Touring - Early to Mid 80's Univega Gran Tourismo

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SteverMD
03-19-06, 06:11 AM
Does anyone have information on the Univega Gran Tourismo line of bikes...I purchased mine in the early to mid 80s as best as I can recall, it has been rebuilt several times with traditional friction shifters etc..and I am now considering up grading to new components and wheels and using the bike for a European Tour late this summer...I am just wonder if its worth the investment.

I appreciate everyones help and input.

tacomee
03-19-06, 09:36 AM
It's lugged steel, isn't it? Nothing really better for touring.

How does it ride right now?

I'd say new hand built wheels would be a good start, but keep the rest of the drivetrain if it's in good shape. Friction works fine. So new wheels, new cables, repack and check the headset, a good set of panniers if you don't already have them. And the most important thing.......

.....the cash to enjoy Europe! Don't spend too much money on the bike, because touring isn't really about bikes. It's about your good time. Get the Univega upgraded/tuned enough to make the trip with breaking down and stay away from fancy, silly, cash draining upgrades. Spend your money enjoying the trip of a lifetime

Most of the real hardcore tour riders I personally know have crappy old MTBs. They spend most of their time/money on the ride, not the bike!
SteverMD
03-19-06, 02:43 PM
Tacomee....sounds like great advice...I appreciate the suggestion..

Thanks

Steve

Blue Order
04-19-06, 03:15 PM
Does anyone have information on the Univega Gran Tourismo line of bikes...I purchased mine in the early to mid 80s as best as I can recall, it has been rebuilt several times with traditional friction shifters etc..and I am now considering up grading to new components and wheels and using the bike for a European Tour late this summer...I am just wonder if its worth the investment.

I appreciate everyones help and input.I just picked up a Gran Turismo frameset. Lugged, triple-butted CroMo main tubes, CroMo stays, Mangalight forks. Lots of brazeons, a 41.5 inch wheelbase, 17.5 inch chainstays, but an 11 inch bottom bracket (which I find really baffling, considering that the bike is otherwise a well-thought out touring bike). Apparently built by Miyata on a Ben Lawee design, and imported to the U.S. by Lawee.

As far as I can tell, introduced in 1986 at a price of $399 (equivalent to $683.48 in 2005).

That's about all I know at this point.

And now a question of my own-- Does anybody know what steel was used for these bikes?