MegMC

Hello,


After some help in the What is it worth C&V forum I finally purchased a vintage Univega Sportour Mixte to use as my daily commuter and for light recreational riding.


A little background on me: My biking experience up to now has been fairly slim. I played around with an REI Co-op hybrid about 12 years ago which I traded in for a Jamis Ventura road bike because my LA neighborhood's hills were killing me on the 7-speed IGH. The road bike saw almost no action. I currently live within a mile of work and usually walk, but due to the unrelenting summer heat I've been driving mostly the last month. Decided to try biking, found I don't like city riding with drop downs so decided to look for a more commuter-friendly bike.


Now to the Univega Mixte: After maniacally searching Craigslist for weeks and trying out a variety of vintage mixtes at some local bike shops, I finally found the Univega Sportour for $120 on Craigslist (a third what other similarly spec'd mixtes are going for) and pounced within hours of the post. Here it is when we picked it up:






Univega Sportour mixte as-is when bought



Brought the bike home yesterday and did a little research to try to date it: Dia Compe brakes say 1279 and the serial number on the frame starts with "I" leading me to believe this a 1980 bike. Found the 1980 catalog online - looks like this bike has original Shimano Altus downtube shifters, Shimano Altus front derailleur, original Dia Compe side pull brakes, original Sakae crankset. Cr-Mo and Made in Japan stickers and confirmed from catalog it has Cromo frame, HiTen fork.


The bike appeared to have newish 27" alloy rims (couldn't see a brand marking but quick release was not original Shimano) with newish Bontrager 1-1/4" tires and a Quando rear hub, with a newer Shimano Tiagra rear derailleur. Drop bars had been converted to aluminum riser bar measuring about 20" with mismatched black rubber grips. It has a Gary Fisher sort of padded saddle and black plastic pedals.


There was surface rust on headset, brakes, frame etc and the reflectors were the only things very badly corroded.


I'd like to clean it up, modernize it and style it up a bit, but I don't want to take it completely 60s French vintage like a lot of beautiful mixtes I see. This bike is super light weight (26 pounds stock) and I think it will be my main fun bike for recreational rides with my husband, so I'd like to keep a good balance of commuter utility and sportiness.


Woke up this morning and my very excited husband had already started tinkering with it. He switched out the rims to the black alloy 700c wheel set from my Jamis road bike with 23c tires. I think this looks pretty cool, with the blacked out rims and the white bike. I would like to go to a somewhat more practical tire size/puncture protection for commuting, but not as full on cushy as the ones it came with, plus I like the low profile sleek look the road tires give it. Also switched plastic pedals with my black alloy road bike pedals.


The cassette on the road bike wheel has nine cogs, with a Xero hub, compared to the four on the old wheel. Currently the shifter can only get the derailleur to reach the middle cogs. My husband thinks our local bike mechanic should be able to adjust the derailleur to reach all nine. Do you think this is possible? Will it entail new cables?


We spent the day WD-40ing and scrubbing off surface rust with steel brushes and rags, cleaning off and readjusting the brakes for the new wheels, removing the corroded reflectors and adding some Cateye LED's to front and rear which we had sitting around.


Things I want to replace:


- brake pads could probably use an update

- possibly front light with something a little more classic looking

- tires: something a little more resilient than current 23c but still on light, nimble side (I live in LA and it literally never rains, but our roads can be rough as hell)

- handlebar: not totally sure about current riser bar, it's a little on the narrow side but I kind of like it, and I think I like the more forward position of a relatively flat, not-swept back riser bar like this. Seems like a good compromise of classic but sporty. Would love alternate suggestions and photos.

- pedals: would like a silver aluminum pedal, probably a double-sided flat one. what should i look for in pedals?

- grips: would like to stick with black but not sure what kind yet. Also would like suggestions and photos.

- saddle: looks-wise thinking a black or brown Brooks (not sure which model yet, leather or maybe cambium) but afraid of the pain. Every time I have tried to start biking the thing that usually brings me down is sit bone pain. Went on about a 7 mile fun ride yesterday on the road bike to start breaking my behind in and pretty darn sore today. I used to think maybe I have some super sensitive anatomy that makes me get more sore than others, but perhaps I just haven't ever seen it through to get broken in on the right saddle. Luckily my daily commute is insanely short so unlikely to matter much for those rides.


Suggestions for style-wise classic-looking saddles that may not kill my behind or how to properly fit my saddle?


Also, since I like the clean look of the black rims with the white frame, I'm thinking black for the saddle and grips as well, but I could be convinced of brown leather... Just no bright colors


I had also originally been interested in converting the downtube shifters into bar shifters of some kind. With upright handles I find it a little cumbersome to reach the downtube, but it seems like perhaps something minor I would get used to.

I would like to add some cargo carrying capacity with either front basket, front rack, rear rack or combination. I carry a purse to work and sometimes stop for a bag of groceries on the way home. I'm in love with the clean lines on this bike and I don't want to make it too messy looking with racks or baskets, though. Was thinking a small simple front rack like a randonneur which I could strap a removable handlebar bag to, like this Ostrich bag, and maybe a minimalist rear rack for grocery pannier. Suggestions please!

What do you think? What would you do with it?

Bike with swapped out rims, pedals, corroded front reflector removed, LED light added:

52telecaster

Personally I would go at least 28 on the tires. I would also consider bar end friction shifters. You probably need different bars for that though. Velo orange has a nice selection of bars. As for the rear derailleur, it depends on how much adjustment you have. It's doable with many derailleurs

Friction shifters and a shimano xtr rear derailleur.
and not with some. To your advantage the friction shifters will work with any derailleur. Here is a pic of my bars with friction bar ends.

OTS 

I'll take some heat for this but..........

Have you also considered stem shifters?

It's NOT a very popular concept around here BUT it's practical and just another option.

Nothing against bar end shifters, I have them and use them.

Nice pick-up and your excitement is contagious, well done.

52telecaster

+1

PugRider

Pretty sure that derailleur should be fine pushing through nine speeds. I'd be more concerned with all those gears fitting back there with the mixte stays getting in the way of the chainline, but if you're not getting rubbing in the higher gears, I guess you're good to go. Finding the right saddle is an individual pursuit; keep trying, and you'll figure it out. I have a WTB Rocket saddle that I find super comfy, although I have a Brooks Cambium on another bike that I love just as well. My wife has a Univega mixte and rides on a Terry women's specific saddle and seems to like it.

Nice bike that will take upgrades (as you're already finding out!), enjoy. Never met a Univega I didn't love.

Salamandrine 

A couple safety things first:

- The headset must be checked for proper adjustment. After removing the front reflector, you can't just tighten it back down and hope for the best. Best to have a good shop check it when you bring it in for the derailleurs.

- That stem looks like it has been raised past its limit. Don't do it. NO. Buy a Technomic or similar tall stem if you want to raise the bars.

- new brake pads for sure.

Other than that, nice bike to play with. IIRC those had full cromoly frames, so it's an example of a rather rare breed: a high performance mixte. I'd go for 28 or even 32 tires if they fit. People ride leather saddles for comfort despite the weight, so if they aren't comfortable for you, not much point - other than looks I guess. Keep in mind that all leather saddles are not the same. I'm sure the derailleur could be adjusted to cover the new cogs. BTW, I only see 7, though the picture isn't that easy to read.

Also, check the frame alignment if you're using a non original rear hub width. I don't remember but it wouldn't surprise me if this had 120 rear spacing originally, maybe 126. Hard to say since original wheels are gone. If you're jamming modern 130 wheels in there it should be realigned. If that wheel actually is 7 speed, and the bike was always 126 spaced (6 speeds), it should fit right in.

HmongAmish

Nice mixte. Looking to potentially pick one up.

The Golden Boy 

If you dig the bars and your hand position- I would totally suggest thumb shifters. IMO the ratcheting Suntour Power Shifters are the cat's pyjamas. If you're not too 'budget impaired,' the Paul Thumbies will allow you to use pretty much any shifters you choose to... Otherwise the suggestion of the stem shifters isn't a bad idea- particularly if you use shifters you dig the action of.

I'd suggest keeping the widest tires you can go on there- probably 32s. (still don't understand why anyone would want to ride skinny, hard tires.)

And then also echoing all of @Salamandrine's points.

michael k

There is also Thumb shifters. I find quite a few Suntour brand ones at LBS when I'm not looking for them.

This is our latest acquisition. A later model than yours and made in Tiwain .
38536213_1663925583718784_5149861642707664896_o by K Farm, on Flickr

MegMC

Bar end shifters would be easiest, but stem shifters would also be quite easy. Is there much of a difference in function between the two, or is it more of a form bias that they usually appear on low-end bikes?

I agree 28 is probably a happy medium for tire size. Any favorite tires? Have read good things about Continental Grand Prix 4000 s ii for an all arounder.

MegMC

That's a beauty @michaelk!

So thumb shifters can work without indexed shifting? Is the benefit over stem shifters just that they won't impale you in a crash? I guess no option is as low maintenance and clean-looking as downtube right?

I have never used friction gearing before but I'm actually liking it. I kind of appreciate having the physical feedback of seeing the position of the shifter in relation to the gear. It makes a bit more sense to my brain, where I otherwise would lose track of how high or low I was at any given moment. I'm still wrapping my head around basic concepts of gearing - it's the last of many anxieties when I'm on a bike!

Presumably I will not be shifting gears quite as often in normal riding as I am currently while learning the bike and fiddling with it. But it is a pretty far reach to the downtube.

I got a good enough deal on the bike I have quite a lot of wiggle room in my budget to play around with, but I keep reading admonishments not to convert downtube shifters!

Re: safety issues we will definitely get it checked out and tuned up at the LBS ASAP. We have a couple great local spots with really friendly crews are into building up bikes exactly like this.

squirtdad

I would recommend thumb shifters also.... especially for commuting you don't have to take you hands off of the bar to shift.... they are at your thumb tips (had to do it)

Velocivixen

Aubergine 

Salamandrine 

I like the GP4000SII but not for this. They are a very light racing tire, essentially, too light. They'd be prone to sidewall damage if used for commuting etc. I think you'd be better off with some Panaracer Paselas. They are a bit more heavy duty but still quite fast and light. About 10x as good as the original tires.

Or bump it up a notch to some Fairweather Travelers or maybe Compass Chinooks are something. Both of those are made by panaracer.

MegMC

Thanks for the tire rec's I will check those out.

As for the stem issue you raised earlier, we have since lowered it a bit - it had been just below the limit marking but didn't feel right. I think I will get a taller stem, especially as I'm considering switching out to bars without much rise.

For handlebars I'd like to keep a somewhat more forward, modern look, something good for navigating traffic but which won't be overly uncomfortable for half-day fun rides. The current bars look kind of like urban fixie-style riser bars. I'd like just a little more width and back sweep, but not nearly as much as North Road style. Currently not wishing to go full vintage Gallic style as some have suggested. Since this is a 80s Japanese bike which I'm using for urban and short half day touring applications with some hills, I'd like to keep a somewhat more modern look than the Velo Orange Porteur.

Mulling something like the Velo Orange Milan with a stem I can extend a little more? Any other suggestions for bars with a small rise and around 20-35 degree sweep?

Thanks all!

MegMC

The On One Mary's look quite close to what I'm looking for. Any experience with those?

tiredhands 

Super nice! I love these Univega mixtes.
I'd recommend a front rack and a basket. For your fork, the best rack for functionality and price is the Soma Lucas rack. Unless you plan on carrying very heavy loads, no need to get the new version. Ziptie a Wald basket (model number 137 should be a good fit, 139 for lots of groceries), get a bungee net and yer done. Baskets are easier to use and are more stable than panniers for city errands, in my experience. And keep that minimalist look yer going for.

For a racier flat bar, I'd recommend the Velo Orange Postino bar. Very comfortable, gives good leverage while still narrow enough for threading through traffic jams. The Milan is almost the same shape but gives a little bit of rise, if you like that look. Definitely pair with a Technomic stem to get the height right.

They might look a little odd with their droop nose, but a Selle SMP TRK saddle is the comfiest I've found for an upright riding position. It's weird, but it works. However, as others have said, saddles are totally up to the individual and their bones and preferences. My partner rides a Selle Italia Diva, and recommends it highly. I'd look for a bike shop that has demo models to try out before shelling out the big bucks on a Cambium.

+1 on thumb shifters, there are loads of options for getting a friction set up to work. My new favorite grips are ESI silicone grips. Sweatproof, easy to clean, shock absorbing, grippy. And get a set of wide, low profile mountain bike flat pedals, like the Wellgo B233AL. You can use them with any shoe, even flipflops.

+1 on Panaracer Paselas - they are simply the best for this bike, atmo. 28mm or 32mm folding clinchers with ProTite flat protection are light and super durable.

Any way you go, this bike will be rad. Have fun!

noglider 

Those look similar to bars I really like. I prefer slightly swept back over flat or very swept back. But trial and error is the only way to know what you will like.

michael k

Thanks! @MegMC.
I was glad to see your post as we have plans too to do something similar.with upright bars,thumb shifters ect. Keep us posted!

88Tempo

The Continental Ultra Sport has been a decent tire for me so far. I'm cheap and easy to please though. They seem to be fairly goathead resistant

I use a set of 28mm and at 240 lbs haven't had any problem with pinch flats running 90+ PSI.

MegMC

Thank you for all the pedal, saddle and handlebar rec's @tiredhands! I definitely need to find a place to try out saddles since it's such a personal experience but big expense! I don't mind switching out a few different handlebars on the journey, which is probably what I'll do: buy the Nitto Technomic stem and a couple bars to try. Thumb shifters seem like the best way to go.
@noglider What are the bars you like?
@michaelk look forward to comparing notes!

noglider 

These used to be called all-rounder bars, but the term has been used recently to refer to various different bends. They used to be common on mixte bikes, and I think it's an aesthetic match.



You can get the Wald ones on Amazon, though other brands are fine, too. Wald bars are steel, and the aluminum ones are nice and slightly lighter.

MegMC

@noglider aaah yes, I have looked up Allrounder after seeing it referenced elsewhere and found a very wide range of bend angles but those do look perfect! and yes I think I prefer aluminum. thanks for the tip!

noglider 

With a bar like that, the weight difference between steel and aluminum is negligible, but aluminum might be handsomer. And it's nice to know you're not carrying unnecessary weight. In the long run, it's not a big decision which material to use for a handlebar.