Univega fixer-upper?

[cycle_chic]

I have a friend who used to ride in the 80s and early 90s but doesn't anymore and wants to get rid of his old carbon fiber Univega hanging in his garage. The rear derailleur, chain, cassette and stem are pretty rusty, and the wheels don't look that great either.

But I was wondering if this would be a side project WORTH doing or if this bike is too far gone and would require way too much work. I'm pretty sure the lugs are steel. Don't know what exact year it is, though.

Disclaimer: I'm really new to cycling, so this might be a piece of $hit bike and I just don't realize it. Also, the reason I'm considering this bike is because I want to find a good project frame to build up so that I can learn the ins and outs and details of building a complete bike.

Thanks for the advice and comments.

Amanda

[fiamme red]

Go for it. Looks like nice parts, 8-speed 105. I have an older steel Univega and it rides very nicely.

[thwart]

I'm really new to cycling, so this might be a piece of $hit bike and I just don't realize it. Also, the reason I'm considering this bike is because I want to find a good project frame to build up so that I can learn the ins and outs and details of building a complete bike.

Perfect for that purpose. Easy to find a replacement 8 spd chain and cassette, and steel wool works on rust.

The similar Trek bikes had aluminum alloy lugs and had some issues with glue loosening between the lugs and carbon tubes, IIRC. That issue should have shown up by now if it was going to...

... after looking more closely, are you sure that's not 7 spd?

[fiamme red]

... after looking more closely, are you sure that's not 7 spd?Could be 7-speed. The shifters looked to me like 8-speed:

http://velobase.com/ViewComponent.aspx?ID=9A10BBD3-0941-4910-A0BB-8B6E88007EBF&Enum=104&AbsPos=44

[bikerboy337]

I say go for it, especially if you're trying to learn... dont want to learn the hard way on an expensive bike...

105 is good stuff... little work and that should be a great little ride...

[cycle_chic]

It is a 7-speed indeed

[cycle_chic]

How much should I offer him for it?

[fiamme red]

How much should I offer him for it?I think a bike like this would probably go for $200-$300 on eBay.

[thinpin]

Looks like a novel ride for fun days out. I bet it would come up really nicely.

[bargainguy]

I've ridden quite a few of the mid-90's aluminum lug / carbon tube bikes. In fact, I just bought a Univega M7.3 Carbolite MTB over the weekend. Back home I still have a Specialized Epic Pro with the same construction.

You'd be surprised how nicely many of these ride.

Don

[Fixed]

good project for you
you could have a mt bike too
i have a Cunningham designed mt. bike steel level t.t. by nishiki
i can give you
i think it is 19 inches
cheers
i am 2 hours away if you or a teammate need it p.m. me it is a frame and wheels with most of the parts no rust
cheers free for student