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

I was wondering what the worth of a good-condition 1984 (?) Centurion Turbo would be? I am about set to get it at 300$. From my understanding it is in good shape and has mostly original components (i.e. seat is different, maybe brakes.. not sure about rims). Should I pull the trigger? I might be wrong but it seems that these bikes don't turn up very often. Pictures below:

http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy17/jolleyoldfool/turbo1.jpg
http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy17/jolleyoldfool/turbo2.jpg

I was also told that it's a 54cm frame, but it looks like it is bigger to me. Do my eyes deceive me?

cheers,

-pham

Looks like at least a 56, measure it and you will know for sure. Around here, $300 is really high for a bike of that vintage. What grade and brand are the components?

+1, looks like a 56cm. Actually, I believe that is the 1983 model, as it only has one set of bottle bosses. The rims are replacements, as are the saddle and rear derailleur. The brakes appear to the OEM Dia-Aero Gran Compe 300 series, as does the crankset. Overall, there's nothing to suggest the cahnges are actual upgrades, so they would actually deteriorate the value IMO.

Still, the frame is a nice one, made of lightweight Tange #1 and they are fairly rare. If you're in a high priced market, $300 may be fair. This is not a good time to be selling bicycles, but it is the most size. You could try offering him less and see what happens. FYI, orignal price was $535 US.

Thanks everyone.. as I really wanted to pick up a Turbo, I was probably blinded to these things until recently. I'm actually looking for a 54cm frame so it being bigger is a deal breaker for me, especially since I feel the price is on the high side (negotiated down from 425$ but I wanted 200-250$) and I would probably have to sell at a loss if it didn't fit. That plus me already having a bike makes this a luxury :]

I think it would fit my brother but I doubt he would want to shell out that kind of money.. We shall see.

....and bikeforums to the rescue! :thumb:

-pham

+1 on it being 56cm. My own Turbo is 54cm CtoC 55+cm CtT, and I am pretty sure it's smaller than that one, though by just a bit. That one has been for sale for a while so it's not surprising that the owner was willing to come well down on the price.

For those few who are interested in higher-end Japanese bikes from the 80s, the Turbo is a desirable model, and it's fairly rare. There is a guy in NoCal who periodically posts that he is looking for one to buy as it was his favorite back in the day.* But there are not many buyers like that, and probably most of them are on this forum!

So for a premium price, $300 and up, the bike would need to be in great condition and close to original or nicely upgraded. If you can get that one for a better price or find another that suits you better, you'll probably like it, a lot. :thumb:

178044

*Is that you, Mr Pham??