197X Univega Gran Turismo Mixte
Note the City of Beaverton, OR Bicycle License
In previous posts, I have mentioned why I created this blog. I adore vintage bikes, first and foremost. I also enjoy showcasing my work for all to see. It is a nice flip through memory lane for me and I hope, as the digital archive grows, the information and images I provide will be helpful for those who are viewing in the future.
However, one of the main reasons that this blog exists is because I want to see these machines survive the test of time. Just because they are 20… 30… 40 years old does not mean they should be disregarded as inferior. If not painfully neglected, these wonderful bicycles will stand the test of time, aging gracefully, without much need for maintenance. They are exceptional modes of utilitarian transportation with gobs of personality built in. They are as pleasurable to ride as they are solid as tanks and this is a perfect example of the type of bicycle that I love to see back on the road.
Introducing a lovely little Univega Gran Turismo mixte circa 1970-something. This machine was my wife’s main rider for a handful of years but she has since found a replacement which better fits her lifestyle.
Other than the consumables (bar tape, cables, housing, tires/tubes, etc.), not much else was needed for this rebuild, just a good, solid cleaning and tune up. The current (stock?) group mates as a period appropriate fit for this step-through. It also doesn’t hurt that the parts list is chock-full of durable, well-respected components (Suntour and Sakae throughout).
She isn’t flashy but the muted grace and elegance along with a pragmatic group set should keep her alive and cruising the streets of Portland for years to come.
197X Univega Gran Turismo Mixte
Color: Cream with black scripting
Frame Size: 50cm (C-T)
Frame/Drop-outs: 1024 Butted Steel
Fork: 1024 Butted Steel; Full chrome
Drop Bars: Sakae Randonneur; Salsa bar wrap
Stem: Sakae
Saddle: Selle Italia (Brown suede)
Seat Pillar: Unknown brand
Crankset: Sakae RG; 52/40 170mm
Freewheel: 5-Speed Suntour Pro-Compe
Hubs: Sunshine (36 hole)
Front Derailleur: Suntour SL
Rear Derailleur: Suntour V-GT Luxe
Shifting Levers: Suntour bar end shifters
Brakes: Dia-Compe levers; Dia-Compe 610 center pull calipers; Dia-Compe pads
Rims: Araya 27” x 1-1/4″; Aluminum
Tires: Panasonic Panaracer Pasela
Pedals: MKS AR-3
Special Features: Scalloped seat stays; Single eyelets front/rear
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The Simplicity of Vintage Cycles 
Beautiful. I know a couple of shops who’d benefit from looking closely at the installation of those SunTour barcons.