echo victor 

I figured I'd share a few pics of a bike I picked up recently on a whim. I saw this '85 Univega Nuovo Sport listed for a remarkably good price and thought to myself, "well, it's probably one of solid mid-range Univegas, so it's at least worth the asking price - if I like it I'll ride it for a while." (The serial number begins with NM, which if I understand the Miyata Univega numbering scheme means it was built in the latter half of June, 1985. I suspect that's too early in the year for it to be intended for release as a 1986 model, so I'm assuming it's a 1985).

Turns out that 1985-1986 seems to be the sweet spot for the Nuovo Sport - it has a triple butted chromoly frame (I saw the sticker while inspecting the bike and started to get pretty excited) and Suntour ARX derailers and shifters (which I haven't used before but I hear they're just below Cyclone - and this particular set seems to shift quite well). Original SR(?) Signature crankset, and original Dia-Compe brakes. Matching hubs, but while the front wheel appears to be original (couldn't find a rim label, but looks like an Araya), but the rear rim has been switched for a Mavic (MA-2, I think). Yup, new tubes are needed. But bonus - the wheels seem to be amazingly true - visually, I don't notice even a whisper of movement toward or away from the brake pads as they spin.

Aside from the rear rim, the only major change seems to be to the cockpit. The previous owner switched to a black Specialized stem, a black ergo handlebar (I've got to check which kind), and Shimano 105 aero brake levers. Even the frame paint is in good shape - the minor scratches visible around the CTB sticker are as bad as it gets anywhere.

So I'm pretty pleased. This turned out to be a higher quality Nuovo Sport than I expected it to be, and it appears to have been well maintained by someone who knew what they were doing.

Quick point of curiosity - you can see that someone added a kickstand. Does it look like the chainstay has gotten dented as a result? (I'm not sure whether what I'm seeing is dirt around the clamp or shadow from a depression). Better to leave it on or take it off?

romperrr 

Good looking score. I've always loved the colors in the univega logo. To my eyes, the chainstay looks like it's in fine shape and the kickstand did not dent it.

How do you plan on changing out the cockpit? Are you sticking with drops or going for a more of a town bike?

Velocivixen

Nice bike. Sounds like you've got a winner! I'm on the lookout for a Univega.

eschlwc

i recently rebuilt an '83 viva sport. it was really pretty. it had mid-level suntour on it too. too bad i didn't get to ride it long; it sold within a week of its listing, for $380 with a brooks on it.

Lascauxcaveman 

I was very happy to pick up one of these last August, in almost-too-good-to-be-true condition. Mine's a 1986, when Univega jumped on that new-fangled indexed shifting bandwagon, using the Shimano Light Action shifting group.



Definitely a keeper, and a (careful) rider. I don't want to be the first to put a scratch on a brand new 28 year old bike.

Bunch more pics on the thread I started on it back then.

echo victor 

Thanks. Actually, I think I'll try to dial in the fit then ride for a bit as is. If I like the feel enough, I may keep the drops or possibly switch to more traditional looking drops. But I do have a couple other drop bar bikes, so a town bike could be interesting for a change.

echo victor 

(Sorry all - posting from my cell phone at the moment, so it's easier to do multiple short posts).

Thanks! Any Univega in particular you're seeking?

echo victor 

Two things:

1) Definitely a beautiful Viva Sport.

2) Holy crap! Talk about a seller's market!

Velocivixen

@echo victor - a Univega that fits me well & is fun to ride. I'll know it when I see it. It would be good if it had original components or at least specific to the era of the bike. Nice paint. I've got a few vintage MTBs so likely something like a Mixte or road bike type.

echo victor 

Hahaha. I read your thread shortly after picking up my Nuovo and starting to research years it was available with triple butted tubes. Have you framed yours yet or what?

Lascauxcaveman 

No, but it's currently sitting on a shelf eight feet above the floor in my living room. So I guess that's close.

I was going to take it down yesterday, but rain is in the forecast, so it's still too early.

In due time, in due time...

eschlwc

yeah, sorta. it's seattle, and it doesn't rain really in the summer.

but the bike was also fully overhauled with mostly new consumables, pics showed the process ... and it had a nice brooks.

the univega paint jobs also hold up so well it makes them that much more attractive.