Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Centurion Ironman or Novara Randonee?

Hi guys, Im trying to get my first road bike as I ride to work and back everyday on my mountain bike, and I'd like something a little more speedy and easier to ride. Anyways I've found these 2 bikes for around the same price but I'm not sure which way to go. I love to go really fast, but I am also looking at doing some touring. I know the Centurion is more Triathlony and the Novara is more Toury but just don't know which way to go. Even more confusing for me is which one is a better fit, I'm about 5'10" but I honestly have no idea which one is a closer fit for me. I just want the most dependable and quality bike for my money really. Any help is much appreciated!
Heres the Centurion http://eugene.craigslist.org/bik/2981008070.html
Heres the Novara http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/bik/3004691135.html

Talk about two dramatically different sizes! Google bike sizing, visit a shop or two and get that dialed in first.

The REI is way too small for you, the Ironman could be too big.

I'm 5'9", and I own a 59 cm Ironman. It works for me, but it is slightly too big. The Ironman may work may work for you. For the photograph, I dislike the mismatched tires. Also, the photograph is too small to tell condition. The component mix looks good.

The Novara is too small. Pass on it.

Talk about two dramatically different sizes! Google bike sizing, visit a shop or two and get that dialed in first.

The REI is way too small for you, the Ironman could be too big.

+1

If you're 5' 10", I'd say off the bat you're a 56-57cm (22.5-23") frame size.

These might fit the bill:

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/bik/3035880808.html
http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j366/clevelandwindows/IMG_4467.jpg

or this...
http://eugene.craigslist.org/bik/3004273216.html

http://i47.tinypic.com/2hyi68p.jpg

Of the two, the Motobecane has more panaché, the Shogun a tad steeply priced but both are much closer to your frame size, and solid all around bikes.

Kinda slim pickin's in both Sea-Tac and Eugene, but one will show...

Hope this helps!

Alan :thumb:

which locale are you located in? the price of either shipping or travel to pick up would influence your decision as well.

The Centurion looks like a good bet if it fits you. Interesting brand, nice components, sounds ready to ride, I don't love the mismatched tires but it doesn't really matter. The seller sounds like he knows bikes, call and ask for the standover height (from ground to top tube), and measure your own bike inseam (search for how) in shoes. If you'll have 1" or close of clearance, go get that bike. Might barely do, I am 5' 11" with shortish legs and can ride a 58 cm. Move quickly though, decent CL deals are gone fast. I wouldn't mess with the Novara even if wasn't way too small. REI store brand, solid bike but interesting, should be cheaper.

P.S. where are you? Keep a eye on Portland CL too.

Agree on the sizing comments - you're somewhere between those 2 sizes.

Norvaras are nicely made bikes. I had a Randonee pass through as a flip. The design was very well thought out and it rode great. The only strike was the weight - just a tad heavy.

Hi guys, Im trying to get my first road bike as I ride to work and back everyday on my mountain bike, and I'd like something a little more speedy and easier to ride. Anyways I've found these 2 bikes for around the same price but I'm not sure which way to go. I love to go really fast, but I am also looking at doing some touring. I know the Centurion is more Triathlony and the Novara is more Toury but just don't know which way to go. Even more confusing for me is which one is a better fit, I'm about 5'10" but I honestly have no idea which one is a closer fit for me. I just want the most dependable and quality bike for my money really. Any help is much appreciated!
Heres the Centurion http://eugene.craigslist.org/bik/2981008070.html
Heres the Novara http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/bik/3004691135.html

I can tell you right now, if you didn't get it then, the Centurion is GONE!! Good deals don't last very long on Craigslist. IMO, they go in a matter of hours if not minutes. I have a Centurion Master and Expert, and let me tell you. The Centurion Ironman is a little more than a C&V bike, it is an adventure!! IMO, the if you are 5'10", a 59cm should be fine. In addition, it seems like the seller has high end parts on the bike too. I know it is gone!!

Luck to you,

Wow thanks for all the help guys. Indeed I am in Portland, but I couldn't find as much around here (granted I don't really know what I'm looking for). I passed on the Novara, and I emailed the seller with the centurion, sounds like he has it? I checked out those other recommendations (thank you oldskoolwrench) and also did consider the gas to go to Eugene or Seattle. It seems like the Centurion is a good try, the seller sent me some more pictures here they are:
252406252407252408
What do you guys think? Should I pull the trigger while it's there? He said he got the frame off craigslist and all the components from ebay and built it up himself with parts that would've been original on the bike or better, the pictures look like it's in good shape(excluding the seat).

Wow thanks for all the help guys. Indeed I am in Portland, but I couldn't find as much around here (granted I don't really know what I'm looking for). I passed on the Novara, and I emailed the seller with the centurion, sounds like he has it? I checked out those other recommendations (thank you oldskoolwrench) and also did consider the gas to go to Eugene or Seattle. It seems like the Centurion is a good try, the seller sent me some more pictures here they are:
252406252407252408
What do you guys think? Should I pull the trigger while it's there? He said he got the frame off craigslist and all the components from ebay and built it up himself with parts that would've been original on the bike or better, the pictures look like it's in good shape(excluding the seat).

Bottom line is frame size... the Centurion looks to be a 60cm. frame, so if you have at least a 34" inseam it'll be close. Whatever you do... don't compromise on frame size; it's like buying a pair of size 9 shoes when you wear a size 7 only because you like the way the shoes look! If you do pull the trigger, the F DR needs to be lowered on the ST a tad so that the bottom of the DR cage is approx. 4mm from the top of the chain ring.

call him, set up a time to go look, and take her for a test ride!

I can tell you right now, if you didn't get it then, the Centurion is GONE!! I know it is gone!!


As a resident of Eugene, I can tell you that Ironman has been posted repeatedly on CL for months now.

As a resident of Eugene, I can tell you that Ironman has been posted repeatedly on CL for months now.

You kiddin me!! :D

What do you guys think? Should I pull the trigger while it's there? He said he got the frame off craigslist and all the components from ebay and built it up himself with parts that would've been original on the bike or better, the pictures look like it's in good shape(excluding the seat).

+1 You have the cart ahead of the horse. I am 5-11, and that bike is too big for me. Note, I have really short legs, everyone is different. But a bike that large for someone 5-9 is pretty unusual, but there are some it would fit.

Myself, I would not buy anything until I was sure of my size.

On Portland CL I saw some stuff you might follow up on.
Univega Sporttour $200, looks like should fit you, posted 5/22.
Raleigh Mk11 for $185 posted 5/25, looks like the right size, do you want something that "vintage"?
Schwinn Varsity 58 cm $135 posted 5/25, maybe too tall.
Bianchi 57cm posted 5/25 $275, not sure what quality level of Bianchi this is but it is pretty cheap.
Cannondale SR400 $440 posted 5/25, should be about $100 cheaper I think.

Also, I sent you a PM. Please check it right away.

Sorry I'm on an iPhone and can't post links.

Also "Peugeot 12 speed", Gresham, posted 5/24, $150. Looks like the right size, nice condition, '80's vintage. If you simply want a functional road bike that is as new as possible then pass on this, but in Portland anyway, there is a little bit of extra value to vintage Peugeots.

As a resident of Eugene, I can tell you that Ironman has been posted repeatedly on CL for months now.
Why has it been there for so long if cehowardGS sees it as a go-fast post? Any ideas?

Centurion must be sold, CL ad is deleted. Maybe someone saw this thread?

Why has it been there for so long if cehowardGS sees it as a go-fast post? Any ideas?

It seems when I mentioned it, it dissapeared!!! http://www.cehoward.net/badteeth%5b1%5d.gif

It seems when I mentioned it, it dissapeared!!! http://www.cehoward.net/badteeth%5b1%5d.gif



Perhaps your post justified the price in someone's mind.