tastywinnamon

*UPDATED*

I've found a nice Univega on Craigs. I only swear by Univega, and this looks to be like a great deal. What do you guys think?

*Will it fit?
*Does it look OK to ride?

https://tampa.craigslist.org/psc/bik/4247287533.html

I have contacted the seller asking the frame size, but I'd just like a second opinion. Does it look like a good fit? I'm 5'3" with a 28" inseam. I REALLY love Univega cycles, and I'd be disappointed if this wouldn't fit.

Much appreciated!

aixaix 

They are both too large for you. Unless you have very long limbs, you need to find a frame no larger than 21".

tastywinnamon

Thank you.

oddjob2

+1 Way too big, both are for riders half a foot taller. You need a 49cm frame.

Both bikes are about 35 years old. The Shogun frame is a chromoly, a higher grade of steel than the Fuji G.T., which is high tensile.

https://classicfuji.com/GranTourer_1979_PageB.htm

both ikes need a full reconditioning, which can run $200 at a local bike shop.

tastywinnamon

Thanks everyone.

I've found 2 new bikes that I am interested in.

https://tampa.craigslist.org/psc/bik/4292024857.html

https://tampa.craigslist.org/psc/bik/4295559845.html

The price for the GT is pretty hefty in my opinion, but is it worth it? 19" frame, I've heard good things about the GT brand, has a steel frame. Any good?

I had no idea Panasonic made bikes, the specs seem pretty good.

Which would be a better deal?

Thanks.

howsteepisit

there are issuers with both. The GT has a brifter as well as a front Dt shifter, the frame mounted shifter is the active one. Fork looks to be a replacement. Don't know what the frame material is.

The Panasonic does not look to be fully refurbished to me, its dirty and not clean. Also what does retro original paint mean? Is it repainted or not? Someone else needs to chime in on the quality of the 4000 model, Looks OK but not spectacular.

I feel neither seller is being honest so beware.

SkyDog75

Is it just me, or do those frames look bigger than 19" (~48 cm)? I mean, for one, the head tube on my bike's 53 cm frame is noticeably shorter than either of those. Secondly, the diameter of a 700c wheel with 23mm tire is a little over 26". The top tubes on both those bikes are definitely more than 2" above the height of the wheel. Standover height isn't everything, but if the OP's actual inseam is 28", he couldn't come close to straddling those bikes. If his pant leg is 28", meaning his actual inseam is more like 30", he might be able to straddle the Panasonic. The GT still looks too tall.

I'll also second the concerns about the bikes...

The GT has all sorts of mismatched parts, assembled who-knows-how-well, plus a disconnected shift mechanism on one brifter, indicating it might be broken. (The seller lists the 105 brifters as an upgrade, but broken shifters aren't an upgrade!) Without a thorough mechanical inspection, I'd steer clear of this one at any price.

The Panasonic doesn't look "restored". Tuned up maybe. Semantics aside, it definitely seems like it was better cared-for. You may not have heard of Panasonic bikes, but they had a reputation for making pretty good ones. Comparing this bike to pics on the "Panasonic Bike Museum" web site, the one you linked appears to be a 1989 model. While it may be a decent bike in reasonable shape, $265 is too expensive for a middle-of-the-lineup 25-year-old Panasonic in my opinion.

oddjob2

Those frames are still too big for a 5'3" rider. Seller's often get it wrong. You need to study the photos and look for frames that have a short head tube, where the fork passes through the frame. Below is an example of what a 19" or 49cm frame looks like.



Here is 21" or 52cm frame.



Here is a 22" or 56cm frame. I'll update this photo when the tires and saddle are installed.



Here is a 23" or 58cm frame.

Poguemahone

+1. Both the Panasonic and GT look to be about 55cm. Definitely not 48cm, which are quite hard (though not impossible) to find.

Improper fit over-rides all concerns about bikes' quality/quality of build.

tastywinnamon

Thanks again everyone. I've found a really nice Univega on the Craigs and I'd really love to know if the frame looks OK for a 5'3" rider with a 28" inseam. I only swear by Univega and I'd be disappointed if it appears to be too tall. It seems pretty small to me. What are your thoughts? I already contacted the seller, but I'd like a second opinion.

Poguemahone

If it is this one:
https://tampa.craigslist.org/psc/bik/4247287533.html

The front fork appears to be a replacement and I would be checking for frame damage, esp. on the down and top tubes.

If it is this one:

https://tampa.craigslist.org/psc/bik/4342018537.html

the price is insane. And the original tires being on the bike is not a selling point. Probably in need of an overhaul.

tastywinnamon

Goodness no! Not the Supra Sport!

I'm OK with the front forks on the Maxima. I just really love Univega bicycles. As long as its ride-able, it's fine for now. I am willing to put down money later on for repairs if needed.

Do you believe it would be an OK fit for me? (5'3" male, 28" inseam)

Much appreciated!

Poguemahone

That ad is two months old, who knows if you will get a reply.

It would probably fit, but I see signs of a front end collision... ie, the replacement fork.

Check the down and top tubes, just behind the head tubes, for rippling in the steel or cracking in the paint.

Turn the handlebars side to side, and see if the headset binds during the turn. Make sure its' not the brake cable.

While straddling the bike, depress the front brake lever and engage the brake. Push the bike back and forth. If you feel a clicking, that's bad.

If any of these three things are present, I would pass. Doesn't matter if it fits-- the bike may have been in a front end collision and steering will be wonky.

tastywinnamon

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind when I check it out.

The guy actually replied to me last night, just waiting for a response.

Poguemahone

Good luck.

BTW, those three things I told you to check for are good things to look for in any used bike.

digger531

You should have started a new thread. Very few people are going to read this far to figure out whats going on.

I wouldn't wager money that the fork is a replacement. A lot of bikes had chrome forks back in the day (I miss "the day"). No reason not to be cautious, just saying. It does look like it will fit but is pretty high priced for a low end Uni. Considering how long its been listed I would offer $80 and SLOWLY go up to no more than $120.

Poguemahone

Low end Univegas did not have fully chromed forks; I would proceed with caution. Here's a pic of that model:



There are good reasons to change out a fork, but too many of them involve damage, so caution is warranted.

+1 on the new thread; changing the original post all the time is slightly confusing. We do muddle thru on this board, however.

tastywinnamon

Thanks a lot everyone.

I actually talked to the guy today over the phone and I am planning on picking it up tomorrow. I asked about the forks and he said he brushed them to look chrome.