The Univega Via De Oro Story

The frame as acquired, well it did have some junky bits I disposed of (Handlebars, Bottom Bracket, Stem.) I paid a guy $20 for this a few years back, he found it in his bushes in the hills of Oakland. It did have a fork but it was badly damaged, badly. There is a sticker on the tube stating Iowa Bike & Ski (what kind of skiing is in Iowa?)

This seemed to be the bike, a 1997 Univega De Oro. Sort of a stupid looking upright hybrid. But mine was a blank slate and remained so for years.

Then I saw a cool looking SS a guy built of one up in Seattle (Portland?), but SS was not for me.