Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Centurion Sport DLX

Picked it up just now via CL. I thought 50 bucks was a steal for this bike, but I think I was wrong. I will definitely still make a few bucks on it, but I thought the quality of the componentry would be a little better. It's got a real cheap looking Sugino crank set, steel rims, weird cheap looking seat clamp bolt and post and stem shifters.

Anyhow, I am going to tear is down and single speed it. What do you guys think? Can I still use this crank set when I single speed it for the inner ring? I sure hope I can because I do not want to go out and purchase anything.

Thanks in advance.

http://i891.photobucket.com/albums/ac117/vintage87/SeansPictures036.jpg

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"Sport" in the name of any Asian bike boom bike is an indicator that it was a low-end/entry level bike. It looks like a nicer bike, but costed a lot less at the bike shop when new. Another case in point is the Fuji Sports 10 (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?p=10030918#post10030918) I picked up yesterday (luckily enough, for free).

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/Doohickie/09FujiSport/th_100_4380.jpg (http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/Doohickie/09FujiSport/100_4380.jpg) http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/Doohickie/09FujiSport/th_100_4381.jpg (http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/Doohickie/09FujiSport/100_4381.jpg) http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/Doohickie/09FujiSport/th_100_4382.jpg (http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/Doohickie/09FujiSport/100_4382.jpg)

Right, I was definitely aware of that fact, but I thought I would get it anyhow just to see if I can make a little down payment money! I have it down to just the frame right now and the paint is going to clean up very nicely after I treat it with my random orbital polisher. However, I have discovered that I will NOT be able to run just the inner rind because they are welded together. In light of that, I may try to see if I can find another old crank set lying around.

On another note, should I swap the old steelies out for a set of aluminum Araya's I have lying around? I think I would get a little more bang for my buck that way. Thoughts on the crank issue and wheel set issue?

Thanks.

I would say the original equipment is probably good enough. If someone is discerning enough to pass on a bike because it has steel wheels, they likely won't even look at a "Sport" model bike. Try to sell it with the steelies; if it doesn't move, then upgrade the wheels. When coming across old bikes, I find that getting decent wheels is one of the harder components to get. So if the steelies look okay, sell it that way.

You're already into it for $50; you don't want to put more into it. Even if you don't have a current project for your Araya's, hang onto them; something will pop up.

Hmm, really? See, the way I see it is that the alums will definitely make the bike more desirable for potential buyers. I figure the steelies will bring the want factor down significantly. It's not like the Arayas cost me anything. They were just take-offs from another project.

Well, I will definitely put some money into it. Chain, freewheel, some leftover bar tape, and possibly a Tektro mountain lever and new cables and lines of course.

About the crank set situation: I was able to use an old Sistar, or something of that matter. It looks a heck of a lot better than that chimsy Sugino that came with it. I will be sure to snap some photographs of the finished product. The paint buffed out really nicely. Not to mention the sealant I use is pretty high end stuff! I am hoping to have this sucker done my tomorrow night!

I wouldn't put anything into it but the obvious, no wheels either. Fifty dollars, looks like an '83. It's a beginners model but it's a Centurion and it's red, you won't get hurt. It appeals to me, you and will to someone else. Basically it's in VG shape.
I've mixed feelings, aside my own, about the fixie thing; seems that market's fickle.

Well, the reason for single speeding it is that a lot of college students (OSU, PSU, etc.) really like the simplicity of them. And I enjoy building single speeds as well. I am a simplest my self and get great enjoyment out of making something for someone like this bike.

It's coming along well, I just overhauled the wheels tonight and I will hunt for some tubes in the morning. Some CST's will go on along with the tubes. I have to also snag a set of pedals from another project or something because the ones it came with are harsh looking.

I will post pictures soon!!

Yeah, that's not an 87. I don't think you will come out ahead by swapping project parts unless you have a lot of extra parts. You will be better off passing these low end parts on than keeping them and passing on better stuff. You don't want to be stuck with them do you? Sell it as what it is, an entry level bike in good condition. If someone wants to spend money upgrading it good for them. Get out of it for what you can and move on to the next, keep your decent spare parts for when they will benefit you more.

You cannot build this up to make it more attractive to a buyer. A yugo with a ferrari engine is still a yugo...

that said, the lugs in this frame are very nice, the frame looks like it is in great shape, the bike looks 21 inches or smaller and methinks that you can recover your money (and potentially make more) by selling the frame alone. Also that handlebar (SR Champion?) can bring you $10 or so, plus the rest parts will be a bonus...

just a thought.

pics

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Came-out nice.... you devil you.

Lol, Oldandew, are you coming on to me?! I am just kidding. Thanks man, I really appreciate it. I think I will get my full asking price at $300 when the right buyer comes along. It's a really solid bike. Keep the opinions coming!!

Oldandnew....sorry that's what I meant. I have had a growler of local brewery IPA....my motor skills are going!!

did you get your asking price?

Well, the bike has been on for a couple days now. Just s scammer so far. I am asking 300, which I could very easily get in the summer. I will lower it tomorrow