build. It also has 56 stamped in a different direction, longitudinal with the frame. So, I am guessing that was the frame size. My measurements show a 56 Center to Center. Thanks for the info!!

I inflated the tires today and cleaned the bike up on my stand. One tire went boom, so I'm glad I wasn't on a ride. I swapped both of them out for some older Gatorskins I had.

I can't believe how smooth this bike is. It is literally amazing. I dare say it rides quieter and smoother than the De Rosa? Maybe that's just my imagination.... Anyhow, I am quite impressed. This is certainly a quality bike with really nice components and frame.

My hoods are really gummy and sticky. Is that normal? Are replacements available. i hate that yucky feeling. It's almost like it comes off on your hands. Keeping that white hood clean is nearly impossible. Seriously.

UKFan4Sure

I fixed that today. Looks a lot better now.

StarBiker

I just like to ride that way. I am to cheap to start buying parts I don't need.

The Vredestein tires suck though. Gatorskin on the back, soon to be one on the front.

Anyway best of luck with the Univega.

T-Mar

While the frame was manufactured in 1985, it was probably built later in the year and is therefore a 1986 model. The 1985 Gran Premio was mainly SunTour Cyclone with a Superbe rear derailleur. SunTour did not introduce Sprint until the 1986 model year.

You can narrow down the manufacturing date by the 2nd alpha character in the serial number, as this represents the fortnight of the calendar year. Typically, anything "S" or higher would represent the upcoming model year, though this could vary somewhat.

UKFan4Sure

Thanks, T-Mar, the first letters are NU, so I reckon it's an 86 then.

I've never owned a bike with Suntour components before. I am really impressed.

Guess it's one more bike for me to find a bunk for.

If I drag one more bike in the basement, my wife is going to have pretty good proof to the Judge that she should have Power of Attorney.

Here is a picture after I got it home and got it all shined up. Excuse the background mess.

I have a friend I ride with that has fallen in love with it.

BTW, as I was hoping, it indeed has Sprint hubs on those rims, also. So nice!! They spin forever!!

T-Mar

With an October 1985 frame manufacturing date and components that were introduced for the 1986 model year, there is no doubt that it is a 1986 model. While Sprint was a very nice performing mid-range group, it had the misfortune of being released the same year that Shimano trickled down SIS to the mid-range with New 600EX. Selling a friction shifting Sprint equipped model was relatively difficult hard, compared to an indexed shifting New 600EX model. It only makes what you have a bit more rare. Enjoy!

UKFan4Sure

T-Mar for President!

What a knowledge base you have in that cranium! You have a very Bigly brain...