Univega 2000 Modo Vincere Triple

Price Paid:  $0.00 at Elon bike shop

Favorite Ride:
Any and all.

Bike Setup:
Stock

Summary:
I have had a Specialized Allez and and A Fuji professional before riding this great machine. Although my Fuji is much lighter, it's funny that this steel ride is lighter than my aluminum allez. Originally this bike was bought for my dad, but he got a great deal on a Kestrel Talon so after 4 years in the garage i decided to fix it up. Great ride, smooth and responsive. First bike with campagnolo so we will see how that goes. I plan to write another review soon after riding it more.

Strengths:
Lightweight, aerodynamic, smooth, fairly stiff, looks cool.

Weaknesses:
Original owner had switched up the braking so the left side was the back. really confusing but i haven't had many problems yet.

Similar Products Used:
Specialized Allez, Fuji Professional.

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
it's a really good bike

Price Paid:  $400.00 at Bicycle World, Dubuq

Favorite Ride:
The next one!

Bike Setup:
Stock excluding an Easton EC-70 seatpost, Ritchey Pro stem, Wellgo clipless pedals and Vittoria Tecno Pro tires.

Summary:
When I bought this bike upon my return to the US after some years abroad, it presented itself as my first "real" road machine. Its original owner had purchased it to use on the local rail-to-trail -- shame on the idiot salesperson who helped make that mistake happen. I purchased the bike 26 miles later, virtually untouched and at half the retail price. The Univega never worked as my main commuting bike (a hybrid, soon to be a cyclocross, serves that purpose), but I do take it to work when I want to ride FAST.

Finding this frame and its components (excluding the Sabre fork, which I plan to swap for a carbon) was truly a great thing. The Veloce drivetrain and cockpit have served well and get better with seasoning. The bike is light and responsive, yet strong enough to handle a rider who likes to pile on the miles.

While ultimately satisfied and completely in love with my Univega, two serious issues have popped up with my Veloce group's left crank and bottom bracket (Campagnolo issues all): the former cracked near the spindle under normal riding conditions and the latter needed replacing after only 300 miles. The new crank has held up well and I'll soon invest in a high-end BB to keep my machine rolling smoothly for another couple years!

Strengths:
Veloce just keeps gettin' better
Triple ring adds granny gear just in case
Easy to deck out in upgrades
Dead sexy bike, no doubt about it

Weaknesses:
Watch the BB and, as a rule, regularly inspect your gear!!!
Get some rim strips to boost the rim liners' protection against flats
Aluminum fork can make for a stiffer ride

Similar Products Used:
Raleigh Record (with Suntour, nonetheless)
Trek 1000

Price Paid:  $750.00 at Hilly Hundred Tent S

Favorite Ride:
All of them

Bike Setup:
Stock except WTB Rocket V Ti saddle.

Summary:
I'd always wanted to get into road riding as I'm a mtber and I couldn't afford anything too expensive to start out with, so I got lucky when I came across this bike on a closeout. I'm very glad I got this bike for my first road bike because of the great components and ride that it has. I ride a lot of very rough roads and the steel frame really absorbs the bumps nicely, the Campy stuff performs very well, and, although the bike isn't that light, it sprints and rides very stiffly and lightly.

Strengths:
ITM,Campy,Vittoria....

Weaknesses:
Don't need the granny gear. Oh wait, I'm 17!

Similar Products Used:
Kestral

Price Paid:  $0.00

Bike Setup:
The bike is set up with a carbon fork [from e-bay looks just like the stock sabre fork]replacing the

Summary:
This is a follow-up to my April, 2001 review. I wish I could rate this bike higher than 5. In summary the Univega has improved with age. It makes me realize what a good value it really is. Handles securely and floats like a butterfly. The veloce triple is excellent; it's worn in well. I just rode it home from work tonight - it rides like a cadillac.

Strengths:
The frame is it's best asset. It rides light - rides like it's lighter than it is. Compliant, eats up bad roads. Stable handling - no hands, no problem. Sturdy. An endearing workhorse. good century bike - good commuter. comfortable. cool paint job.

Weaknesses:
Univega has no snob cache. Wait, that's a strength! In fact, the brand has been off the market a while. Hard to find.

Similar Products Used:
Peugeot px10; gios megalite triple; cannondale caad5