Korina

Appears to be in excellent condition. But is it worth $200?

Univega Via Carisma Mixtie - $200 (Sunnybrae)

bicycle frame material: steel
bicycle type: hybrid/comfort
frame size: Small
wheel size: 700C
Nice Univega Via Carisma. Mixtie with 3x7 drivetrain. Recently tuned up. $200

CliffordK

I was going to offer $20 for a 40 year old rust bucket!!!

But, that bike looks to be in good shape. I'm guessing the bike is somewhere around 20 years old.

I'm not a big fan of seat covers, but who knows what is hiding underneath. As always, expect a tuneup on a 20 year old bike.

The bike is probably Taiwanese made. Look for tags.

$200 is about the top end of what I'd expect to pay, but not out of the question either. Snag it if it is what you want.

wrk101

Nothing special for sure. If it has recently had full service (bearings and grease all around), fresh cables and housings, and in a hot market, sure.

Korina

Thanks @CliffordK and @wrk101.

madpogue 

It's closer to 30-32 or more years old. I have a diamond frame version of this bike, similar graphics and components, and I believe it's about an '89.

If the pandemic bike tax is still in effect in your location, it's a competitive price.

guy1138

FWIW, I just sold a fully tuned up, new tires, diamond frame Univega Via Montega for $300, and that was me giving a good deal because I wanted the money before christmas instead of waiting for spring. Also, mine had a really dope fuscia fade paint job.

Korina

Thanks, @guy1138. Being a mixte lowers its value, stupid as that seems, so $200 is about right.

guy1138

Yeah, on BF C&V "it is known" that mixte/step-thru frames are lower value than the "men's" equivalent bike, but in my experience it is the exact opposite. And honestly, I'm not really trying that hard to convince anyone else otherwise since I have pretty sweet mixte hustle going on.

True, the Mixte option was mostly offered on the entry level, "sport" road bikes of the day. Best case is that you find a mid range, full chromoly mixte, like the Miyata 310, or Univega Via Carisma or the Nishiki Seabring I eventually found {and built up with 600 Arabesque ::chef's kiss::}. But compared to the equivalent MEN'S bike, they are way more desirable. A Bridgestone 300 or RB-3 is just another nice, but ho-hum vintage road bike. The MIXTE version however is pure class and retro cool. For context I live in Austin, where vintage = cool, we have a lot of young female cyclists, good cycling infrastructure, a large university, and hills.

Korina

It's not just on BF; it's in North American culture. Anything with a dropped top tube that isn't a full suspension mountain bike is a "women's bike". As pretty as this specimen is, I already have a stunner that should arrive this month, give or take. Check out this hunk o' metal.


Soon, my Precious. Sooooon.

zukahn1

Price seems fair if all is good ride ready, As for year dating it/s a 87/88 only years for the yellow label biopeace crankset.

Korina

And yet, it doesn't have a chainstay-mounted U brake. Thanks for the dating.

guy1138

Whoah, can't wait to see more of that one!