TheatreME

My roommate just managed to grab a free Univega Specialissima for free from a relative after someone stole her ride, and I am trying to get some information for her.

It looks to be an older Univega Specialissima:
52cm
Dia Compe breaks/levers
Bar end shifter
SR Apex triple
Suntour Cyclone derailers
Tange headset?

I know nothing about older components, so I just wanted to give her an idea of whats whats, and a quick forum search did not seemt o yeild too much information.

Thanks

cycle_maven

Nice, high-quality Japanese touring bike. Post some pics, and serial number, and we'll be able to tell you the year, maybe, if it was one of the Miyata-made Univegas. Bar end shifters is good, if the brakes are cantilever, then it's more desirable than centerpull or sidepull on these things.

Other than that, what would you like to know?

TheatreME

Thanks for the info. When I saw it I thought it was a pretty nice ride, but I always like to know a little bit about new bikes I come across. The serial number is K378031, and I will post pics later if I get a chance.

thanks

cycle_maven

It's a 1982 frame (serial number K=1982, L=1983, M=1984...) very similar to the Miyata 1000 of 1982/1983. The Miyata 1000's are legendary, with our hero Sheldon Brown saying something like "maybe the best production touring bike of its time". Look in https://www.miyatacatalogs.com/2007/1...alog-1983.html and compare components- my 1984 Univega Gran Turismo is indistinguishable from the Miyata 610 of 1984.

Your roomie has an underappreciated classic bike. Tell her to take good care of it and she'll get many thousands of happy miles out of it. Here's a link to a really spiffy specialissima refurbished by Lamplight:

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...1cop2small.jpg

T-Mar

Based on the serial number it is a 1982, Miyata manufactured model.

Edit: Oops, sorry. Near simultaneous posting with the above by CM.

cycle_maven

's OK- My info came from you, T-Mar!