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09-30-11, 06:08 PM
Way back in 1980 I saw a Univega road bike (they weren't called that at the time) with 3 chainrings up front. It had a total of 15 speeds. My 19 year old self was amazed by the technology. And the brakes weren't side pull or center pull- they were something called cantilever. Beyond belief, it was. I wanted this fantastic bike.
So this last June I was scrolling through Craigslist when I saw a Gran Turismo for sale. Had to have it, never mind the condition. $40.00 from a guy who had a garage full of bikes of all types and conditions. The Univega was beyond his level of commitment. More of a clean and lube flipper. He was honest, I was OK with the price, capitalism worked. It's a 1982.
I quickly went overboard. The rims were trashed. A set from a Peugeot complete with new Cheng Shin 27x1-1/4 tires for $25.00 showed up at the right time. Ordered Jagwire cables, Koolstop pads, and a no kidding Brooks B-17. Had the frame sandblasted and powdercoated. Worth every penny. The rest of the components were cosmetically aged but unworn. Bike looked like it lived outside leaning against a garage for the last 29 years. Only one stuck fastener in the whole bike, a chainring bolt. A $7.00 Blackburn rack finished off the bike.
Don't know if it's the touring geometry, the steeliness of the frame, the big tires or the Brooks, but this is the most comfortable bike I have ever ridden. Put about 60 miles on it in shake-down rides. Took it to the library today. It's a heavy bike, but having the triple up front works out nicely. The ride took me through areas of road construction and bad pavement- no problem.
Going to change the stock pedals for my standard Crank Bros Candy-Cs. Need a bottle cage and some kind of lighting. My new favorite bike.
So this last June I was scrolling through Craigslist when I saw a Gran Turismo for sale. Had to have it, never mind the condition. $40.00 from a guy who had a garage full of bikes of all types and conditions. The Univega was beyond his level of commitment. More of a clean and lube flipper. He was honest, I was OK with the price, capitalism worked. It's a 1982.
I quickly went overboard. The rims were trashed. A set from a Peugeot complete with new Cheng Shin 27x1-1/4 tires for $25.00 showed up at the right time. Ordered Jagwire cables, Koolstop pads, and a no kidding Brooks B-17. Had the frame sandblasted and powdercoated. Worth every penny. The rest of the components were cosmetically aged but unworn. Bike looked like it lived outside leaning against a garage for the last 29 years. Only one stuck fastener in the whole bike, a chainring bolt. A $7.00 Blackburn rack finished off the bike.
Don't know if it's the touring geometry, the steeliness of the frame, the big tires or the Brooks, but this is the most comfortable bike I have ever ridden. Put about 60 miles on it in shake-down rides. Took it to the library today. It's a heavy bike, but having the triple up front works out nicely. The ride took me through areas of road construction and bad pavement- no problem.
Going to change the stock pedals for my standard Crank Bros Candy-Cs. Need a bottle cage and some kind of lighting. My new favorite bike.