Friday, January 27, 2012

Early 80's Univega Super Ten

Are you looking to repair this bike?
Links below for parts you can buy now on amazon.
Over the years we repaired thousands of Vintage bikes and became experts in finding alternatives to original bike parts. 
Buying parts for older bikes is confusing, as most of the original parts have been discontinued. 
We use these parts everyday and created this list to make it easier for you to repair your bike.

Parts list for Univega Super Ten:

Shifter cables and housing: https://amzn.to/38g40ol
Brake cables and housing: https://amzn.to/2DZqPPk
Handlebar Tape: https://amzn.to/2qxHiaf
Tires (good): https://amzn.to/2s9eipE (similar look, casual use, choose 27x1 1/4)
Tires (better): https://amzn.to/33YwOyl (super flat resistant and fast rolling, choose 27x1.25 or 27 1 1/4)
Shifters: Front and rear (right and left): https://amzn.to/347vWrv
Rear Derailleur (good): https://amzn.to/2DYUOXF (choose w/ direct attachment)
Rear Derailleur (Better): https://amzn.to/2PupyVA (choose GS type)
Front Derailleur (good): https://amzn.to/3415IXm (choose double)
Front derailleur (better): https://amzn.to/2LAI262 (better quality, fit and finish)
Bottom Bracket: https://amzn.to/2RydlSI (Likely 68x122.5 but must measure spindle length before purchase)
Crank (good): https://amzn.to/2Yw7miQ (better quality fit and finish, will likely need a new bottom bracket)
Crank (better): https://amzn.to/2rg0YQx (lesser quality option, likely will not need a bottom bracket)
Headset: https://amzn.to/38EkfvQ (Choose 27.0 but it's better to remove crown race and measure inside diameter for sure)
Pedals: https://amzn.to/3593fvC (Modern style)
Pedals: https://amzn.to/2DZbNZP (same style as original)
Chain: https://amzn.to/38ayVCI (fits 5, 6, 7 and 8 speeds)
Brake pads (good): https://amzn.to/36eEldP (casual use)
Brake pads (better): https://amzn.to/38ixNN7 (Improved performance and wet/cold condition)
Brakes (rear): https://amzn.to/2P31N8o
Brakes (front): https://amzn.to/2Prqcn2
Brake Levers: https://amzn.to/2LQALz9 (similar to original
Brake Levers: https://amzn.to/356h3Hc (modern style)





Early 80's Univega Super Ten we refurbished here at Bike Boom. If your'e not familiar, Bike Boom is a used bike shop in Davis square, on the border of Cambridge and Somerville , near Boston MA. where we specialize in restoring and refurbishing used and vintage bikes and offer professional bicycle repair services.
this bike is a typical restoration, a low mileage bike with great paint. we often change the original wheels with brand new alloy rims which give the bike a whole new life and help reducing the weight.
Steel rims usually develop dents in the rim wall which are hard to get rid off and we often end up replacing both wheels, even if only one is damaged. We also replaced tires, tubes, cables, brake pads, seat and tape.

Univegas were very popular in the east coast and we find and refurbishe a few dozens every year. they were well built machines, the oldest ones are from the late 70's and most of what we refurbish are from the early 80's. Univega was a a brand of bikes made in japan and strictly imported to the american market by Ben lawee who was the importer of motobecane. When motobecane ceased production ben lawee started importing bikes from Italy under the italivega brand and later imported bikes from japan under the univega name. They are always great bikes to work on. All the parts are standard threaded, parts are readily available and interchangeable with modern ones. They are also well made and lots of great specimens are out there. Once restored they are beautiful and reliable bikes. later models, of mid 80's have very nice geometries resulting in a great fast commuter. The older ones such as this univega super ten have a comfortable touring geometry. Bought by a Tufts student looking for a fast bicycle to commute to class.

3 comments:

  1. I have a Univega Super Ten that I'm trying to restore after years of being in storage. The rear derailleur no longer keeps tension on the chain, can this be fixed?

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    Replies
    1. In general, derailleurs that don't keep tension need to be replaced and can't be fixed. sometimes the pivots are filled with dirt or are rusted, try to spray them with a degreaser and work it into the pivot. If it springs back spray them again with a lubricant.
      We sell and ship derailleurs for your bike starting at $15.

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