takingcontrol

I have found a Univega 10 speed for sale that has been hanging in a garage for 20 years. The guy wants a 100.00 US for it. Is this a good deal and is it a good starter bike with just a wheel swap and a tune up?

Wogster

It depends on why you want to do it. If your looking for a cheap bike to ride, then it could be a lot more expensive by the time you get it in riding condition. If your looking for an older model bike to restore, and can do most of the work yourself then it's probably a decent place to start. You need to make sure the frame is chromoly steel though, lots of cheaper bikes from that time period were mild or high tensile steel and are not worth fixing up.

A 10 speed that has been hanging in a garage f0r 20 years probably needs some work. The tires, tubes, brake pads will need replacement, the bearings (headset, bottom bracket, hubs) will need to be rebuilt. Cables will need to be pulled, and inspected, any sign of rust, and they need to be replaced, probably the housings as well. You need to look at the frame closely, any surface rust and it will need to be repainted, any cracked or bubbled paint, and there is internal rust, which means the frame needs to be repaired or replaced. You should probably replace the chain as well, if the bike was used a lot and the chain is worn, the freewheel could be worn as well and need to be replaced, that could mean parts that are harder to find and more expensive. Realize that you could be looking at steel rims, if they are shiny, they need to be replaced, if any spokes have rust on them, also need replacing.

If you need a shop to do the work, it could get real expensive real fast. You may also be limited in the upgrades you can do.

Tex_Arcana

First concern - Does it fit you? Is it too tall or too short?

If it fits within a reasonable range I say go for it. Univega has a lot of fans in the C and V forum. There should be a fairly good reason why so many of those C and Vers like them so much.

Second concern - What kind of shape is it in? You can expect to get new tires for it that's for sure. Sometimes cables get rusty and/or seize up inside the housings so you might have to replace the cables. If the derailuers, free wheel and other parts that have to be special ordered are bad that could suck.

You could end up spending more then you want.

My advise. Buy the bike and send it to me so I can evaluate it for you.

Really just make sure everything works in good order. If it don't then find out what is wrong. If it's just cables see if you can get the price knocked down a little.

Tex_Arcana

First concern - Does it fit you? Is it too tall or too short?

If it fits within a reasonable range I say go for it. Univega has a lot of fans in the C and V forum. There should be a fairly good reason why so many of those C and Vers like them so much.

Second concern - What kind of shape is it in? You can expect to get new tires for it that's for sure. Sometimes cables get rusty and/or seize up inside the housings so you might have to replace the cables. If the derailuers, free wheel and other parts that have to be special ordered are bad that could suck.

You could end up spending more then you want.

My advise. Buy the bike and send it to me so I can evaluate it for you.

Really just make sure everything works in good order. If it don't then find out what is wrong. If it's just cables see if you can get the price knocked down a little.

takingcontrol

the bike is my size, 56cm and i believe it is lugged steel frame, but i don't know if it is cromoly ( how do you tell?) and i have read somewhere in these forums that you can get the rear stretched to fit a 700 hub. Also i thought most parts are interchangeable am i misunderstanding this? remember i am a complete noob. ok to all who post i iwll be bak in about ane hour to read your wonderfull advice i have to go walk.

Wogster

There are 2 ways to tell a Chromoly frame, there is usually a sticker on the frame saying what kind of tubing it is, and weight. A CF frame is in the 2-3lb range, AL 3-4lbs and Chromoly 4-5lbs, hi ten steel probably closer to 7, and a mild steel frame can be 10 or more. Some frames used CroMo for the main tubes and cheaper stuff for the stays, add about 1-1˝lbs if that's the case. Steel frames can be spread, I doubt any shop would want to undertake it unless at your risk though.

takingcontrol

ok Thanks everyone i got it, talked him down to 80.00. Took it to the LBS and they said it looked good just recommended changing the rear derailer cable now i need to find a new rear wheel for it, i have looked at many different post on the site and i'm still not sure because there are so many it is kinda overwellming. So what i need is a recamendation on a freewheel 5 speed 700c 36 spoke hub and a rim to match that wont break the bank I/E around 150-200.

Tom Stormcrowe

Any 126 MM hub wheel would do, and you could probably build a wheel using the Velocity deep V on upir existing hub. Look into a Schimano 6 speed freewheel as well, or a Regina. With Friction shifting, you aren't limited to a 5 speed rear cluster, ya kow, as long as your derailleur has the travel necessary.

c_m_shooter

I"ll agree with tom and say to get a new rim laced to the old hub if there isn't anything wrong with it. A new rim will be about $30-$40, the spokes something like 80 cents each and $50 labor for a shop to do the wheel build. If you are new, I wouldn't advise building a wheel yourself just yet. It takes some time and you would just frustrate yourself when you should be out going for a ride.

txvintage

Just a quick note that if it is a 5 speed freewheel it's possible it could be only. 120mm rear spacing. It's unlikely, but possible. If it is 126, you can easily go to seven speed and still use your friction down tube shifters.

Take a look at the tires that are on there and check and see if the wheel size 700C or 27 inch.