drewforty

I just picked this up for my girlfriend. When I arrived I was pretty awe-struck by it's condition, even if it's an 80's hi-ten cheapo ten speed. Without further ado, here is some 100% showroom stock survivor goodness.

Hopefully it resizes these, otherwise you're in for huge. (shouldn't you be at 1680x1050 anyway?)










Also, first C&V post

ColonelJLloyd 

Very nice! That's very early 80s, I reckon.

cb400bill

I've not seen Univega branded tires before.

Nice catch.

:andrew

Great looking bike.

bigbossman 

Univega's seem to have bullet-proof paint. I seldom come across one that looks bad, unless it was horribly mistreated. whatever they used lasts forever and has a durable gloss.

zandoval 

Better keep this one for your wife - Mines already jealous...

These pics need to be archived for reference - Make a web page somewhere for free so we can can go back to it for future use...

drewforty

Thanks for all the nice comments!

What is the general consensus when it comes to changing out parts on something like this? I had visions of springer saddles and porteur bars before I saw how good of shape it was in. Now I'm thinking I shouldn't touch it! I almost want to hide the Univega tires away and let her ride on something replaceable =D

I feel a little silly as for all I know it's not a specifically valuable or rare bike, but the condition alone is making me hesitant to fiddle with anything.

ColonelJLloyd 

I would remove the tires and tubes and replace them with Panaracer Paselas in 27 x 1 1/8" or 1 1/4" and put the originals away. I'd remove all the reflectors. I would also repack all the bearing systems with fresh grease. Finally, I would replace the integrated "safety levers" with the non-safety version and install a pair of the Dia Compe/Cane Creek hoods. I'd correct the poor cable routing job while doing the above.

jeepr

Sweet! I would say do what you want, but keep the original parts. Unless you are going to store it away for a museum (or hope it becomes collectible and sell it), you should enjoy riding it.

drewforty

Thanks for the input. I planned on removing the reflectors but again was curious if this example would be better left alone. I'll probably go ahead and do that as it's not irreversible. I noticed the cable routing your looking at as well. The rear brake cable is "loose" in it's routing - you can pull it back twards the bars and match it with the other. There's nothing keeping it from sliding back to it's current position though. It goes through two bridges between the top bars, but moves freely back and forth in them.

All the bearings are very smooth except the right pedal but I'll have them all serviced anyway. I'd like to ditch the levers and calipers all together - didn't know if the "stockness" added any appeal to the package though. I'd prob get newer dia-comps or one of Velo Orange's offerings.

Another miracle - the foam bar tape/pads don't leave anything on your hands after riding around. They're not "soft" but very comfy and not crumbling =)

cooperryder

Nice Find on the Univega Mixte in such great condition.

Last week I totally dissasembled and built up a Univega Mixte for the missus (The model is the Sportour). It is a double butted CroMo steel frame but was not in the excellent condition your Univega is.

The off white paint has a lot of chips and scratches. If she likes it a lot I might eventually get it painted.

I replaced parts as deemed helpful in trying to get the fit dialed in for her plus the need for more practical gearing. If it does not fit, is not comfortable or improperly geared for their fitness level and riding style I find they will not ride them much.
My two cents is if changing out something helps with the above...go for it.

I installed a taller Nitto stem and slightly wider road bars, aero 105 brake levers plus a new saddle.
I do not find 42 x 52 chainrings practical and switched the crank out, upgraded the derailers to some Shimano's I had on hand. Hubs, headset, & bottom bracket of course were all cleaned and lubed up...along with fresh cables and chain.

I did go with the 27 x 1 1/4 Paselas (like them a lot) on it and it could even take a fatter tire.

She rode it about 5 miles last Sunday and liked it, thinking it was much lighter
than previous bikes I had her try out.

I need to get the bars wrapped but was waiting until I got it dialed it.
I think I will add some cross / interrupter brake levers.

I rode it around about 15 miles myself and was pleased overall with how it rides.

Good luck with your new Univega.

realestvin7

Sweet grips, yo.

WNG

What did you do? Go back in time and pulled this through a wormhole?!? Even the tires look fresh. Nice example, lucky GF.
Improving the bike isn't a problem, as most parts can be re-installed if stock value is required. Do as you please, bars, levers, brakes, cabling, pedals, etc.
The rear brake housing is routed poorly, not supposed to hang so low and close to the chain.

Chicago Al 

Interesting that it's got a hi-ten frame as the alloy seatpost (looks like, anyway) and DT shifters almost always show up on higher end bikes--and very few mixtes.

realestvin7

Hey Andrew, here's the Raleigh I got last week. Looks like we both scored some sweet mixtes for our ladies.

drewforty

The Univega went under the knife yesterday. The bars, stem, and levers were swapped out as one unit, so I got to keep the original setup all in one piece. Also went through a reflectorectomy.









Bars are from Velo Orange
Levers are Dia-Comp
Stem is a Nitto

realestvin7

Looks good, dude.

Chicago Al 

Looks great! And with the exception of the DT shifters, very similar to the Centurion mixte I just built up for my daughter. I used more prosaic parts though! Are those the VO 'Tourist' (North Road) bars? I have another mixte build underway they would be just right for.

drewforty

Yessir! Although I didn't know it at the time. I got them retail at my LBS; saw them and knew they were the ones!

Searching for a saddle now. Thinking about a B67 S in honey. =D