Vintage Universal Riviera Rapide Road Bike

[stevebark]

I am looking to buy a vintage bike to restore and have been checking eBay regularly. I have come across a 1970's / 80's Universal Riviera Rapide which looks to be in reasonable condition, with original parts. The frame needs a re-spray but the rest of the parts look like a decent strip down and clean will be all that's required. I can't find any info on vintage Universal bikes on Google. Any info on the brand and model will be appreciated. Many thanks.

 

[Midlife]

Universal bikes were at the cheaper end of the bike market when I worked in the bike shop in the 1970's.........I have a feeling they weer also available from the "Empre Stores" catalogue........you might not remember them, we bought things on HP from a catalogue LOL.

Personally I'd Buy a Carlton / Raleigh / Falcon / Dawes / Viking / etc if you want a mass market bike from that era.

Unless it's a completely different "Universal".........

Any pics

Shaun

 

[stevebark]

Thanks Shaun. This will be my first vintage restoration so I am happy to start at cheaper end of the market, plus I like the Universal's geometry. The geometry looks a lot more like a modern bike's. I have been looking for a while and some vintage bikes have strange looking geometry. Slack head tubes, long seat stays, etc. I'm not on a hurry so will keep looking. Thanks for the tips re. brands.

Cheers
Steve