harrnjos

I found this bike at a thrift store a couple days ago. I don't know anything about it, but I'm guessing it's from sometime in the 1970s. It says it's a Centurion LeMans. I'm wondering what others can tell me about this bike.

https://img514.imageshack.us/img514/7128/imgp0726xc9.jpg

cyclodan

The stem mount shifters suggest a lower end model, late '70s maybe. Looks to be a rather small frame, 48-50cm, would probably fit someone around 5'2"-5'4".
Got any more pic's? Detail of the derailleurs, wheels etc?
BTW I would suggest you check the minimum insertion mark on the stem.

ollo_ollo

Its OK to check the stem, but its likely fine. Those SR tall stems were made to accomodate the tall SunTour Powershifters & are something I look for at swap meets. They work well as a poor man's substitute for a Nitto technomic stem. I generally don't like stemshifters but those tall, ratcheting shifters are kind of nifty & everyone should try them if you given the chance. Don

ollo_ollo

I think its an early Centurion Le Mans with a Hi Ten steel frame, heavy but a good rider & makes a fine commuter bike. Lube it up, get some fenders & a rack and you are all set. Its good for a lot of miles.

harrnjos

You're right, it's a smaller bike, but since I am 5'3", it fits. The seat was raised because I had it tuned up today and hadn't lowered it back down. As a college student, I just needed an inexpensive, reliable bike to go around campus/town with. With my budget, it was either this bike or a cheap bike from a box store. Of the two, I thought this was the better choice. Here's some more pics:

https://img530.imageshack.us/img530/5388/imgp0730og8.jpg

https://img530.imageshack.us/img530/730/imgp0731sg6.jpg

https://img242.imageshack.us/img242/2812/imgp0732un8.jpg

https://img242.imageshack.us/img242/5504/imgp0733ab5.jpg

https://img61.imageshack.us/img61/916/imgp0734cf6.jpg

sheadd

Hi I am a new member. About 10 years ago I purchased two Centurions a Turbo and a Lemans RS from a Dentist in Chula Vista Calif. He had maintained the bikes in near new condition and I road them in my first few Triathlons and then stored them. I am just starting to ride off road and I would like to trade them for an off road bike or perhaps I should just sell them. Any thoughts on this and what might I expect to sell them for.

Denny Shea

juls

GREAT find!! I've found an 83 elite rs @ a local thrift shop; cleaned up nice. Needing a front wheel tho (dark anodized) and hoods to make it complete. Saddle was trashed/so replaced it. Second digit in the serial # usually indicates the year. Don't know how to add image of mine.

riva

If you're going to bump a half year old thread, at least attach some pics! You don't need image hosting, just hit the attach button, then browse for the pics. BikeForums will host them for us. I'm a fellow 83 elite owner.

mstrpete

Like this? Well, I'll be darned. ('84 Le Mans, BTW)

juls

thanks for the tip. And such a nice welcome to the post!
Just got a request for #....Serial N3P5358
Brakes:dia compe side pull
Chain: beveled platers-black and chrome
D: Cyclone M II/Symmetric topmount
FW: Suntour perfect 13-28
HB: Custom Aluminum
Headset: Tang Aero sealed system
Rear hub: Suze (27x1 dk anodized rim) no markings on rim
Pedals: SR SP100
Seatpost: Laprade aluminum 220mm
Stem: Aluminum model cr
The bb, I can't tell; and the frame has no sticker as to what kind of tange/just "Quality from Japan/Designed in USA"
That is all!
Thanks for listening!

juls

oh yea, sugino 52/42- 170 mm AS crank (lg ring dk anodized)

RobbieTunes

That's one of the better LeMans models, with sweet DC brakes.
Looks like someone took care of it in a decent manner, and may have already swapped out the 27" wheels for 700c.
It's a very smooth ride. Lubed and adjusted, the gearing is nice, compliant, and fairly quiet.
I really liked mine.

Frame will be either Tange Infinity, which is my guess, or Tange 2, but I'm pretty sure Tange Infinity, with Tange Mangalloy fork

wrk101

I just picked up this mixte frame, I believe it is a 1984 Lemans 12. It has a Tange 5 frame. I might go ahead and built it up, I have some donor parts available. Former owner tossed all of the components as they were "worn out." I'll probably put 27 inch wheels on it, although I do have a set of 700c available. Just don't want to over-build the bike.

RobbieTunes

You booger. Nice pickup.
And with eyelets, too.

Overbuild? Nah, easy.
And you've got a choice on the rear brake; I believe you can mount two ways.
Great potential there for a ss "sweetie" bike for a lady.

juls

83 Elite RS is the model/a skoshe above the leman by the 84 catalog info.

juls

Replying to my own thread is the only way to get a pic on? Anyway; on the road now...

cb400bill

brochure page https://www.sheldonbrown.com/centurio...8elite-rs.html

specifications https://www.sheldonbrown.com/centurio...s/20specs.html

juls

Thanks for the info. Returned the ram bars and put it on CL (one inch too tall for me) Appreciate all your efforts!