Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Univega Viva Touring worth buying?
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lifeasparadox
03-25-09, 05:50 PM
Ok so I just wanted to get some quick advice from you guys since you probably know more about Univega than I do. So I am in the market for a new frame for a project bike, I already have all the parts for a complete bike to start off with but I need a frame. The bike comes with brakes, shifters, seatpost, etc, but no wheels which is fine.
Its definitely not amazing bargain at $100 but I just need your take on it to see if its even worth it. The frame/forks are in really good shape, no rust or dents. Thanks for the help.
High Fist Shin
03-25-09, 06:01 PM
Does it have cantilever brakes? If "yes" then I would say its worth it. The Viva Touring is an excellent touring frameset with extra braze-ons for front and rear racks, fenders and chain slap guard on the chain stay.
Lots of nice features. Are you building a touring bike?
The Viva Touring models from the early 1980s are nothing special. Plain gauge CrMo main frames with hi-tensile stays and forks. Took 27" wheels. Basically, an ecomonical touring bicycle, one step above entry level. The complete bicycle only sold for about $300 US circa 1983/1984, so $100 seems like a lot, if iot's one of these. Maybe the later models are better. You need to ask the seller some specifics about the tubing label and/or get the serial number.
I just sold one last week (85' I believe) and it was triple butted tubing. It had all the braze ons for racks, fenders, but only had two water bottle bosses and did not have a low rider fork braze on. It was a nice bike and it was originally purchased to be a project of mine The top tube was too short for me to use so I fixed it up and sold it.
Here is a picture (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3543/3352057644_dc86e25d9f.jpg) of the one I sold.
USAZorro
03-25-09, 06:30 PM
Moving to Vintage Value Inquiry.
Pretty much any Univega with alloy rims and cromoly frame is worth more than $100. This one is a lower end bike in their line, but still a good value at that price.
Correction: Worth it even without wheels. Find a donor bike or post a WTB on Craigs List and you should able to get some wheels at a reasonable (low) cost.
What kind of crankset?
lifeasparadox
03-25-09, 06:52 PM
Well it does have the cantilever brakes on it with the setup for fenders/rack. I forgot to check what the tubing was but I believe it was the Chromoly. Again it doesnt come with the rims.
This frame I was actually looking to get as part of my single/fixie project thats in progress. Any insight as far as that goes in relation to that?
P.S. Thanks for the moving the thread, didnt notice this one.