univega.duder

I'm considering purchasing a used Univega Specialissima - the asking price is $420. From the photos it appears to be in good condition though I'm a little thrown by the Blackburn style rack that appears to be bent? I'm wondering if that might indicate it was overloaded at some point? Or perhaps the rack was designed that way? I've never seen one with that particular bend.

Are there any other things I should be concerned about? I'm buying this for my tall friend who is 6'2". I'd prefer 700c wheels but otherwise I really like the bike - I happen to have this same bike in a size 57 that I ride and love. I'd love to get any opinions. Thank you!

Bianchigirll 

Seems odd to me that a bike more suited to touring would be named Specialissma

Its kinda tall does it fit?

panzerwagon 

Beautiful, original condition. Those are the rare NGC 450 centre-pull brakes-- but one of the pivot bolts appears to have been replaced (should match the black allen bolts). The brake lever hoods look like incorrect replacements, but a minor issue. These centre-pull brake models are easier to convert to 700c (using longer reach calipers), if ever desired.

Has the wonderful Suntour ratcheting barcon shifters, and cyclone derailleurs. I can't quite tell from the photo, but are those braze-on cable-stops for the shifter cables in place of downtube shifters? If so, I've never seen that before, and I own three Specialissimas. Mine all have either clamp-on shifters or clamp-on cable stops. Can you share the serial number from under the bottom bracket?

The seat pin is sitting pretty low, which means the possibility of moisture and corrosion down the flutes-- I would make sure it moves freely (also check the stem). Brake tracks on rims look pretty worn-- inspect carefully.

RE: the rack. Definitely deformed. Mine has this same model, which was fairly common on Miyata and Univega tourers of the era. I would try to figure out if the damage took place on this bike or not. Closely inspect the seat stays. From this distance, it looks as if the front third of the rack was overloaded, as the vertical struts that connect to the dropouts look straight. I certainly wouldn't trust this rack in future, but replacements are plentiful.

Looks like a decent candidate. I would probably negotiate price down a bit, depending on your local market.

plonz 

Well-regarded 80s touring bike. Indeed early 80s since it’s not only missing the usual array of tourer braze ons, it doesn’t even have water bottle bosses on the seat tube. $420 probably means the seller is looking for $400. My tops would be $300.

Bianchigirll 

panzerwagon looks brazeon to me

panzerwagon 

You're right, and it looks consistent with various 1981 examples on the 'net.

OP-- I think you can do better on price, but I'm unfamiliar about the market in MA.
For example, here's one in Dallas for 220, although not as original as your example: https://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/bi...463377786.html

bikemig 

Concur with the other posters, this bike is at the top end of what it might be worth but it is in great shape with a lot of very nice parts. I like the derailleurs and that 86 bcd crank. The brakes were (and are) expensive and beautifully made but there are, I believe, threads on BF criticizing these brakes.

You could easily convert this to 700c which should allow you to run a little fatter tire but you may have to replace the brakes. This bike might also be a good 650b candidate as well.

wrk101

If it was just a couple of years newer, it would have been top of the line with cantilever brakes. I'd pass on this one. But if it was the cantilever brake version, I would go for it.

tjfastback66

I bought mine for $45 and the seller bought it new in California. He knew what he had but was moving and desperate to sell. They say that the frameset is the same as the very popular Miyata 1000.
After a full restoration this exact bike rides incredibly well - is the bike you are looking at worth $400? Just ditch the rear rack and buy it - don't think that you would have any regrets. Besides, its only money.


My 10 month project is nearly complete. The saddle needs to go!

Schreck83 

Re: the bent rack, that is a tall frame and the rack is likely an after-market installation. Tall frames require racks with different geometry for the top to be horizontal. Even though this one is adjustable, it is at the end of it's adjustment range and so was probably bent so that the braze-on rack eyelets could be used. The OEM rack would have fit properly and was likely not adjustable.

Here is an after-market rack on a 24.5" frame with 700c wheels: