1987 Centurion LeMans for $230, is it worth it?
07-18-15, 10:14 AM
#1
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1987 Centurion LeMans for $230, is it worth it?
Hello everyone!
I'm purchasing my first road bike and I have a really tight budget of maximum $300 CAD (Including helmets and other things preferably). I came across this bike 53cm Centurion LeMans Tange 2 tubing for $230 cad, which is about $180 USD. Is the bike worth it? What if I brought him down top $210? I read that the tange 2 frame is very good, but I'd like better opinions before I jump on this.
Thanks
I'm purchasing my first road bike and I have a really tight budget of maximum $300 CAD (Including helmets and other things preferably). I came across this bike 53cm Centurion LeMans Tange 2 tubing for $230 cad, which is about $180 USD. Is the bike worth it? What if I brought him down top $210? I read that the tange 2 frame is very good, but I'd like better opinions before I jump on this.
Thanks
07-18-15, 10:18 AM
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Mid range parts with a high end tubing set. Tange no. 2 is very good quality steel tubing. That's an OK price even in my neck of the woods where it's tough to break the $200 barrier even for a good quality vintage bike. Toronto bike prices are high so that bike is priced to sell. I don't think I'd waste too much time haggling over price if the bike is your size; otherwise you might lose out on the bike.
07-18-15, 10:32 AM
#3
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paint looks pretty beat up- so you might be able to negotiate on that. make sure there is no rust or anything starting - but yeah, ifit fits its a good bike for sure.
07-18-15, 10:40 AM
#4
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Decent price. Negotiate down due to paint issues. Quality frame that is worthy of future upgrades should you choose to. They ride well, and make for nice commuters when set up for it.
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My bikes: '81 Trek 957, '83 Trek 720, '85 Trek 500, '85 Trek 770,'81 Merckx, '85 Centurion Cinelli, '85 Raleigh Portage, '92 RB-2, '09 Bianchi
My bikes: '81 Trek 957, '83 Trek 720, '85 Trek 500, '85 Trek 770,
07-18-15, 12:54 PM
#6
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I've got a pink 88 LeMans. Had a $350 price tag on it at a local bike shop. I obtained it by trading a completely refurbished Univega for it. My LeMans had rare & unusual 20mm clincher tires on it. Tires recently upgraded to 23mm Michelins.
07-18-15, 01:29 PM
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The tires will have the size marked on them but this bike is a 700c.
07-18-15, 03:27 PM
#9
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It is a small frame. And, it does have some rough spots on paint. I'd ask the guy what's the least amount that he will take for it. You could probably get it for less. I'd shoot for about $190.
07-18-15, 03:40 PM
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Still learning
07-18-15, 06:18 PM
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Just sold one of these last month.....great bikes...good frames....that one looks really rough.....maybe 150 after thorough inspection...
I sold this one for 225.......
I sold this one for 225.......
07-18-15, 09:54 PM
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Unfortunately that one on craigslist seems to be sold. I found this on Kijiji: Centurion Lemans RS 2001 Bike - Araya wheels-Sugino+shimano gear | road | City of Toronto | Kijiji . Would this be a good deal also?
07-18-15, 10:55 PM
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Unfortunately that one on craigslist seems to be sold. I found this on Kijiji: Centurion Lemans RS 2001 Bike - Araya wheels-Sugino+shimano gear | road | City of Toronto | Kijiji . Would this be a good deal also?
Near worthless pics, it isn't a size 'L' bike, and im not sure what the 2001 part of that ad is, but it cerainly isn't the model year.
Id expect a ton more for $190usd, but since you are apparently in an absurdly expensive market, it may be right on the money.
That bike needs new bar tape, cables, housing, and tires. Im just guessing on the tires and cables since the pics are worthless, but based on the lack of bar tape, I think its a good bet the bike hasn't been serviced recently if ever.
Assuming the wheels spin true, you will have $70 in costs if you fix it up yourself or probably $120ish if you take it into a shop.
Really, the bike should be overhauled if it hasn't ever been in the 30ish years its been around.
I love those rims, the Araya red label 1" have always been part of good wheels when ive come across them.
07-18-15, 10:59 PM
#14
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wow. you are not kidding- curious i went on toronto craigslist to see if I could find a decent deal in the ~250 price range and i came up with ZILTCH: its all overpriced for bikes that really.. are pretty terrible. that is a rough friggin market..
have you checked at the shops?
makes that lemans RS look like a deal. around here, id be like.. nahh..
have you checked at the shops?
makes that lemans RS look like a deal. around here, id be like.. nahh..
07-19-15, 12:00 AM
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Yeah! I just got into biking and I really never knew Toronto bike prices would be so high. I always imagined that bike shops would be more expensive, but I will check them out. Thanks
07-19-15, 10:00 AM
#16
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they will be more expensive, but if you are paying a lot anyway - might as well get one that is already serviced with new tires etc. check yelp etc and make sure its a reputable shop and go check it out.
07-19-15, 10:17 AM
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If Centurion could have sold the Lemans for 1000 a shot, pretty sure you'd be seeing Centurion dealers everywhere today instead of Trek and Specialized.
07-19-15, 02:01 PM
#18
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That's definitely not a large frame. Looks like a good size for smaller rider. Maybe 5'-4" or 5'-6". Nice frame. Probably needs about $150 worth of tires, chain, cables, pads & other stuff.
07-20-15, 02:12 AM
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You are in a RED HOT market. Most good deals in your price range will not last long enough to get an answer to: "Hey is this one a good deal?" You really need to brush up your knowledge and POUNCE!
The "2001" is the type of tubing on the fork. 27 inch wheels, not as nice as the last one, but not bad.
Around here, it would be $125, add the insane Toronto premium, and $250 is about right.
Bike shops do tend to be higher, around here, they get a 50% to 100% premium. Worse yet, the ones here do nothing to service them, other than fix flat tires.
Of course, buying from a private party, 95% of the time, you should expect to have to do some work on the bike to make it right. Pay someone to do the work, and you can go through A LOT of $$. Do it yourself, and its not too bad.
The "2001" is the type of tubing on the fork. 27 inch wheels, not as nice as the last one, but not bad.
Around here, it would be $125, add the insane Toronto premium, and $250 is about right.
Bike shops do tend to be higher, around here, they get a 50% to 100% premium. Worse yet, the ones here do nothing to service them, other than fix flat tires.
Of course, buying from a private party, 95% of the time, you should expect to have to do some work on the bike to make it right. Pay someone to do the work, and you can go through A LOT of $$. Do it yourself, and its not too bad.
07-20-15, 05:24 AM
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wow. you are not kidding- curious i went on toronto craigslist to see if I could find a decent deal in the ~250 price range and i came up with ZILTCH: its all overpriced for bikes that really.. are pretty terrible. that is a rough friggin market..
have you checked at the shops?
makes that lemans RS look like a deal. around here, id be like.. nahh..
have you checked at the shops?
makes that lemans RS look like a deal. around here, id be like.. nahh..
07-20-15, 08:39 PM
#22
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You should just go to chicago for vacation and buy a bike. There are always stellar deals there.
07-20-15, 10:08 PM
#23
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You should go to anywhere for a vacation and buy all the bikes you can haul, bring them back and double your money.
07-20-15, 10:17 PM
#24
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or at least pay for your vacation. I once went up to visit my bro on the oregon coast, bought a bike for 100 and came back and sold it for 300 down here. payed for my gas and bottle of scotch 
07-20-15, 10:40 PM
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From time-to-time I'll see a deal... and jump on it. Generally lots and lots of soap and water. New tires, tape, fingernail polish, and cables and then I find the bike a new home and a new start. And I have good time wrenching too... and pocket a little profit as well.
But when I pick-up a bike for myself.. I really don't care if I spend $50 - $100 more than I should have. In the long run... it won't make any difference.
But when I pick-up a bike for myself.. I really don't care if I spend $50 - $100 more than I should have. In the long run... it won't make any difference.