Univega 53cm Town-Style @ Pedal Revolution Refurbished Bicycle Update
Several weeks ago we had a customer come by the bike shop to donate an old Univega that dated back to her college days. She hoped that we would make use of it, and we assured her as much. It’s the objective of this post to show the process we go through to refurbish good-quality older bicycles here at Pedal Rev.
The Univega as it looked when it arrived: old and definitely pretty tired.
To be a reliable and comfortable bicycle for the next rider, this Univega really needed everything. This started with removing all components from the frame and determining which parts could be re-used.
Though it might have stopped the bike well enough in the 1980’s, this old Dia-Compe brake caliper isn’t really up for tackling San Francisco hills. Note extensive rust on spokes as well
The new Tektro dual-pivot caliper. New, much more powerful, and high-polish silver finish.
The bottom bracket cups, complete with grease dating back to the Reagan/Thatcher years…
The bottom bracket spindle, again gummed up with late Cold War-era grease…
Amazing what some steel wool and a little buffing can achieve: under all that old grease the bearing races were still in very nice shape, so I repacked the cups with new 1/4″ ball bearings and fresh grease…
The original Shimano 600 front derailleur, featuring the unique “Arabesque” font, after a good detailing…
The fork crown and lower headset cup…a bit on the rusty side of things
After being given a ‘lil Tri-Flow/steel wool love…
Original sticker, which I left on. Always interesting to consider the bike’s history. This shop no longer seems to be in business, but it was originally founded by Czechoslovakian pro road racer Otto Rozvoda in the 1960’s.
Our sticker, affixed to the downtube
Ready to get built up with all the new/refurbished components
The original stem/handlebar. Not the most comfortable setup for riding around the city.
Retro-style brake levers, modern indexed Shimano bar-end shifters, and cork bar tape finished off with some burgundy Newbaum’s.
A new derailleur mated to a 9-speed wide-range cassette and original crankset. Got some new MKS Sylvan Touring pedals on there too!
The final product, featuring a new Shimano/Mavic wheelset, Panaracer Pasela 700 x 32 tires, Velo Orange stem/Soma Oxford Bar. Ready for all the urban jungle has to throw at it!
She’ll be a good fit for somebody in the 5’3-5’7″ range. Come take a test ride!
$700
SOLD!!!!
Schwinn Sierra 8 Speed Nexus Internally Geared Hub 21" @Pedal Revolution Refurbished Bike Update
This Schwinn Sierra began life as an early era mountain bike and has all the characteristics that made the bikes of that time so versatile: Steel frame, relaxed geometry, long wheel base, low-ish bottom bracket, rack and fender mounts. Early mountain bike design borrowed a lot from classic touring bikes and were designed to be comfortable for off-road touring rather than the popular type of “shredding” style riding done today on contemporary mountain bikes. These early bikes were so robust that a few decades later the frames are still going strong. We love receiving donations of these bikes and rebuilding them as dependable utility commuter bikes. In fact, a current inclination among many San Francisco bike couriers is to use a rebuilt early era mountain bike for delivery, rather than the tried and true fixed gear or steel road bike. They are more comfortable for long days in the saddle, cheap to repair and replace, can accommodate heavy loads, aren’t flashy looking (theft deterrent!), and can take a beating!
This one got the unique treatment of an internally geared Shimano Nexus 8 speed wheelset plus all the other goodies that we love - Continental Touring tires, WTB saddle, upright Wald handlebar, new brakes, and full fenders for the rainy days to come.
21″ fits a taller individual of about 5’11”- 6’2″.
$450 SOLD
Custom Gitane 63 cm Town-Style 3 speed @ Pedal Revolution Refurbished Bicycle Update
Are you or someone dear to you between 6’1″ and 6’4″, dig the color orange, and in the market for a unique town-style bicycle that rides like a dream? If any of this rings true, you’d best come in to Pedal Rev to check out this Gitane.
According to the original sales paperwork provided by the gentleman who kindly donated it to us, this bike cost $165 way back in 1972. It still had all the original parts on it, and the paint is in great shape for its age. But cycling has come a long way since then and major changes were on order; in fact, the frame, seatpost, and matching original Zefal pump are the only items that weren’t replaced.
Cool details on this bike include a new polished 3-speed wheel, some vintage Suntour Cyclone cranks, and some pretty wide Nitto handlebars that’ll be well suited to the larger individual who ends up putting miles on this rig.
Some ergonomic Portland Design Works grips are comfortable on the hands, and the retro-look Tektro brake levers control new dual-pivot calipers that’ll bring this orange whip to a stop in no time.
Come on by and take it for a test ride!
$725
Specialized Expedition Commuter Bike 17" @Pedal Revolution Refurbished Bike Update
Another great deal to be had! A nice condition Specialized Expedition commuter bike rebuilt with new wheels, drivetrain, tires, saddle, pedals, and cables/housing.
17″ fits 5’5″ - 5’10”
$300. SOLD
Univega "Davey Jones Green" MTB Commuter 19" @Pedal Revolution Refurbished Bike Update
The rain and a chill in the air have slowed things down here at the shop and the fine mechanics at Pedal Revolution have been keeping busy building up a huge assortment of custom used bikes….almost too many to post! We have a good assortment of affordable commuter bike options as well as some nicer road, touring, and city bike rebuilds. Stop in and pay us a visit to see our latest offerings.
Here is a great deal of the day: A rebuilt Univega Alpina Uno set up for commuter duty with durable Continental City Ride tires. $325 for this bombproof steel framed utility bike!
19″ and an ideal fit for a rider 5’9″ - 6’1″.
Specialized Sirrus Hybrid Commuter 13" @Pedal Revolution Refurbished Bike Update
A superb condition Specialized Sirrus in sexy matte black on the floor in the heavily visited Pedal Revolution refurbished bike department. This little number is a 13″ and sized for a human of smaller stature…around 4’7″ - 5’2″.
$500. SOLD.
Scott Sportster Step-Through Commuter Hybrid @ Pedal Revolution Refurbished Bike Update
Scott Sportster step-through hybrid bicycle. Upright and comfortable, this commuter bike is a great match for city streets.
17″ sized for 5’6″-5’10”
$489. SOLD
Univega Viva Sport Single Speed 68cm!!! @Pedal Revolution Refurbished Bicycle Update
Here at Pedal Revolution we like to joke around and say we “play to the margins.” In this context we’re referring to those very special hominids who fall outside (sometimes far outside) the bell curve of human height. To keep costs down and standardize production, most bicycle companies don’t invest all that much in designing bikes for both very tall and very short people. As for me (Todd), I stand around 6’3″ so it’s easy enough to get a bike that works out fit-wise. I could, however, digress for a long time about how frustrating it is to find a size 14 shoe. Like you, the prospective bike buyer who wants to actually try out the machine, I want to try out the shoe…but of course they only go up to a 12 or a 13. Then it’s time to hang my head and leave the store, resigning myself to the joys of purchasing shoes online, sight unseen.
Anyway, if you’re above 6’4″ and want some simple, proper-fitting transportation, this Univega could be your ticket. We’ve outfitted it with some slick parts, including a Soma handlebar/stem setup and some great-looking Soma 700 x 32mm tires for a smooth ride. Quality Tektro dual-pivot brakes provide excellent stopping power. Other interesting touches include a Shimano 600 headset (some real smooth bearings there, folks) and true track cranks by the Italian manufacturer Miche. And to top it off we’ve chosen bar tape that’s the coloration of that nice Chianti…
Like many of our refurbished bikes, this one has nearly all new parts, aside from the frame. You’ll get years of low-maintenance riding out of this machine.
$500
'MERICA! A Slightly Patriotic Specialized Rockhopper! @Pedal Revolution Refurbished Used Bike Update
Just in time for Independence Day, this patriotic little number just hit the floor at Pedal Revolution. A refurbished Specialized Rockhopper with timely red, white, and blue accents. Perfect for the July 4th parade or your general run-of-the-mill enthusiastically patriotic commute to work. - Update: SOLD
(ALSO! Works for patriotic Frenchies, FYI). Vive la France! Sacre Bleu! USA! USA! ‘MERICA!! etc. etc.
$350 SOLD!
Cannondale C300 16″ Step-through commuter bike @Pedal Revolution Refurbished Used Bike Update
Cannondale C300 16″ Step-through commuter bike.
A great, affordably priced Cannondale hybrid built in the US. Cannondale’s are known for being lightweight and this one is no exception. Geared to take on any hill you want to throw at it this upright positioned commuter bike will make a fine new partner for some lucky person who can appreciate it’s understated charms.
16″ fits 5’1″ – 5’5″.
$350. SOLD!