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11-29-06, 11:25 PM
I've got a couple of nice Centurion road frames from the 1980's:
1984 Comp TA (http://www.unc.edu/~cupery/pics/bikes/Centurion_Comp_TA_frame), Tange Champion #2 tubing, 63cm (ctt) seattube, 59cm top tube
1987 Ironman Expert (http://www.unc.edu/~cupery/pics/bikes/Centurion_Ironman_Expert/), Tange #1 tubing, 64cm seattube, 58cm top tube
The crowns of their forks are significantly different designs, and I'm wondering if there is any functional difference or if it's only aesthetics.
The Comp TA has a very pretty-looking fork crown, with Tange Champion fork blades, whereas the Ironman Expert has Tange Cromoloy fork blades that are just welded to the steerer tube. I assume they're both plenty strong, probably comparable weight, and while the Comp TA's fork has slightly more tire clearance both forks can handle typical 28mm tires. The Comp TA's fork blades are narrower and prettier, and have more width-space for larger tires probably, but the bikes rear end won't take more than a 28mm tire so it's a moot point really.
I'm also curious about how the TA Comp's fork is produced - is it brazed? Forged in one piece? I can't really see any joints.
Here's pictures. First, the TA Comp in red, and then the Ironman Expert in pink.
http://www.unc.edu/~cupery/pics/bikes/Centurion_Comp_TA_frame/cwdata/10_IMG_6874.jpg (http://www.unc.edu/~cupery/pics/bikes/Centurion_Comp_TA_frame/cwdata/10_IMG_6874.html)
http://www.unc.edu/~cupery/pics/bikes/Centurion_Comp_TA_frame/IMG_6851--Centurion_fork_crown.jpg (http://www.unc.edu/~cupery/pics/bikes/Centurion_Comp_TA_frame/cwdata/04_IMG_6851.html)
http://www.unc.edu/~cupery/pics/bikes/Centurion_Ironman_Expert/IMG_7133--Centurion_welded_fork.jpg
1984 Comp TA (http://www.unc.edu/~cupery/pics/bikes/Centurion_Comp_TA_frame), Tange Champion #2 tubing, 63cm (ctt) seattube, 59cm top tube
1987 Ironman Expert (http://www.unc.edu/~cupery/pics/bikes/Centurion_Ironman_Expert/), Tange #1 tubing, 64cm seattube, 58cm top tube
The crowns of their forks are significantly different designs, and I'm wondering if there is any functional difference or if it's only aesthetics.
The Comp TA has a very pretty-looking fork crown, with Tange Champion fork blades, whereas the Ironman Expert has Tange Cromoloy fork blades that are just welded to the steerer tube. I assume they're both plenty strong, probably comparable weight, and while the Comp TA's fork has slightly more tire clearance both forks can handle typical 28mm tires. The Comp TA's fork blades are narrower and prettier, and have more width-space for larger tires probably, but the bikes rear end won't take more than a 28mm tire so it's a moot point really.
I'm also curious about how the TA Comp's fork is produced - is it brazed? Forged in one piece? I can't really see any joints.
Here's pictures. First, the TA Comp in red, and then the Ironman Expert in pink.
http://www.unc.edu/~cupery/pics/bikes/Centurion_Comp_TA_frame/cwdata/10_IMG_6874.jpg (http://www.unc.edu/~cupery/pics/bikes/Centurion_Comp_TA_frame/cwdata/10_IMG_6874.html)
http://www.unc.edu/~cupery/pics/bikes/Centurion_Comp_TA_frame/IMG_6851--Centurion_fork_crown.jpg (http://www.unc.edu/~cupery/pics/bikes/Centurion_Comp_TA_frame/cwdata/04_IMG_6851.html)
http://www.unc.edu/~cupery/pics/bikes/Centurion_Ironman_Expert/IMG_7133--Centurion_welded_fork.jpg