Help identify this 1980s frame
#2
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
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Bikes: 1986 Alan Record Carbonio, 1985 Vitus Plus Carbone 7, 1984 Peugeot PSV, 1972 Line Seeker, 1986(est.) Medici Aerodynamic (Project), 1985(est.) Peugeot PY10FC
Short slot horizontal rear DOs, Dual bottle mounts, under BB cable guides and brazed on TT brake cable guides do point towards the 80's..... Looks to be good quality from what I can see so far.
Will need more close up detail shots of things like the frame lugs, fork crown, seat cluster, brake bridge and drive side rear dropout area to help people here figure out what it is.
Chombi
Will need more close up detail shots of things like the frame lugs, fork crown, seat cluster, brake bridge and drive side rear dropout area to help people here figure out what it is.
Chombi
#4
Cyclotouriste


Joined: Aug 2009
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From: South Holland, NL
Bikes: Yes, please.
Serial nbr format could be Miyata, but then it would be from '75, which is a bit early for those braze-ons. Or maybe 2001, if they restarted with A after Z.
Anyway, whatever it is, it looks pretty decent. Congrats!
Anyway, whatever it is, it looks pretty decent. Congrats!
#6
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 11,128
Likes: 39
Bikes: 1986 Alan Record Carbonio, 1985 Vitus Plus Carbone 7, 1984 Peugeot PSV, 1972 Line Seeker, 1986(est.) Medici Aerodynamic (Project), 1985(est.) Peugeot PY10FC
I don't see anything unique enough on the frame to immediately ID it, but notable features on that frame that someone here might recognize:
Tubular shaped top tube cable guides.
Plain Bocama-like lugs that seems to have more of a backswept cut at the head top and bottom lugs.
Something slightly different seems to be going on with the shifter lugs (is it damaged or is it Shimano type).
The plain treatment (no reinforcing diamonds) of the brake bridge and its center that looks like it has brazed on thick washers and not a block.
The tubular style cable guides under the BB.
Chisel point stay ends at the rear DO.
Unusually long looking chain hanger on the right chainstay.
Could you see any sign of a name on the rear or front dropout faces?
What threading is the BB? Do you happen to still have the BB cups that was originally on the frame?
Unfortunately, the rather thick repaint might be covering up some critical evidence on the frame's ID. Original color of the bike might also give a sign to what it is.
Otherwise, it looks like a good quality frame. Certainly worth finding out what it is and building up.
My wild guess at this point that it could be Japanese.....
BTW, the marks on that seat tube you are showing on your pics could be just be the front derailleur mounting band distorting the paint when it was mounted before the thick repaint was dry. Don't think you need to worry about it.
Chombi
Tubular shaped top tube cable guides.
Plain Bocama-like lugs that seems to have more of a backswept cut at the head top and bottom lugs.
Something slightly different seems to be going on with the shifter lugs (is it damaged or is it Shimano type).
The plain treatment (no reinforcing diamonds) of the brake bridge and its center that looks like it has brazed on thick washers and not a block.
The tubular style cable guides under the BB.
Chisel point stay ends at the rear DO.
Unusually long looking chain hanger on the right chainstay.
Could you see any sign of a name on the rear or front dropout faces?
What threading is the BB? Do you happen to still have the BB cups that was originally on the frame?
Unfortunately, the rather thick repaint might be covering up some critical evidence on the frame's ID. Original color of the bike might also give a sign to what it is.
Otherwise, it looks like a good quality frame. Certainly worth finding out what it is and building up.
My wild guess at this point that it could be Japanese.....
BTW, the marks on that seat tube you are showing on your pics could be just be the front derailleur mounting band distorting the paint when it was mounted before the thick repaint was dry. Don't think you need to worry about it.
Chombi
Last edited by Chombi; 01-10-13 at 06:34 AM.
#7
aka Tom Reingold




Joined: Jan 2009
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From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
I'll tell you exactly what it is. A nice frame!
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Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
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“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#9
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 11,128
Likes: 39
Bikes: 1986 Alan Record Carbonio, 1985 Vitus Plus Carbone 7, 1984 Peugeot PSV, 1972 Line Seeker, 1986(est.) Medici Aerodynamic (Project), 1985(est.) Peugeot PY10FC
126mm dropout (6/7 speed) spacing measurement at the rear indicates the bike is probably from the early to a little bit later than the mid 80's
Chombi
#10
Jack of all trades
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,003
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From: Spokane, WA
Bikes: Schwinn Peloton Ventana El Saltamontes Spec Stumpjumper Conversion Gravel
+1 on Japanese/Orient make. The forged DOs with adjuster holes make it appear to be a higher end 80's racing bike.
#11
Just keep pedalling!
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 439
Likes: 1
From: Spring, TX
Bikes: 1987 Schwinn Circuit, 1987 Panasonic DX-4000, 1984 Peugeot PSV10, 1989 Centurion Prestige, 1973 Raleigh Sprite, 1987 Peugeot Canyon Express, ~1986 Raleigh Capri, 1994 Trek 850, 1984 Centurion Pro Tour 15, 2012 Gravity Zilla
It looks like a Centurion LeMans to me. Not sure that the serial number matches though.
#12
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From: Berkeley, CA
Bikes: 72 Cilo Pacer, 72 Gitane GT, 72 Peugeot PX10, 73 Speedwell Ti,l, 75 Peugeot PR-10L, 80 Colnago Super, 81 Zinn, 85 ALAN Cross, 85 De Rosa Pro, 86 Look 753, 86 Look KG86, 89 Parkpre Team, 90 Parkpre Team MTB, 90 Merlin
I'm not sure what it is, but that chain hanger on the rear stay is unusual. The cylinder part of the chain hanger is longer and thinner than the ones I'm used to seeing. Might be a clue. The eyelets on the fork and rear dropout suggest a sports model, rather than a purebred racer.
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-Randy
'72 Cilo Pacer (x2) • '72 Peugeot PX10 • ‘72 Gitane Gran Tourisme • '73 Speedwell Ti • '74 Motobecane Grand Jubile • '74 Peugeot UE-8 • ‘80 Colnago Super • ‘81 Univega Super Special • ‘82 Zinn • ‘84ish Mystery Custom • '85 A.L.A.N Cyclocross • '85 De Rosa Pro • '86 Look Equipe 753 • '86 Look KG86 • '89 Parkpre Team Road • '90 Parkpre Team MTB • '90 Merlin Ti
Avatar photo courtesy of jeffveloart.com, contact: contact: jeffnil8 (at) gmail.com.
-Randy
'72 Cilo Pacer (x2) • '72 Peugeot PX10 • ‘72 Gitane Gran Tourisme • '73 Speedwell Ti • '74 Motobecane Grand Jubile • '74 Peugeot UE-8 • ‘80 Colnago Super • ‘81 Univega Super Special • ‘82 Zinn • ‘84ish Mystery Custom • '85 A.L.A.N Cyclocross • '85 De Rosa Pro • '86 Look Equipe 753 • '86 Look KG86 • '89 Parkpre Team Road • '90 Parkpre Team MTB • '90 Merlin Ti
Avatar photo courtesy of jeffveloart.com, contact: contact: jeffnil8 (at) gmail.com.
#13
Jack of all trades
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,003
Likes: 2
From: Spokane, WA
Bikes: Schwinn Peloton Ventana El Saltamontes Spec Stumpjumper Conversion Gravel
I'm not sure what it is, but that chain hanger on the rear stay is unusual. The cylinder part of the chain hanger is longer and thinner than the ones I'm used to seeing. Might be a clue. The eyelets on the fork and rear dropout suggest a sports model, rather than a purebred racer.
#15
Senior Member


Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 7,716
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From: Berkeley, CA
Bikes: 72 Cilo Pacer, 72 Gitane GT, 72 Peugeot PX10, 73 Speedwell Ti,l, 75 Peugeot PR-10L, 80 Colnago Super, 81 Zinn, 85 ALAN Cross, 85 De Rosa Pro, 86 Look 753, 86 Look KG86, 89 Parkpre Team, 90 Parkpre Team MTB, 90 Merlin
You are good, T-Mar. Real good.
__________________
-Randy
'72 Cilo Pacer (x2) • '72 Peugeot PX10 • ‘72 Gitane Gran Tourisme • '73 Speedwell Ti • '74 Motobecane Grand Jubile • '74 Peugeot UE-8 • ‘80 Colnago Super • ‘81 Univega Super Special • ‘82 Zinn • ‘84ish Mystery Custom • '85 A.L.A.N Cyclocross • '85 De Rosa Pro • '86 Look Equipe 753 • '86 Look KG86 • '89 Parkpre Team Road • '90 Parkpre Team MTB • '90 Merlin Ti
Avatar photo courtesy of jeffveloart.com, contact: contact: jeffnil8 (at) gmail.com.
-Randy
'72 Cilo Pacer (x2) • '72 Peugeot PX10 • ‘72 Gitane Gran Tourisme • '73 Speedwell Ti • '74 Motobecane Grand Jubile • '74 Peugeot UE-8 • ‘80 Colnago Super • ‘81 Univega Super Special • ‘82 Zinn • ‘84ish Mystery Custom • '85 A.L.A.N Cyclocross • '85 De Rosa Pro • '86 Look Equipe 753 • '86 Look KG86 • '89 Parkpre Team Road • '90 Parkpre Team MTB • '90 Merlin Ti
Avatar photo courtesy of jeffveloart.com, contact: contact: jeffnil8 (at) gmail.com.
#16
Cyclotouriste


Joined: Aug 2009
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From: South Holland, NL
Bikes: Yes, please.
#18
Thread Starter
Member
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I took it to a LBS today and the guy told me it's a Univega. I asked him to help me build it and he said all the parts and everything to put it together costs about $300. He said he'll call me tomorrow to let me know. I left the bike frame there so that they can find the parts for it. But $300? Really?
#19
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Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Santa Fe, NM
Bikes: Vassago Moosknuckle Ti 29+ XTR, 90's Merckx Corsa-01 9sp Record, PROJECT: 1954 Frejus SuperCorsa
I took it to a LBS today and the guy told me it's a Univega. I asked him to help me build it and he said all the parts and everything to put it together costs about $300. He said he'll call me tomorrow to let me know. I left the bike frame there so that they can find the parts for it. But $300? Really?
$300 to me would be late 80's Shimano 600 or equivalent in really good condition, with wheels of comparable quality, serviceable tires/brake pads, and new cables/housing. Not unreasonable IMO if that is the case.
If, however, it is a mish-mash of random vintage parts of varying quality and condition, I'd want to get more details and would suss out other options if the mix doesn't fit the bill.
Last edited by canyoneagle; 01-10-13 at 08:15 PM.
#20
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 154
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From: Sheboygan, WI
Bikes: '87 Peugeot PB14, '98 homegrown, '72 world sport...
I took it to a LBS today and the guy told me it's a Univega. I asked him to help me build it and he said all the parts and everything to put it together costs about $300. He said he'll call me tomorrow to let me know. I left the bike frame there so that they can find the parts for it. But $300? Really?
#21
aka Tom Reingold




Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,160
Likes: 6,381
From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
If you have someone else build it, it will be too expensive. Even if you build it, it's not worth it unless you have at least some of the parts on hand already.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#22
Senior Member

Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 23,212
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Normally, I would defer to a knowledgeable person who has the opportunity to examine the frame in person, but in this case I take exception. A Univega frame of this apparent period would almost certainly have been manufactured by Miyata. However, if this were a Miyata manufactured frame, the serial number would place it circa 1974, predating the existance of the Univega brand. Given the era and serial number format, a Bridgestone manufactured frame is the best candidate.
#23
Curmudgeon
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,572
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From: Nausea, New Hamster
Bikes: (see https://wildavis.smugmug.com/Bikes) Bianchi Veloce (2005), Nishiki Cascade (1992), Schwinn Super Sport (1983)
Reminds me of my 1983/4 Schwinn "Super Sport" - here's a pic of the guides under the BB:

and the hanger looks v. similar, as does the crown of the fork, and the rear drop-outs.
Here's a link to some more pics of mine: Super Sport
Yours is a nice frame! I was given a Schwinn Le Tour (just the frame) in the same colour as yours and I'll post more pics when I've finished restoring it!

and the hanger looks v. similar, as does the crown of the fork, and the rear drop-outs.
Here's a link to some more pics of mine: Super Sport
Yours is a nice frame! I was given a Schwinn Le Tour (just the frame) in the same colour as yours and I'll post more pics when I've finished restoring it!
Last edited by Wil Davis; 01-11-13 at 04:06 PM.
#25
Senior Member

Joined: Nov 2004
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Those cable guides were standard items used by many manufacturers. That Schwinn has an entirely different serial number format from your bicycle. The Schwinn has a serial number format that is consistent with Matsu****a (i.e. Panasonic).



