his is a perfect vintage gravel bike, best for 5’10”-6’5″ riders. The Via Carisma was Univega’s high end hybrid bike. It’s frame is absolutely beautiful ‘blue marble’ in like new shape. Hybrid bikes are lighter than mountain bikes, stronger than road bikes, and a lot more comfortable than both due to a more relaxed, upright riding position. This bike is a ‘gravel’ bike circa 1993.

This 1993 Via Carisma model uses Univega’s Bi-Axial Power Oval frame made of super light CroMoly steel tubes interestingly shaped: the top tube transforms from a vertically squished oval at the head tube to the horizontally squished oval at the seat tube. The downtube goes from a vertical oval at the head tube to the horizontal oval at the bottom bracket. 

This bike has 21-speed Shimano Exage 500 LX drivetrain, designed specifically for hybrids and beefed up 700x38c wheels with gravel/touring tires that are fast enough on paved roads and tough enough off-road.

This bike’s bottom bracket bearings and cables were badly rusted and shifters were clogged up so it was impossible to ride when I bought it. It was likely in storage for years, and because of that the gorgeous ‘blue marble’ frame was preserved so well and still looks like new. I replaced the old school bottom bracket with new sealed Shimano BB, and restored the original shifters.

Available for $700. Please email me at bikesheaven1@gmail.com with any questions. Shipping in the continental USA is $250