I've searched around a bit, but I haven't found what I'm looking for. What are the opinions on univega frames? What eras to look for, what eras to avoid. Good models, bad models... are they even worth looking at, etc.

What kind of bike?

I've got a 1986 Gran Turismo frameset, and I couldn't be happier with it. It's a loaded touring frameset, triple-butted cromoly, with all the right dimensions and braze-ons for a loaded tourer.

Miyata built some of the Univega frames, very good factory frames, some argue the best for production frames as far as workmanship goes.

I'm riding a 93 Univega carisma, 7spd, tange, cro-mo, double butted. It has cantilever brakes, and I really love the ride of the steel frameset/fork. It is loaded for light touring and commuting mostly.

I have two Univegas: a Supra Sport, ca. 1987, and a Gran Tourer, ca. 1989. I have also had another that I can't remember. All three are triple-butted ChroMoly frames, and all three just feel very well-made. They also seemed to have some very good color-pickers: both my current frames are beautiful colors, one a rich, light blue, the other a deep magenta. I'm a fan, and after coveting Miyatas, I find them both to be nicer than the Miyata I have (I know that many were built in the same places, but the Univegas just seem to be a little more "crafted.") They're also kind of coolly understated in their graphics and lack of headbadges, IMO.

I just picked up a Gran Tourismo today - 6 speed rear with a triple up front. A very nice riding bike, indeed. The funny thing about it is that the frame has rack mounts, but no bottle holder braise-ons. Kind of wierd for a touring frame, doncha think? other than that, nicely appointed with Suntour running bits and Araya alloys with Sunshine hubs. Many of the parts look mismatched and/or later add-ons, but it all runs smoothly so no big deal.

I picked it up for a friend at work, and will be turning it over to him on Monday. I think I'll take it for a ride tomorrow.....

You'll probably enjoy the Univega. My first real road bike was early 80's Univega....I still have it. One thing most owners will say about the Univega line, "they have great paint". Oddly enough, my 80's Univega still looks great. The clear coat still shines like new. While not the lightest frames around, they were indeed well made and pretty comfy on long rides.....

mark

What's up with that? Did they have some secret others didn't? Even the ones I see on the street are always wonderfully painted.

They must have had different specs for different years. My Gran Turismo has three braze-ons for bottle cages.

And something I neglected to mention previously, my Gran Turismo was made by Miyata, with Miyata triple-butted cromoly tubing in the main frame, Miyata cromoly stays, and Miyata manganese alloy forks.

The paint is beautiful too, although I'm seriously considering changing colors. It's a pearlescent dusty rose, very beautiful, but perhaps a bit too pink for me.

Who knows....maybe it was the humidity in the factory where they were painted. I find it odd myself. If it were just my one frame that's held up so well, I'd just chaulk it up to luck. Yet, I've come across enough other frames where it's made me stop and wonder why??? A couple of other Univega owners that I know have mentioned the same thing. Go figure.

Mark

I'm looking for a nice, lightweight frame. I remember having a univega 10spd when i was a kid, and i guess that predjudiced me against them. It was a bottom of the line, heavy, pos. I would like a steel lugged frame and bottle/fender mounts would be nice. I don't plan on doing any centuries on the bike, but something light and quick that is comfortable enough to ride 50-60 miles in a day would be nice.

Also, thanks for the help that was offered. I'm just searching ebay/cl frames for something to replace my nishiki prestige which is too small for me.

Sivat, just wondering, how small is your nishiki prestige?

Surely you realize that all of the quality mass manufacturers had bottom-of-the-line heavy POS's, as well as light, quick, steel lugged frames?

I belive it is 55cm center to center (it may be center to top. can remeasure it tomorrow if you're interested).

Of course, but first impressions can be hard to overcome.

My 1986 Univega Gran Turismo - 62cm

It is my favorite ride and the most versitile bike in my stable - can't wait to mount my generator, lights and a front low-rider rack and take it on tour.

More pictures can be found at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/9765217...7621793160091/