Classic & Vintage - Centurian Ironman Expert - need more information!

Saw this ad in Craigslist. The dude's posted it several times now so I think I might be able to talk him down a bit, but I'm having difficulty pinning down a year on it, and subsequently what components would be on it, etc.

Can anyone tell the year based on this low-res Craigslist pic? Is it worth the asking price? Also, more to the point, is it worth upgrading from a Scott Tinley Technium with full Cyclone 7000? With a small amount of effort/money I could probably sell the Technium for $200 or so based on the condition, I'm thinking.

I don't want to see it first because I'm sure I would notice how beautiful it is and just throw money at it without thinking. Miyata and Centurion are two of my most desired bikes. Oh, and I did a search but didn't find much other than posts related to the Terry-designed models, but sorry if I missed something obvious. Any help would be appreciated!

http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/2500/3nc3m43p35o55y65u0a3q93.jpg

http://gainesville.craigslist.org/bik/1661932083.html

EDIT: Wanted to clarify that I'd be selling the Technium, not the Centurion.

I'm sure RobbieTunes will chime in but, Holy Hannah, those God-awful aerobars have to go. :)

Haha, so true. I'll probably just sell the bars or give them to one of my fast friends. Or maybe I can even use that as an excuse to knock the price down some, if I say I don't take 'em.

Sheldon Brown has some discussion about the Ironman Master/Ironman Expert distinction, but from my memory that looks like about an '88 model. Full Tange #1 frame with higher-end components. $250 is a fair price for such a bike in most markets, even considering that Centurions tend to be undervalued, at least in my opinion.

If the guy will give it to you for $200, take it with a smile.

If it's "Expert," then it came with Shimano 105.

The "aero bars" are just clip-ons that can be removed in less than 5 minutes.

Search "Centurion" on the Sheldon site, or look for the "serial number database" on this forum.

I joined the Ironman club only recently, and RobbieTunes has been immensely helpful.

If you can get a serial # it will tell you more about the date of manufacture, but offhand '88 looks about right.

Found the page you're talking about. http://www.sheldonbrown.com/centurion/

Incredibly informative. Sounds like the Expert is pretty much equivalent to my Scott Tinley in terms of weight and component quality. I'll probably just keep on the look-out for a better deal/better bike and in the meantime get the Tinley back up to super condition and work on completing the other bike I've been working on.

Thanks!

1989 Centurion Dave Scott Ironman Expert.
The '89 Expert had Suntour GPX, not Shimano 105.
The '87 and '88 Experts had 105 clothes on....

Blue "smoked" fade paint job, Tange 1 frame and Tange Chro-mo fork. Frame cleans up well.
Suntour GPX group, including hubs, laced to Araya Super Hard CTL-370's, stainless spokes.
Group is 2x7 indexed, shifters match the cassette, slightly different spacing than the Shimano 7-sp.
Calipers are light and pretty, with hidden springs. Nitto Deluxe stem on the '89's and B115 bars.
The white hoods will clean up just fine, but not like a Shimano. Should have SR LaPrade seat post.

OEM saddle was a suede Turbo, the idea was to keep your butt in place. Worked, looked bad in short order, turned brown in most cases, and then ripped up.

Those aero bars are pretty close to period-correct, so they'd be "appropriate" to the era. They also worked, and were affordable. Many people still clip them on to allow their road bike to be 'tri" ready.
During this era, not a lot of TT/Tri bikes only, so what you see pictured was kind of the "standard" triathlon double-duty bike. Add a disc wheel cover, and you're Mr. 80's Tri Guy.

The geometry for the '89 model was a little more aggressive than the '86-88 models, though couldn't have been much.

$200? Yeah, I'd buy it. The durn thing is my size, too....I think I have the spec sheet on my other PC.

Would I give up the Tinley for it?
No.
Would I like to have both?
Yes.

Scott, Tinley, and Allen all battled it out pretty good in the late 80's in Hawaii, and all three have bikes they endorsed, maybe even Mike Pigg, too....

Absolutely, it would be cool to have one from each guy....

I know a few triathletes that would easily drop a grand for the trio, and never ride them again.

I'm looking for one of those bad boys too but in like a 49cm. Saw one in L.A. But as always, the stuff in my size always come when I have no $

Interesting! Thanks Robbietunes! I might take a look at it, now that I know it's the Suntour group (even though it's roughly comparable to 105, anyway). I just love Suntour.

I got it today. $200. Rides like a mothereffing cloud, and all-in-all in pretty good condition. After trying out the aero bars I think I'll probably take them off... but I'll give them another chance. I just feel weird having my hands so far from the brakes while also barely being able to control the front wheel.

I'm gonna keep the Tinley, too, I decided. But I AM gonna try to sell off a few parts to hopefully make up the difference.

I'll contribute the serial number to the database later on when I get home. And of course, I'll take some pics.

good catch, I was looking for a gpx or 600 equipped ironman for awhile before I found a gitane TT.
Give the aerobars another shot, on a long ride, when you are on flat (or just no braking hill) they make for a good alternate position. I have ridden centuries with my mavic clip ons and getting them positioned correctly for me took a few rides, but now I wouldn't do a metric without them.

good catch, I was looking for a gpx or 600 equipped ironman for awhile before I found a gitane TT.
Give the aerobars another shot, on a long ride, when you are on flat (or just no braking hill) they make for a good alternate position. I have ridden centuries with my mavic clip ons and getting them positioned correctly for me took a few rides, but now I wouldn't do a metric without them.

+1 If you are a rider and burn lots of miles, the aerobars are a real and functional asset. However, aerobar position takes a while to get use to and requires tweaking for comfort. Let me know if you need any tweaking advice.

+1 If you are a rider and burn lots of miles, the aerobars are a real and functional asset. However, aerobar position takes a while to get use to and requires tweaking for comfort. Let me know if you need any tweaking advice.
+1 A nice alternative position for long rides.

I used to be able to use them, and would have agreed.

Lately, though, it just hurts too much. A saddle with an aggressive cutout might solve my problem, but for now I just can't seem to get that low and still pedal.

Also, I concur with the "cloud" sentiment. I just rode mine again this morning and still cannot get over how smooth it feels.

The nice thing About clip ons is you maintain all your regular bar position and add one.
It could be worse
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_eyxn8SPSTwU/S7JztBc0QFI/AAAAAAAAAGc/UFjz-06Uhuc/S1024/2010-03-30+13.52.56.jpg

Also, I concur with the "cloud" sentiment. I just rode mine again this morning and still cannot get over how smooth it feels.Now everyone will want one....fine with me!

Here it is!, exactly as it was when I picked it up. Note the crummy saddle and pedals. I lucked out and am getting the Christophe pedals that kmcrawford111 so graciously offered to Pay It Forward, and they will be replacing these. Now I just need a saddle (preferably an 80s saddle) and some better tires. Could also use a bit of a clean and scrub, too.

(clickable thumbnails)
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I picked up this bike last year from my brothers friend in Ft Lauderdale who needed cash and he knew I loved older bikes. I didn't like the colors, but 105 gears etc. are sweet and it is loaded with goodies. I'm removing the tri bars soon. I have many bikes and rarely ride this one but it is in mint condition and I only paid $150 for it (a steal). I was thinking its value was about $250 - $300. They called this the "Miami Vice Model" I was told and it was bought new in Miami Beach. I don't know the exact year of the bike, but I think it was built in the late 80s and the show ran 5 seasons from 1985-89. It is very light and very fast. I hope you enjoy yours, I think I'll take this one out this weekend on the West Orange Bike Trail, A great place to ride near Orlando FL.

I was thinking its value was about $250 - $300. Close, may want to back that off about $25-$50.
They called this the "Miami Vice Model" I was told and it was bought new in Miami Beach. Then it shirley is.

I don't know the year of the bike, but I think it was built in the late 80s and the show ran 5 seasons from 1985-89.
1987, most likely.

It is very light and very fast. I hope you enjoy yours, I think I'll take this one out this weekend on the West Orange Bike Trail, A great place to ride near Orlando FL.

A true Miami Road Machine.....with the right bars for the times, too. Welcome!

You are probably right, $225 to $250 is more like it. I was counting the Look pedals, front and rear lights and the Specialized speedometer, bag etc. that came on it. I've seen a few of these and this one is really sharp. I'm still not a fan of the purple/pink color, but it does stand out in a croud. not always a good thing.

You are probably right, $225 to $250 is more like it. I was counting the Look pedals, front and rear lights and the Specialized speedometer, bag etc. that came on it. I've seen a few of these and this one is really sharp. I'm still not a fan of the purple/pink color, but it does stand out in a croud. not always a good thing.

It's really a matter of attitude and that color combination absolutely rocks. At sunset, it has almost a cartoon glow. What do you want, some mud brown Raleigh? ;)

I'd still have this one if it wasn't two sizes too small:

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/RCopple/IMG_0028r.jpg

I took off the old clunky aero bars and took it out for a spin today and it is a better bike than my Trek 1000 and the Trek is too tall (58cm). I've decided to sell the Trek and ride the Centurion (54cm - my perfect size I've decided) for now. I think I'm done with the newer bikes, I like the 80s bikes better. OK, the color is growing on me a little.

I took off the old clunky aero bars and took it out for a spin today and it is a better bike than my Trek 1000 and the Trek is too tall (58cm). I've decided to sell the Trek and ride the Centurion (54cm - my perfect size I've decided) for now. I think I'm done with the newer bikes, I like the 80s bikes better. OK, the color is growing on me a little.


btw, just a tip. I think the yellow handlebar tape balances out the fuchsia a bit. If I recall, the Deda tape is a perfect match for the gold.

can i get in on some of this ironman-loving action? just picked up this 1987 expert. i had a 1986 with the 600 group, but i must say that 105 stuff is as good or better (comparing 1986 600 to 1987 105).

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2710/4461172290_067a355b7e_b.jpg

the paint is incredible. the advertisement says it goes through a 5-stage process. it looks like it's dripping wet!

btw, just a tip. I think the yellow handlebar tape balances out the fuchsia a bit. If I recall, the Deda tape is a perfect match for the gold....as is Bontrager, Cinelli cork, and many a tire, which EddyR can show really looks great...

illwafer, great job...definitely the iconic Ironman

can i get in on some of this ironman-loving action? just picked up this 1987 expert. i had a 1986 with the 600 group, but i must say that 105 stuff is as good or better (comparing 1986 600 to 1987 105).

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2710/4461172290_067a355b7e_b.jpg

the paint is incredible. the advertisement says it goes through a 5-stage process. it looks like it's dripping wet!

How tall is that Cent. IM expert?

I have the same bike (same color) but in 54 cm that is the tallest one I've seen.

How tall is that Cent. IM expert?

I have the same bike (same color) but in 54 cm that is the tallest one I've seen.

63cm I think.