univega cx project
 

So for a while I was planning on converting my current giant hybrid into a drop bar cx bike, but as luck would have it, got a free frame for a univega activa action over the weekend, so I may use that as the basis for my project. I have just about all the parts I need already, I've been picking them up here and there after selling some old laptops I had around.

The frame is steel, and the main issue that was disclosed is that the quill stem is stuck, so I'll have to try and get that out (I've read of boiling water as one method, among others), so hopefully that can go off relatively hitch free. I managed to get the non-drive side crank arm off, but the drive side may be a little more of a challenge. Otherwise, it doesn't look like there's too much rust or other concerns with the frame

As far as the parts, the frame came with a RD just branded shimano sis (6 speed), and I don't know the right term but I believe it's just direct mount, so there's no hanger. From looking at other posts, looks like I can pick up a claw hanger.

We'll see how it goes, hopefully will post images and progress, and hopefully the end result will be a serviceable entry cx bike

Just an update and a pic, managed to remove the quill stem with a combo of pb blaster, boiling water and some elbow grease. the threads on the drive side of the crank are too messed up for the puller to work, so I may either have to get a jaw puller or take it to a shop (the BB also has some outside cover that I don't have a tool for)

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4156/...c9b8b6_z_d.jpg

this is what the BB looks on the nondrive side

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4177/...1e0eef_z_d.jpg

So I got a jaw puller from autozone and tried to pull the drive side crank. Unfortunately the crank arms are a cheap plastic so several broke off. Looks like it may be off to a shop to possibly cut stuff off, since I don't have any heavy duty cutting devices

Solid frame - too bad it was so neglected. This looks like a fun project.

thanks, hopefully will be. made some progress today, had my parents over and asked my dad to bring his angle grinder, pretty much the nuclear option. I had made some headway with a hacksaw, but figured I'd go the quicker way, here's the carnage

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4174/...dcc562_z_d.jpg

I also took advantage of his 70 year old dad strength to help me take off the BB

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4178/...7b886f_z_d.jpg

at this point, i just have to get a few more components and I could build this up. I may just piece it together and see how I like riding it and if I feel like it's a keeper I may consider doing powder coating

Hey, [MENTION=363941]hubcyclist[/MENTION], if you can weigh that frame while it's stripped. I'm curious about the weight of those Univega frames and unicrown forks. I'll probably never get a chance to completely strip down my Univega Via Carisma since I just do maintenance on bits and pieces at a time. Mine is one of their early '90s bi-axial oval frames but the weight is probably comparable.

I did manage to weigh it with this cheap luggage scale we have, did a couple of measurements to check and was getting 8.8lbs (I was getting 11lbs reading with the crankset and BB still on). I'm not sure what frame weight ranges are, but I'm assuming this is a bit on the heavy side (I think I've read of surly frames being in the 4-5lb range)

Thanks for checking. That's a little heavier than I'd have guessed. IIRC the Activa lineup used cro-mo frames with some hi-tensile parts -- chain stay and/or fork, I think?

yeah, the decal does say high tensile steel tubing "mtb formula"

I've installed the BB and dry fitted other stuff (I don't like the quill converter, it's too long and I prefer the profile design model I use on my road bike, so will get one). Claris FD and RD are on order (need to pick up claw adapter locally) and I need to order a seatpost (this one uses a 25mm, so my existing posts won't work). So it'll be maybe a week or two until I can get this fully operational.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4169/...9b4fc4_z_d.jpg

not sure how much people are into this, but i've already started, so I might as well keep updating! it's looking a bit more complete, a ways to go. got the quill adapter I wanted, mounted the FD and RD, still waiting on the seatpost and of course cables. realized that my hybrid's rear wheel won't work, as it's a 7 speed freewheel, oops. No big deal, cheap placeholders are pretty easy to find

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4190/...c47392_z_d.jpg