Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - 1981 Centurion Elite $400

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tumminello123
06-03-09, 08:44 AM
Is a 1981 Centurion Elite or Super LeMans NOS for $400 a good deal? I don't know a great deal about these biles, but my very first serious bike was an Ironman Master from the late 1980's and it was fantastic.

In fact, I would love to have an Ironman Master or Carbon if anyone wants to part with one.

Ex Pres
06-03-09, 08:48 AM
May not be a bad deal as NOS, but may not be what you want, either, for that money. IIRC the Elite did not have the level of tubing or componentry that your Ironman had.
cb400bill
06-03-09, 08:53 AM
Two weeks ago someone sold a 62cm NOS 1981 Centurion Elite on LA Craigslist for $200. Just sayin...

http://www.jaxed.com/cgi-bin/mash.cgi?cat=cpbike&itm=centurion&loc=&fil=elite&ys=1981&ye=1981&submit=++++go++++

roccobike
06-03-09, 10:13 AM
Calling Robbie Tunes, Calling Robbie Tunes,
(One of our Centurion experts)
wrk101
06-03-09, 04:50 PM
I never believe someone that says NOS. It is a very overused description. A non-NOS version of either model is not worth the price. And the moment you ride it, it is not NOS then.
RobbieTunes
06-03-09, 05:29 PM
Even NOS, I think it's a little high. $400 can get you a lot of bike, and a better bike, than one of those, even with about 75 shipping. I'd only believe NOS if it was in the box, or unmarked and had the tag and owner's manual hanging off of it.

We've corresponded on the Ironman bikes, and it would help to know your size. They are all over eFray, and I just missed a pretty all-red Master that went $208 shipped.

If you want an Ironman, hang around the Centurion Serial Number database, and keep me on your PM list. I'm fairly biased towards them, and there are plenty out there, including on CL in several places. I'll help in any way I can.

Ironman bikes should run you 250-300 in good shape. The prices have spiked a little lately, but fallen back into range. The Tange 1 frame just is a great mix of weight, road manners, and overall paint quality that's hard to beat, and Centurion hung pretty good group packages on 'em.