The Unofficial Univega Appreciation Thread!
#1501
WV is not flat..
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.







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#1502
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Bikes: Wow, where to start? A collection of 1980's and early 90's road, touring, and MTBs from the likes of Trek, Schwinn, Cannondale, Fuji, Miyata, Univega, Panasonic, and GT. It has gotten rather out of control.
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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.
#1504
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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.
#1505
WV is not flat..
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!
#1506
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700c Via Montega. Makes a great grocery getter.

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#1507
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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.
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.

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#1509
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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!


#1510
Newbie

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.
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#1511
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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.
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.
#1513
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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.
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.
#1514
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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
Otherwise - bike is fantastic. Would like to spend more time learning maintenance on the drivetrain and brakes.
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
Otherwise - bike is fantastic. Would like to spend more time learning maintenance on the drivetrain and brakes.

#1515
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1978 Gran Premio still intact
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.



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




#1516
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Bikes: 1993 Bridgestone XO-3, 1981 Trek 613, 1988 Fisher Montare, 1986 Univega Alpina Uno, 2010 Surly Long Haul trucker, 2004 Rivendell Quickbeam. 1970s Gitane Mixtie (60cm), 1994 Diamond Back Axis TT
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#1517
Newbie
1993 Via De Oro refurb
Figured I would post here first and will probably post some more before - during - after pictures in another post. I bought two Via De Oro bikes, a '93 for $20 & '94 for $50. When I looked them both over,. the frame on the '93 was less rusty and the wheels were in much better shape so I decided to refurbish the '93 first. I did more cleaning and greasing than anything else. I am really happy with how it turned out. I did this as a budget build using lots of parts taken off other bikes. Items purchased other than cables/housing brake pads, brake yoke were the Velo Orange Seine handlebar(on sale for $45), Origin8 quill stem adapter($22) and yellow foam grips($6.99). My wife and I went for a 7 mile ride after work today and that was the first time I rode it. Very nice comfortable ride! It's a 56cm frame.



















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#1519
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1981 Univega Specialissima - CL find @ $45

Finally got around to shortening the brake cable housings. This is my "go to" ride - most times.

Finally got around to shortening the brake cable housings. This is my "go to" ride - most times.
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#1520
Me duelen las nalgas
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#1521
Me duelen las nalgas
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#1523
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Univega Viva Sport
I beleive this is from 1976, not too sure though. The serial is E915715. Any info would help. Trying to rebuild and its a super light frame.
Cant add pictures
Red dit:
/r/bike/comments/13m68mz/univega_viva_sport/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android_app&utm_name=androidcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button
Cant add pictures
Red dit:
/r/bike/comments/13m68mz/univega_viva_sport/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android_app&utm_name=androidcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button
Last edited by 13Elevator; 05-19-23 at 02:09 PM. Reason: i am trying to share the pictures of the bike im talking about.
#1524
Senior Member
Does this qualify?
started as a Univega Alpina 501 . Drop bars off my Surly Steamroller Origin 8 brake levers suntour friction bar end shifters Serfus 26 x 2 Semi slicks drive train and brakes original of course topeak rack
started as a Univega Alpina 501 . Drop bars off my Surly Steamroller Origin 8 brake levers suntour friction bar end shifters Serfus 26 x 2 Semi slicks drive train and brakes original of course topeak rack

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#1525
Newbie
pic assist
I beleive this is from 1976, not too sure though. The serial is E915715. Any info would help. Trying to rebuild and its a super light frame.
Cant add pictures
Red dit:
/r/bike/comments/13m68mz/univega_viva_sport/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android_app&utm_name=androidcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button
Cant add pictures
Red dit:
/r/bike/comments/13m68mz/univega_viva_sport/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android_app&utm_name=androidcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button




