Road Cycling - Univegas....

Anyone know the history of Univega? Ive been curious but it seems this company is all over the place. (japan, italy, germany)
I found an 80s univega (in my quest for a beater bike) that I might pick up. Where are/have these bikes been built???

Most Univegas were built in Taiwan, and are pretty good low-to-mid price bikes. The company ceased to exist a couple of years ago, when Derby bought the Raleigh name, and discontinued Univega due to market overlap. Univegas are cheap, reliable bikes.

All Univegas,especially the later ones were not cheap...And,HFC what difference does it make for a beater? The 1980s ones were Japan/Tiawan.Does it not say on the frame??:rolleyes: :rolleyes:

I believe that Univega was at its first incarnation
Italvega (at least thats the buzz at Classic Rendezvous),
they produced a pretty good frame during the bike boom
of the 70's. Italvega wasa racing bike marque devised by
California bicycle importer Ben Lawee to designate his top of the
line Italian made models. They didn't have the Mojo of say
Colnago or De Rosa and slipped quietly into obscurity, Italvega
did have some qa problems which precipitated the switch to
Univega. Nice frames made by any number of italian
framebuilders.
I would say a nice bike for a beater.

Marty

In their last incarnation Univegas were American made bikes owned by Derby. Columbus steel frames (Thron and the next step higher tubing) and Campy components. I own the entry level from 1999 with a Mirage/Veloce mix. I bought it so I'd have a ride while working on a couple of projects and still ride it as it's a decent bike.

Derby discontinued it and the current Raleigh "Heritage" series is very similar. A leftover from the late 1990s is probably a pretty good deal.

As has been mentioned above Univega had been around before as an Asian mfgr.

I read this thread yesterday after Pokey had posted and was left with an unsettling feeling.

It wasn't until late last night, while in my laboratory, that the discovery was made.

Having Pokey post right after D*Alex was like seeing Bruce Wayne and Batman in the same room at the same time.

Originally posted by Walter
In their last incarnation Univegas were American made bikes owned by Derby. Columbus steel frames (Thron and the next step higher tubing) and Campy components. I own the entry level from 1999 with a Mirage/Veloce mix. I bought it so I'd have a ride while working on a couple of projects and still ride it as it's a decent bike.

Derby discontinued it and the current Raleigh "Heritage" series is very similar. A leftover from the late 1990s is probably a pretty good deal.

As has been mentioned above Univega had been around before as an Asian mfgr.

The one Ive got in mind is a early to mid 80's model. converted to fixed gear....should be a good beater I think. Thanks for the info. on Univega to all.