Classic & Vintage - centurion sport dlx -- what do you think?

Hello:)

I'm new to the forum (and trying to get back into biking!) -- and would like opinions for a Centurion Sport DLX for sale on craigslist. http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/bik/845619527.html

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I've been told by 2 people (one a bike messenger and the other a casual biker) that $200 is a great deal and the latter saying it's way expensive. I contacted the seller and is willing to negotiate a lower price; so this is why I'm here to see how low I should actually negotiate.

I have been doing a tiny bit of research -- I'm assuming this model was manufactured around the 80's (1984?), so the question is for a ~24-year old bike is this a steal or would I be a fool for spending anything over $150? Also, the catalogue (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/centurion1984/pages/18sport-dlx-cavaletto.html)for this specific model describes the bike as an "economical bike" -- would this bike's value depreciate or increase over time?

Thank you in advance!

First, it's hard to buy a bad Centurion; they're sturdy, well-made units. That said, this model is near the bottom of their product line -- high-tensile steel frame, steel wheels and chainrings, low-cost derailleurs and components. Personally, I wouldn't give more than $100 for it, but then again I saw a Schwinn Varsity on the SFBay CL for $400 today, so what do I know?

If you've got a $200 budget, I'd keep my powder dry and keep watching CL; something better should turn up before long.

Looks to be a circa 1984 model, in which case the asking price is just about the original MSLP. I don't live in the Bay area, so I can't tell if it price reasonable for that market. While it is a very clean example, it's nothing collectible, so the price should depreciate with use, but if gas prices keep going the way they have been, it's possible it might appreciate. Right now, used bicycle prices are the highest I've ever seen them. One thing I can tell you for sure, that front derailleur will not be much use when it's set that high above the chainring.

There is no reasonable price in the SF Bay Area market anymore.

There is no reasonable price in the SF Bay Area market anymore.


It's out there somewhere =P. I'm going to offer $80 and work from there...

If it was a straight road DLX, I'd say the seller can eat grass for that price.
Now, as a mixte, it's got a little more bounce in the mixte market.

One of the nicest mixte's is the Centurion LeMans, a few steps above this one, $200-250.
I'd say offer the seller 80-120. A nice mixte is harder to find, but a DLX is a $100 bike, tops.

Looks to be a circa 1984 model, in which case the asking price is just about the original MSLP.

FYI, that equals $421 in today's dollars.