EvilScotsman12

Hi to everyone who reads this,

Was browsing Gumtree recently when this bike pop up and caught my attention. Its a Univega Alpine currently being sold for £45 which seems like a steal though was curious as to whether it was worth it.

Please find a link to the bike itself https://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/ge...ike/1034390066

From the describe give it A Univega Alpina Racelite 506 hybrid bike with 21 gears, a 23 inch frame, quick release alloy wheels and the frame is a racelite 4130-os oversized chromoly double-butted + chain stays. Just wondering if this is anything special pretty bogstandard. I only really ask because I'm growing a bit tired riding my father's old Viking Vision Steel Frame MTB and whether this would be a decent upgrade.

Thanks in advance to those that help, its greatly appreciated.

Bianchigirll 

Univega Alpina bikes were mountain bikes. this one looks like maybe a '94ish model with maybe shimano STX componets. It should be pretty decent bike, I'd offer the seller $125 for it but I would certainly ask for better pics or go see it first.

WesternFlyer18

Hi - I bought a similar bike last spring for $70(the woman wanted 100) and I found it to have an unusually good ride and balance. I don't ride trails, this was only in the city. Unfortunately, someone broke my lock and stole it from an event I attended, and after buying 3 more mountain bikes I haven't hit on the same qualities as that Univega.Maybe the Vetta gel seat helped, those are tough to find also.

EvilScotsman12

Hmm, if your saying around $125 for it and the seller is selling it for £45 (£35 if I can haggle them down) that sounds like a pretty good bargain for a complete bike. Seller can't provide anymore picture for it but I'll probably go have a look at it tomorrow.

EvilScotsman12

Ah, that's good to hear, I mostly ride road to work with a bit of bumpy pathway and offroad trail when it appears so this might do the good if the ride is good. For £45 for it (£35 if I can haggle the seller down) leaves room for some improves on it.

oddjob2

This summer, I bought the same sized Univega Alpina for a drop bar conversion for $25 US, as a project bike, not road ready. The frame geometry is substantially different, longer head tube, quill stem, it may be a few years older as it had Suntour XCM group. I think the frame is kind of an uninspiring rider, even after adding road slicks. It did not engage me like a similar vintage Trek, Miyata, or Specialized MTB. YMMV.

EvilScotsman12

Ah oki doki, from what I can tell on the one for sale, its using Cantilever brakes with what could be Shimano drivetrain parts. Also, from what I can tell the racelite 4130 frames tend to be very good for what they were. Though still not sure, will go check it out tomorrow and get an idea if its worth a buy.

zukahn1 

Well these are exceptionl riders for hardframe MTBS's price is largely based on condition. In fair condition you can usually get one for $75-100. Yet in very good condition one would be a worthwhile buy for a commuter $125-150. As noted these make great bikes to build up as commuters or touring bikes.

EvilScotsman12

Well, picked the bike up today for a clean £40. Its fully intact with new tyres, brake pads and cable. The pedals are a bit corroded on it along with some spot on the frame but nothing too serious. Frame is straight and true as well.
From what I can see it is fitted with Deore quick release brakes and brake handles, has quick fire 7 speed shifter and pretty new looking Shimano STX rear and from derailleurs.
Cassette on the back looks pretty good nick as well, though the front chainset is a bit tired. Appears to be some teeth worn or broken on the biggest ring, so most likely will need replace.
Took her for a quick spin, lovely ride on her so think I've definetly bagged a bargain here.

WesternFlyer18

Congrats Scotsman - I'm a big fan of the older steelframed MTB, I am drawn to the ones with a horizontal toptube. I like the long wheelbase and "manliness" of a normal looking bicycle, no curvy or puffed-up with air frame tubes. Just not my thing.
Here's one I like a lot, an old Marin in dayglo green, $60. I put street tires on it and a better seat, it rides great.
Enjoy your Univega.

oddjob2

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