Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Is this something? Centurion Ironman

http://montana.craigslist.org/bik/1002651608.html

Seems like a decent price at $200, haven't seen it yet it's just over the pass. Thing is it's probably too small, but I have an early 70s Nishiki Semi-pro frame, so I would be buying it for parts and flipping the frame in all likelihood. Question is, is this a classic that should stay together and I should just pass on it or go ahead with planned transplant. I know and like shimano 105 but realize they aren't the ne plus ultra. My preliminary internal cost analyisis is telling me it would a wash in time and effort, and should just pass on it. Opinions?

my father bought it brand new for 2500.

I would be surprised if that is accurate.

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/centurion/#ironmandavescott

The following is quoted from Sheldon's page:

The Ironman Dave Scott model name replaced Comp TA in 1985 and with the name change came indexed shifting with an upgraded Shimano "New" 600EX group. In 1987 the economy Ironman Expert Dave Scott model, with its Shimano 105 groupset, appeared and the "Master" designation was added to the original Ironman Dave Scott to distinguish it from the "Expert." The frames of both models were identical, featuring the same Tange #1 tubing, itself renamed from Champion #1. At about this time, a TIG-welded fork crown replaced the more graceful, semi-sloped investment cast fork crowns of the Comp TA and the earlier Ironman models. My 1988 Expert weighs about 21lbs.
These models were marketed as "triathlon specific" designs, but their geometry is not at all like newer triathlon bikes. These bikes are more like general high-performance "road" bikes. They were reputed to offer a ride that put less strain on the rider's arms, on the assumption that the rider would have tired arms after the two mile swim... -- Sheldon Brown

In 1988 the Ironman Carbon model was introduced. It boasted a carbon fiber frameset and Dura-Ace components. This model sold for around $1,500-$1,600 and was the highest-priced Centurion of the period. I have not ranked it at the top of the heap only because it falls outside the steel-framed category.


As to what you should do, that is up to you, but with the statement that the bike has been in their family since new and it was the seller's dad's bike I wouldn't mention that you are thinking of buying it for parts and then selling off the frame.

It's a great frameset and a really nice bike. IMHO, it's worth the $200, but that's if you're going to keep it and ride it. At that price, I don't think it's much of a flipper. If you just want the components, how hard can it be to find late 80s 105 group? It's your call, if you can sell the frame and wheels for decent bucks then maybe it's worth it.

+1 This was not a $2500 bike.

+1 If you are buying it for transplant of components and flip, the starting price is too high. I have bought two late 80s bikes with complete 105 group, a Schwinn Tempo for $35, and a Miyata 712 for $100. Both have room to flip, transplant or whatever. If either was my size, I would keep it.

Since you mentioned it was the wrong size, so I am assuming it is not a keeper for you.

+1 Don't mention your plans to seller, or challenge them on original price either.

Thanks for the opinions, I emailed him to find out the top tube length and it's an inch and a half to two inches shorter than i really like even with a 120 stem. But I'm going over there tomorrow anyway and he seems like a nice guy so I'm going to pop by for a look. I know a few other cyclists around here, so i may be able to talk it up for him (it was posted first about a month ago)