Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - 1980's Univega Viva Sport

Hey guys,

Been reading around the forum for a while and i finally picked up a bike for myself. I was wondering if anyone can tell me how much if any this bike is worth. Im just curious considering i didn't pay anything for it.

Its a classic Univega 12 speed road bike in beautiful black double butted chrome moly Bdenum steel frame made in Japan, its got red lettering, new tires, red brake cables, Sram chain, Blackburn aluminum water bottle cage and Specialized seat. Suntour "Symetric" (rear) and Campagnolo (front) derailleurs, dia-compe brakes and Sakae Custom "Road Champion" aluminum headstock and bars. The bike is very clean and has no metal fatigue, rust or any visible tweaks. Does not seem like its ever been in a major accident to my knowledge.

Thanks for the input.

Posting some good pics will help a lot.

This thread has some good info and history in it:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=420058&highlight=viva+sport+univega

This guy paid $120 for his:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=457292&highlight=viva+sport+univega

The bottle cage and chain brand really don't affect value. What does is the type and brand of wheels, crankset, and model of derailleurs. Each brand of derailleurs has multiple product levels, from low end basic units to high end models.

Assuming this bike a relatively generic Univega, with cromoly frame, assuming aluminum rims, quick release hubs (is the rear wheel quick release?), I would estimate value at $165. I sold a similar Univega a couple of months ago at that price, it was very clean and ready to ride. Basically, the generic good branded cromoly framed bikes from the 1980s, with alloy rims and alloy crankset (no cotter pins), downtube shifters, and so on, are worth from about $150 to $200.

Univegas, Lotus, Miyata, Panasonic, Bridgestone, and Schwinn all had some good Japanese built bikes in the 1980s. I have five of them right now that meet that description, and have sold several other '80s Japanese bikes recently. Sold a nice Univega yesterday for $135, but it was a hybrid.


Just noticed you are in LA, that should inflate the value a bit.

If you are looking to ride vintage, sounds like you have got a decent bike to start with.I'd take it to a reputable LBS and have them give it the once over.Most will do it for free. Ask if they see anything.