Univega Alpina 500

[Spokesmann]

How would you say the Univega Alpina measures up in terms of performance when compared to other similar makes and models, for example: Specialized, Trek, Bontrager, Raleigh, Cannondale, Gary Fisher, or GT??? I own a 1997 model Univega Alpina 500 that I remeber riding like a dream when I was a kid back around 1998-2001. I would sometimes enjoy jumping this bike more than my Litespeed Ocoee I was riding at the time! Another thing though, from what I read, was that Litespeed Bicycle Group had designed the frames for Univega back in the mid-late 1990's. For instance, my Alpina 500 has a label that boasts a "Bi-Axial Power Oval" frame. This basically being the same type of work Litespeed had been developing with their G.E.T. Tubeset frames, or "Geometrically Enhanced Tubing". All of the downtubes on Litespeed's mid-late 1990's-era mtn. bikes have bi-axially ovalized downtubes that gave their frames greater stiffness and flexibility both at the welds and through the downtube, my Univega Alpina being the same design. I am just now looking to re-build my old 14.5" Alpina with some new old stock Shimano LX and XT components and invest in a pair of Rock Shox as opposed to the old RST forks that came as factory standard. I was also thinking about some Mavic wheels and good Shimano or equivalent hubs to replace the Mongoose brand wheels that came on it. My only problem is I am wondering about how this bicycle is going to hold up for me in terms of ride quality and whether or not this sort of model is worth investing high-quality components into. I just would like some other Univega owners and their opinions on how well their bikes hold out on serious rides and what sort of qualities they see in them when compared with other similar mountain bikes of that era.

Im not too knowledgeable about other makes, Ive ridden a few such as Coves etc, but Id say the Univega is well made, light and responsive. This bike has never let me down, Ive done some off piste work on it and with the right tyres was faultless. Simple, rugged and reliable.

 

[Caitken]

Re:

Hi could anyone tell me what size saddle post and clamp I need for my univega alpine bike as someone very kindly knicked mine off the bike and I am really not clued up with bike parts? Thank you so much!

 

[CassidyAce]

Re:

Hi

The Alpina was made over a number of years and the seatpost sizes might well have varied between the different models. You have various options:

1) If you know the year of your Alpina, post that up as well, and then hope that someone can help.
2) If you don't know the year, post up a picture of the bike and hope someone can help.
3) Take it to a bike shop to have the inner diameter of the seat tube measured for you.
4) Buy a measurement tool and measure it yourself. This should do the trick: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cyclo-MEASUREM ... 849&sr=8-2

If you don't think you'll ever use the tool again, flog it afterwards. Perhaps consider posting a few photos of your bike in the reader's bikes section as well: it would be good to see. Good luck.

 

[paultsn]

Im not too knowledgeable about other makes, Ive ridden a few such as Coves etc, but Id say the Univega is well made, light and responsive. This bike has never let me down, Ive done some off piste work on it and with the right tyres was faultless. Simple, rugged and reliable.

Hi I know th

A few shots of my refurb.

The bike has been looked after but has just got pretty grubby. Ive done a basic clean of the frame (work still to do). Im replacing all the inner cables too, some were still and the front changer cable has seized. New M65T block will be fitted along with some 2.4 Continental Mountain King tyres ( I still like to have odd off road excursion...). Im also replacing the IG chain with a new one, the current one is well caked and has a few stiff links.

A few details - frame is a nice light and still Chromolly frame, 18".
Front chainset is Shimao Alivio, cantilever brakes are Shimano Alivio too. Rear mech is Shimano STX and the front changer is Shimano Acera. Wheels are Weinmann 519s. 21 speed is controlled by Shimano EZ fire shifters.

Ive order some new toe clips too, once all the bit arrived this should be a fairly straight forward rebuild, although I do envisage some fun and games setting up the gears correctly...

More pics soon, here's where I am just now.

My workshop is a little compact...

I used a special puller to get the cranks off...

My rear rack by Blackburns works with my panniers by Altura. The frame has lots of brazing for add ons.

Hi, I know this is old but looking to buy the same model and wondered if you could tell me if it take a 1” or 1 1/8” fork?

 

[Lucidone]

The 500 / 502 / 507 Alpina's I've had have all been 1" but I also have a 550 Alpina with 1 1/8" but this is a later V brake model with no rear canti bridge. Think you should find similar correlation.