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.







Likes For brandenjs:
#1502
Full Member
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Southwest Ohio
Posts: 373
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.
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 134 Post(s)
Liked 166 Times
in
73 Posts
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
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 23,233
Mentioned: 638 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4707 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2,989 Times
in
1,850 Posts
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
Full Member
Join Date: Mar 2020
Location: California
Posts: 211
Bikes: 2020 Lynskey GR300, 1987 Diamondback Ascent, 1991 Skykomish Marble Point, 1994 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR, 1996 Specialized Stumpjumper M2 FS, 1992 GT Karakoram
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 68 Post(s)
Liked 220 Times
in
84 Posts
700c Via Montega. Makes a great grocery getter.

Likes For Wilbur76:
#1507
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: PDX
Posts: 12,090
Bikes: Merz x 5 + Specialized Merz Allez x 2, Strawberry/Newlands/DiNucci/Ti x3, Gordon, Fuso/Moulton x2, Bornstein, Paisley,1958-74 Paramounts x3, 3rensho, 74 Moto TC, 73-78 Raleigh Pro's x5, Marinoni x2, 1960 Cinelli SC, 1980 Bianchi SC, PX-10 X 2
Mentioned: 240 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3795 Post(s)
Liked 4,462 Times
in
2,666 Posts
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.

Likes For merziac:
#1509
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: PDX
Posts: 12,090
Bikes: Merz x 5 + Specialized Merz Allez x 2, Strawberry/Newlands/DiNucci/Ti x3, Gordon, Fuso/Moulton x2, Bornstein, Paisley,1958-74 Paramounts x3, 3rensho, 74 Moto TC, 73-78 Raleigh Pro's x5, Marinoni x2, 1960 Cinelli SC, 1980 Bianchi SC, PX-10 X 2
Mentioned: 240 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3795 Post(s)
Liked 4,462 Times
in
2,666 Posts
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.
Likes For jo_lacs:
#1511
Newbie
Join Date: Aug 2022
Posts: 1
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 23,233
Mentioned: 638 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4707 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2,989 Times
in
1,850 Posts
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
Newbie
Join Date: Mar 2021
Posts: 13
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
2 Posts
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
Full Member
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 246
Bikes: 2017 Sage Skyline, 2015 Co-Motion Periscope Tandem, 2012 Soma Smoothie, 2006 Kona Jake, 1986 Miyata Nine Twelve, 1977 Peugeot UO18c, 1977 Peugeot PRN10, 1974 Allegro Schweitzermeister Model 76, 1971 Peugeot PX10
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 64 Post(s)
Liked 330 Times
in
105 Posts
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
Full Member
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Indianapolis
Posts: 446
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
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 56 Post(s)
Liked 22 Times
in
17 Posts
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
csteiner
Classic and Vintage Bicycles: Whats it Worth? Appraisals.
9
05-16-16 12:42 PM
cudak888
Classic & Vintage
7
01-29-11 11:54 PM