Restoring a Retro Bike
Discussion
I used to be massive into mountain biking and in an effort to get fit this year, I'd like to get back out on the bike, but also have a little project, so I'd like to restore my mid-90's bike for a little light trail work.
I previously converted it for commuting about 10 years ago and now it does need a bit of a rebuild.
It's a Univega Alpina steel frame, which I love but it needs:
New forks - 1 1/8th stem, ideally something light, no idea what it ok these days though. Probably a new headset too.
New brakes. I'm thinking of having a rear disc boss welded on and then having the frame powder coated, then some discs fitted, although again I have no idea what is good?
New wheels, the Mavic 519 / XT set up on them is 7 speed and my brother dinged a rim years ago and now the rim rubs. It is worth going for forks and wheels that have a bigger axel?
New mechs, and shifters, retro XT and definitely seen better days.
I do have a late 2000's LX crank and BB on it, which seems ok?
I know I could probably just buy a new bike for the cost, but I do love that bike, and I'm just going to be riding by myself.
Anyone got any ideas / recommendations on where to even start?
I previously converted it for commuting about 10 years ago and now it does need a bit of a rebuild.
It's a Univega Alpina steel frame, which I love but it needs:
New forks - 1 1/8th stem, ideally something light, no idea what it ok these days though. Probably a new headset too.
New brakes. I'm thinking of having a rear disc boss welded on and then having the frame powder coated, then some discs fitted, although again I have no idea what is good?
New wheels, the Mavic 519 / XT set up on them is 7 speed and my brother dinged a rim years ago and now the rim rubs. It is worth going for forks and wheels that have a bigger axel?
New mechs, and shifters, retro XT and definitely seen better days.
I do have a late 2000's LX crank and BB on it, which seems ok?
I know I could probably just buy a new bike for the cost, but I do love that bike, and I'm just going to be riding by myself.
Anyone got any ideas / recommendations on where to even start?
You'll find everything you need on Retrobike forums. There's quite a bit of love for Univegas on there, and there's also an archive for catalogues etc. if you want to restore it back to how it was from new. I've bought lots of hard to find stuff from the classifieds on there to restore back to period parts.
Edited by muppetman74 on Friday 31st January 10:02
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