Univega was the creation of Ben Lawee in the 1970s. He had a long history as an importer of bikes like Motobecane and Bianchi. The first brand he created was Italvega and these bikes were made in Italy. In the mid 70s he moved production to Miyata in Japan and the brand changed to Univega. The brand is well known for its road and mountain bike models. Lawee designed and spec’d out all the bikes. The bikes they made prove he was very good at designing bikes.
Lawee was constantly unhappy with the offerings by all the current bike brands. He felt they were too expensive or often didn’t meet the needs of riders. He spec’d high quality bikes that were fun to ride and affordable. His slogan was “Ride it your way”.
Models
Activa Action
Activa Country
Activa Trail
Alpina Sport
Alpina Uno
Competizione
Custom Maxima
Gran Rally
Gran Premio
Gran Turismo
Maxima Sport
Metroten
Nuevo Sport
Pro Comp
Rover Sport
Specialissima
Sportour
Superlight
Super Strada
Via Carisma
Via De Oro AL
Via Montega
Lawee sold the brand to Raleigh in 1996, and I think they slowly disappeared from the market afterward. In 2018 Univega was bought by Kent International, and they are bringing the brand back. Bikes are all assembled in the USA.
1983 Univega Super Strada
Will be adding more info and pictures soon.
Frugal Average Bicyclist 
Nice ride
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They are!
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i bought a univegasportour in overall good condition. it has shimano 600 downtube shifters. everything on it works. i paid $25.00 for it. told it was a 1987 model. is it any good?
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For $25 if in good condition that is a steal. Sportour is a higher mid-level road bike, not an entry level bike. 600 is good components.
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I’ve been looking for this!
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You did not include the Maxima Uno model. It was for two styles: top bar and mixte. I own a mixte model, which I purchased used (and neglected) at a thrift store.
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I have a 1987 Gran Record with original Shimano 105. I love the bike. It was my first real road bike. The bike shop I worked at carried Univegas, and I even sold one to a woman who became my girlfriend for awhile.
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Thanks for sharing. Sounds like a great bike!
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