brandenjs

Need some ID help on this one. Picked up this Univega MTB today and it is in amazing condition. No ID emblems on it but the serial number is DS 50615484. Judging by the nutted real wheel I would assume not high end and maybe some replacement parts on it, but should make a nice cruiser. Any help would be appreciated.

casanewt

Stem and seat post are making me lean towards 1986 Rover Sport. 1985 and 1986 Univega Catalogs

m.c. 

I recently purchased this frame, its still wrapped up from shipping. Hope to get it built soon.

T-Mar

It has been substantially rebuilt but the serial number indicates 1985, while the frame features and era appropriate components point towards a Rover Sport. The big anomaly is the Unicrown fork but that could have been post catalogue change.

brandenjs

Thanks guys. I do lean towards the Rover. Still a solid rider and someone did some pretty good work on it and took care of it pretty well. I can't complain for a $30 auction win. It will make someone a very solid ride. Or I might just keep it for a neighborhood ride. I will switch out some of the things that drive me crazy when people do not pay attention to details when building. The rear tire is on backwards and someone replaced the rear derailleur cable and housing with a black housing. Stands out like a sore thumb to me. Thanks again!

Wilbur76

700c Via Montega. Makes a great grocery getter.

merziac

No real help on ID, but plenty of solid, not lower end bikes came with nutted wheels. QR,s were often not strong enough to hold the wheel in place under rough conditions.

IMO, Univega's were a great value and good bikes at any price point.

Those UKAI wheels alone are likely worth the POA if usable and coveted by many. I have seen 2 sets of them, both were nutted, Here's one set.





They came from this.

Mr. 66

The 1980 Gran Premio gets a Suntour update.

merziac

$30!

jo_lacs

Curb shopped last year, 1984 viva sport. As you might have noticed, the bike is too tall for me at 63cm but sadly I can't seem to let it go.


1994 alpina 5.3 with some heavy-*ss tires.

tuxerix

Hi everyone. I have a white Univega via Montega from the 90s, but I had no luck trying to find exact year and original components list. Since I can't post any photos, here are some details:

SN: WEKG51540
Frame: Tange CrMo
Brakes: Cantilever Dia Compe 986 with SS-5 levers.
3x7 Suntour XC Accushift Plus with X-Press shifters.
Wheels: Arraya (front) and Exal ZX19 (back).

Any help would be great.

seanrooney

lovely frame. my gran rally is also a bit high, but impossible to get ride of.

T-Mar

Welcome to the forums. The onlu year that the USA market version of the Via Montega was spec'd with SunTour Accushift Plus was 1992. There should be some date codes on the back the derailleurs to verify the time frame (see Date of Manufacture of Bicycle Components can be used to date a bike: component dating ), though be aware that the derailleurs for 1992 bicycles could date back to mid-1991.

seanrooney

Finally have enough posts to post a pic. Here's my 1985 Univega Gran Rally. Father was the original buyer, I cleaned the bike up in 2021 and it's been a great casual rider (commuting <5mi, longer road rides 15-25mi but up to 50mi).

What's not original at this point

• Freewheel - replaced the original with a replacement Shimano MF-TZ500 6speed for ~$20. Original freewheel was locking up, and the removal tool is more expensive than a new freewheel, so I swapped out the entire freewheel with one that takes a normal FW removal tool
• Brake levers - replaced Shimano 600 levers with a set of Tektro RL340 Aero Brake Levers. Much better feel on the Tektros. The originals action forced me to squeeze both down and backwards, and the hoods were small to ride on for my hands. The Tektro's are larger and the action just pulls backwards.
• Saddle - just put a Brooks B17 on. The original (very worn) suede was falling apart. Matched the microfiber tape I added last year. Ready for an uncomfortable break in period

No plans to replace anything else. Two considerations were swapping to dual-pivot brake calipers (original single-pivots don't provide the stopping power I'd like down hills) or swapping to a 7speed FW to ease climbing.

Otherwise - bike is fantastic. Would like to spend more time learning maintenance on the drivetrain and brakes.

Sactown_Albert 

Looking at this as a potential project. Figured out it is an almost completely intact 1978 Gran Premio. It appears in 1978 it was the top of the line Univega available. Very early in the start of the Univega business. The font is still in the style of Ben Lawee’s Italvega line of bikes from the mid 70s.

I found catalog information on it but I am curious about anyone who has personal experience with this model.

swen0171 

This is right on! Great era, love the look of the early aluminum frames.