IronFan
11-14-09, 12:06 PM
What would a Centurion Ironman Carbon be worth, condition about a 7 out of 10.....?
Just a very rough guesstimate will help.
Just happened to see one for sale.
Ex Pres
11-14-09, 10:25 PM
I'll bet RobbieTunes can give you an answer.
Here is the thing with these bikes (in so many words) :
New they were selling for $1500 or so when similar bikes were selling for $1000.
Now, if their components are all nice and clean, not abused and functioning perfectly, the gruppo could fetch that much (conditions helping). Very few Dura-Ace gruppos around for 126mm bikes these days and they are highly hunted (and highly over-priced compared to the 600/Ultegra of the era, buck for bang).
The frame is outdated and since there are so many carbon frames out, this one would just be a bonus. This is one of the rare occasions where the components out value the frame and possible the bike as a whole...
RobbieTunes
11-15-09, 05:53 AM
I've answered him in PM, and before it was moved here. I disagree with my Lehigh colleage, but not on his general points at all. One should look at the specific model being offered before discounting it.
First, to appreciate that particular bike, or a Specialized Epic or even the early GT model, you need to see the bike in person. At that time, you need to ride it. Many reservations fall away at that time. Cases in point:
http://velospace.org/files/t_P1100001.JPG http://velospace.org/files/t_pic007a.jpg
As far as the components, that's true with any bike, and while the Ironman is reported to have come with 7400 DA, I've not seen it on any. A bottom bracket and a crankset are the only evidence of that I've seen. The bike, like any Ironman, is easily set up with about any group you want, from 6-sp to 10-sp.
Yes, the frames are outdated. That's why they have some value. Maybe not the one IronFan was looking at on eBay, because there's no guarantee that was even an Ironman, as Centurion had another CF model, the Carbon.
However, here's where personal contact is needed. You'd need to ride one, properly set up, to appreciate how they stack up against newer, more modern models. They do, quite well. Other than fork flex, they are actually smoother in many respects, because they're not as stiff. Personal inspection also gives one the opportunity to allay any of the "old carbon catastrophe" fears one may have.
When either of the bikes above, but especially the Campy-shod one, go to a group ride, almost all my points above are brought to light. For one of the frames above, easily $150-$225 because they should always include that silky smooth bb and headset, plus the 25.0 seat post really needs to stay with the bike.
For the one on eBay, well, I've told IronFan what I think, and I'll refrain from that one in case someone on BF bought it.
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