Classic & Vintage - Is this a good deal? 1989 one owner Univega Touring Bike Tripple crank

Hello,
I have been riding around town on my mountain bike and really want to get a road bike. My budget is thin and I am looking for something that I won't regret purchasing. The Hartford area has little to offer on Craigslist. I have spoke with this guy a couple times and I think he will sell me this bike for $225. Please give it a look and respond. I have read lots of threads and posts from this site and am truly looking for some good advice.

http://hartford.craigslist.org/bik/693258882.html

Thank you in advance,
wdr61

If it's the right size for you, I think $225 is not unreasonable for that bike given what seems to be excellent condition, but keep in mind that it's best suited for touring and distance riding and not for zipping around town.

Neal

Hello,
I have been riding around town on my mountain bike and really want to get a road bike. My budget is thin and I am looking for something that I won't regret purchasing. The Hartford area has little to offer on Craigslist. I have spoke with this guy a couple times and I think he will sell me this bike for $225. Please give it a look and respond. I have read lots of threads and posts from this site and am truly looking for some good advice.

http://hartford.craigslist.org/bik/693258882.html

Thank you in advance,
wdr61Well worth $225. At $300, it's at the very high end of what it's worth. However, keep in mind I'm talking about it's market value. In terms of what you're getting for the money, Univega is under-appreciated; this is a great bike.

If it's the right size for you, I think $225 is not unreasonable for that bike given what seems to be excellent condition, but keep in mind that it's best suited for touring and distance riding and not for zipping around town.

NealI think as a commuter OR long distance tourer it would be a great bike. As a road racing bike, not so great. Then again, a road racing bike would be a poor choice for a commuter.

IMHO for $225 it is a good deal. I think it would fetch between $200-$300 on ebay and then you would have to add in the cost of shipping if you bought it there. Are you sure it is the right size for you? That is more important than price. If it is too small or too large it will be uncomfortable to ride. I would go give it a spin and offer $200. You can always come up in price and it may need a tune up etc. I have sold a number of Univega's and think that in general, they are very well made bikes. Let us know how it works out and good luck!:)

Looks like a good bike. I recently purchased a very similar Univega Gran Turismo with probably 1,000 to 1,500 miles on it and I love it. Looks like this one is in even better condition.

As noted, it's a good commuter / around town / touring bike. It will be a lot "racier" than your mountain bike but still isn't a lightweight road-racing bike.

One nice thing about the bike you're showing -- it has a lot of little extras that add up if you had to buy them separately -- rear rack, two water bottle cages, a pump. That's $50 to $75 worth of stuff if you bought it new, right there.

One more thing -- even though the tires/tubes aren't "worn out" from wear they are likely aged. I'd replace them; look at Bike Nashbar for some good deals on 27-inch tires. And replace the tubes while you're at it; they're not expensive but rubber does age with time.

One caveat-- it has biopace chainwheels. They're ovalized, not round, to help with climbing with a loaded bike. Some people love them and swear by them (easy on the knees), some people hate them and replace them with round chainrings.

Sheldon on Biopace (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/biopace.html)

That would make a stellar commuter bike. For me, it would definitely be worth $225, and probably $300 if it was going to be my only bike. Since I've gotten my Univega touring bike, my "racing" bikes see little to zero ride time. It's the best bike I've ever owned by a long shot.

Very encouraging! I spoke with the guy a week ago. After reading something here about a guy buying one for $150, I told him that I do not have a lot of money, which is true and that I know the bike would be a deal at $150. He said he would keep me in mind. Since then I have sent him several emails cause I think the bike would be great and I am having trouble finding any other. Today we spoke and he indicated that he would show me the bike tomorrow. So I don't really know the price. Somewhere between $150 and $300. I am 5' 8" tall I think this bike will fit me. What do you think?

The bike will probably fit you well enough unless you're oddly proportioned in some way. I'm 5'9" and it would be too small for my liking, but I also prefer a frame that's a little on the large side. Not sure why. Regardless, even it were slightly small you could work around that with a new stem and seat adjustments.

I'm 5'8" with a 32 inch inseam (leg, not pant), and that Univega would be a perfect fit for me.

That's a great bike and as others have said, I think the price is reasonable.

I'm envious...I've never had any "touring bike" pop up on my local CL.

That's a great bike and as others have said, I think the price is reasonable.

I'm envious...I've never had any "touring bike" pop up on my local CL.

Don't feel too bad. I've been watching my local Craigslist for some time now, and I've only seen two touring bikes the entire time. (and I promptly bought both of them. :D)

Very encouraging! I spoke with the guy a week ago. After reading something here about a guy buying one for $150, I told him that I do not have a lot of money, which is true and that I know the bike would be a deal at $150. He said he would keep me in mind. Since then I have sent him several emails cause I think the bike would be great and I am having trouble finding any other. Today we spoke and he indicated that he would show me the bike tomorrow. So I don't really know the price. Somewhere between $150 and $300. I am 5' 8" tall I think this bike will fit me. What do you think?

Worth the money, for sure. for really general fit:

http://www.trekbikes.com/faq/questions.php?questionid=33

Danny

One caveat-- it has biopace chainwheels. They're ovalized, not round, to help with climbing with a loaded bike. Some people love them and swear by them (easy on the knees), some people hate them and replace them with round chainrings.

Sheldon on Biopace (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/biopace.html)

I doubt most people can feel a difference - I sure can't! If for some reason you don't want them (and I can't imagine why), clean them up and list them on ebay. Watch the feeding frenzy!

I'll +1 the previous comments. It's definitely worth $225. If I was in the market for a solid commuter, and didn't already have too many bikes, I would probably even jump on it for $300. Modern touring bikes start at around $900. I'm surprised it hasn't sold.

If it's in the condition he describes, it's pretty much a no brainer. Budget some money for brake pads, perhaps new tires, some bearing balls, and maybe a new saddle, depending on your preference. You'll definitely want to repack the bearings, clean and lube the drivetrain (though it looks mighty clean already), grease the cables, and check the tension on the wheels.

If you plan on riding a lot, you'll benefit from learning to wrench for yourself. The Mechanics forum here, Sheldon Brown's website, and parktool.com are invaluable resources. You'll also want a good set of basic tools.

Good luck!

I doubt most people can feel a difference - I sure can't!

I have biopace on my MTB and I don't notice any difference.

Well I just talked to the guy and I have an appointment to meet him tomorrow. Can't believe how excited I am. This thread makes me feel like I am getting the deal of a lifetime! I think this bike has my name on it. Thanks for all the input. If the deal falls through I will be extremely disappointed.
Bill

Jeez. I'm almost temped to scoot up there from New Haven tomorrow and steal it out from under ya!!!

Enjoy the bike.

I'm surprised this bike is still available. I've seen it twice in the Boston Craigslist, which is on fire for nice bikes of this vintage. If it was closer and slightly larger I'd have bought it. :) I've been looking for a nice Univega for a while, and all so far are either too far away or sold immediately. Two have been 23" Viva Sports for $40. I missed out on both. *grumble*

If this one fits you, it's an excellent purchase. Definitely worth $225.

I had a similar Univega tourer from a year or two earlier. The frame work was nice (frame was made by Miyata, IIRC), but keep in mind these are very stiff when you're riding them around unloaded. It won't ride like a regular steel road bike from the same era. It actually felt a little stiffer than my steel hardtail mountain bike (I weigh about 190).

So how did it go? Did you buy the bike?

If you would be interested in a smoking deal for your wife, here's a good-quality Fuji mixte in Connecticut for $20:

Fuji Sagres mixte (http://cgi.ebay.com/Fugi-Sagress-Valite-Butted-Tubing-29-unisex-Bike-tlc_W0QQitemZ270243005838QQihZ017QQcategoryZ98084QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

EDIT: In fact, he's got several bikes for sale for $20 (http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZrockybabydog1). Some good bargains in there for Connecticut buyers...

My 1986 Univega Gran Turismo - 62cm

It is my favorite ride and the most versatile bike in my stable - can't wait to mount my generator, lights and a front low-rider rack and take it on tour.

More pictures can be found at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/97652170@N00/sets/72157621793160091/

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3529/3779074997_262610149c_b.jpg