Sterling Super Discovery
12-29-21, 11:23 PM
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Sterling Super Discovery
Ok, I know this is far from classic and even vintage would be a stretch. Anyway, I picked it up for $50 today cuz it was 0.5 miles from my house and upon inspection it was in v good shape and rode pretty damn nice. Tange cro-mo frame... not bad. Wheels spin true, freely, and have no play. Looks like it hadn't been used much. Seems like late 80s?
I had looked up Sterling before I went and the opinions on this site ranged from junk to almost-decent. Some thought it was a sub-brand of Univega, and in fact this came with a old Univega bottle (maybe worth more than the bike, haha). It's only 3x6 but shifts and rides great. Anyway, you don't see 'em very often and I figured I could ride for a while and probably sell it.
Here are some pics as-is, enjoy!
Not just the Discovery, it's the SUPER Discovery haha
I like these pedals, what are they?
Old Univega bottle, nice! Contains 1980's air?
Old SIS RD
I had looked up Sterling before I went and the opinions on this site ranged from junk to almost-decent. Some thought it was a sub-brand of Univega, and in fact this came with a old Univega bottle (maybe worth more than the bike, haha). It's only 3x6 but shifts and rides great. Anyway, you don't see 'em very often and I figured I could ride for a while and probably sell it.
Here are some pics as-is, enjoy!
Not just the Discovery, it's the SUPER Discovery haha
I like these pedals, what are they?
Old Univega bottle, nice! Contains 1980's air?
Old SIS RD
12-30-21, 06:55 AM
#2
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I had a 90's era Cycle Pro Millennium that looked exactly like your Sterling. My guess is they came from the same factory and it is a contract frame. Should be a good commuter or trail bike if it fits right.
12-30-21, 08:47 AM
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There are a few different Sterling brands but this one was owned by Lawee, so it is a sister brand to Univega. Lawee introduced their Sterling brand in 1985. Based on the rear derailleur, I'd place this one circa 1987-1989. The serial number may allow us to determine the exact year and manufacturer. The pedal brand is Victor, also known as VP.
12-30-21, 09:45 PM
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There are a few different Sterling brands but this one was owned by Lawee, so it is a sister brand to Univega. Lawee introduced their Sterling brand in 1985. Based on the rear derailleur, I'd place this one circa 1987-1989. The serial number may allow us to determine the exact year and manufacturer. The pedal brand is Victor, also known as VP.
12-31-21, 02:01 AM
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12-31-21, 03:10 PM
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There are a few different Sterling brands but this one was owned by Lawee, so it is a sister brand to Univega. Lawee introduced their Sterling brand in 1985. Based on the rear derailleur, I'd place this one circa 1987-1989. The serial number may allow us to determine the exact year and manufacturer. The pedal brand is Victor, also known as VP.
EDIT: looking at my pic, I see numbers that I missed initially
. So under the "D970" are these 6 numbers: 553473
Last edited by SDHawk; 12-31-21 at 05:00 PM. Reason: found more info
12-31-21, 03:17 PM
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Another Brand, like Sterling Automobiles... gone.
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12-31-21, 03:26 PM
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Double butted CrMo frame, thumb shifters, long Shimano brake levers -- what's not to like?
__________________
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
12-31-21, 06:30 PM
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DS70
553473
That would make it a 1987 model manufactured in May by the Dodsun Bicycle & Machinery Company of Taiwan.
12-31-21, 08:28 PM
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Btw, cleaned the bike, lubed external stuff, and went on short ride. It's pretty cool, only negatives are 18 speed doesn't have as fine a gradation and it's a lil heavy on the uphill. Neither are deal breakers, and it's super smooth... I'm gonna keep and ride for a while.
Happy new year 🎊
12-31-21, 11:39 PM
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Everything about that is classic and vintage. Nice find!! What size is it? (top tube/seat tube lengths)
01-01-22, 11:46 AM
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Hey, thanks. Seat tube is 21.5" and top tube is 22.5". It feels fine, tho at 5'7" I usually fit 18-20". So on this one I have the seat low, only about an inch of seatpost showing.
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01-15-22, 10:49 AM
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Just following up, here's a few more pics. I love the way it rides, even with the poofy seat haha. 'll probably sell it though, just cuz I have too many, not to mention I just got a a Fisher HKII that's more my size. Will post that one next.
01-16-22, 11:12 AM
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These bikes are grossly under-appreciated (non-suspension mountain bikes with good quality tubing, construction and components).
They are almost bullet-proof, ride comfortably, can do anything and have gearing that can take you anywhere.
Good score!
They are almost bullet-proof, ride comfortably, can do anything and have gearing that can take you anywhere.
Good score!
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01-16-22, 12:17 PM
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