Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Rough estimate - Centurion LeMans

Hey guys just wanted to get a rough idea of what you might pay for this bike. I don't know much about the brand at all, I'm more familiar with Japanese bikes. The pictures aren't that great but its all I've got.

Thanks,
Seth

http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss72/canes10510/5Y55T55R63m83p13o3bcbcf6fc88bd2791abb.jpg

http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss72/canes10510/5Y25Q55P63nb3o33l2bcb03795a0e830f1e3c.jpg

http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss72/canes10510/5T45X35S03me3pd3l8bcb5813ef7be7951f4a.jpg

http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss72/canes10510/5Fc5Hd5J73Ga3F53Mabcla0b5ad9ffc69154b.jpg

I have the exact same bike. I payed $50.00 for it off CL.

Thanks for the reply. Whats the model and year if you know it? I just want to try and find out something about it.

I believe mine was a 1987. I think if you look at the second number in the serial number it will tell which year it was made. If it is an 8, yours would be 1988 or so on.

Seth - I'm not a Centurion expert (almost none exist in this area) but I do know that it's a well respected UJB. That appears to be in very nice condition so I'd estimate $175, or even a few bucks more.

Condition is everything, and it is hard to tell from those photographs. The bike doesn't appear to be reconditioned (lubed, new cables, etc.). In its present condition, it might be worth $100-$150 as a keeper. As a flip, I wouldn't pay more than $75. Also, Centurion is a Japanese bike brand.

Hey guys just wanted to get a rough idea of what you might pay for this bike. I don't know much about the brand at all, I'm more familiar with Japanese bikes.

+10 It is a Japanese bike, so I would value it just like you would another Japanese bike. Obviously needs TLC and I would assume a complete rehab.

Easiest way to judge any unknown bike:

1. Condition.

2. What is the frame made out of (look for a decal)?

3. What are the components?

4. Take it for a ride if it is road worthy.

Note, if it is super cheap, I don't go through these four steps. Instead, I just look to see if a couple of components cover the price, and I buy right then. I bought a bike a couple of days ago, $7. I really didn't look at much, saddle and pedals were good, so at that point, the price was covered. I wasn't concerned that it had low end components, nutted rear axle, and paint issues. I already put the front wheel on another project (matched an orphan wheel I had laying around), so I am way ahead.

A quick glance at those pics, and I see decent alloy wheels, an alloy seat post, a usable saddle, good low end pedals, alloy bars and stem, DT shifters, alloy three piece crank, decent brake calipers. Lots of value on this list, and I haven't looked at the derailleurs yet. I also see a bolt on side stand (check for chain stay damage). Frame paint looks scuffed up, may polish right up and may also be poor quality picture.

Also note, if the price is cheap, this bike will not last long. Decent bike shop branded bikes go fast when priced like XMart junk.

I wouldn't go over $125 on this. I owned this exact model and it was OK, but nothing exceptional. Go with an Ironman if you like Centurions.

I had the black and yellow version, a 1986 I believe, with a Tange 2 frame and I thought it was an excellent riding bike. It brought $300 on the bay about 3 years ago.