stormy_ll

Seen them popup every once in a while for ~250$ (~191.51£), is this the sort of price i should be looking at, or lesser?

and where can i actually find one of these (good cond.), i got most of my prices from other peoples threads (like this) but i have'nt actually seen many on the bay or on the tree for sale

curbtender

It really would depend on condition and components. What are you looking for , original? $250 for a clean bike sounds about right.

curbtender

Here's one with a few extras... 1986 Ironman Dave Scott 58cm Frame . I see you are in the UK?

stormy_ll

Yes im in the UK,

and i would prefer to have all original but i have parts i think should work with just the frame

oddjob2

Between $50 for one needing work up to $500 for a IM Master if it's paint is near pristine and it has been overhauled with new consumables. While some find the Suntour GPX equipped 1989s(?), I really prefer the Shimano 105 or 600EX equipped earlier models.

YMMV on your side of the pond.

stormy_ll

Do you normally source yours from ebay in america?

mstateglfr 

If I came across a 63cm frame in pink/yellow or white/purple with 600tricolor, I would go up to $475 if it were in excellent mechanical and cosmetic condition. There are a couple other color combos like the marbled blue/white and the seafoam green/white that I would pay a good bit more than the values which are commonly quoted here.

For something like an Ironman, I simply dont need it, so the opportunity to own one is a choice and luxury. Bikes which arent necessary are, to me, worth more since I dont need it and recognize I dont need it. I am getting the bike for enjoyment and not utility, so paying $100 more to get what I want when the market is so very limited is justifiable.


If I were looking for a 54cm Ironman, I guess my view and approach might be different and I would have a more limited ceiling on what I feel is worth my money.

oddjob2

I have bought 6 IMs, two in Ohio, one in Michigan, one in NY, and I guess two in NJ. The Miami Vice below was bought from a fellow forum member. Four via craigslist. One from an ebay "local pickup only" in NJ, identified by a fellow forum member, which I am proud to say was swapped to Robbietunes, the Centurion brand ambassador.

Currently have the two below.





Also, a 1984 Centurion Comp TA, Older brother to the Ironman

texaspandj

250. To 350. Is the going rate, but like most I'd be willing to pay more depending on condition and desirability.

plonz 

You're in the ballpark but there are a lot of variables to consider.

The first Ironman I looked at was a pristine 1986 for $500. I thought it was over market but it was so clean I wanted it anyway. I lost it to another buyer who paid more + shipping. 6 months later I found one for $200. Good condition but still ended up putting several $000 into it to make it a keeper for me.

ThermionicScott 

Paging @RobbieTunes!

daf1009

Given the breadth of models, years and components, not to mention condition and intended use...the acceptable pricing can be all over the place...I have paid as little as $50 and as much as $300...

stormy_ll

so far it seems like if you have them, you have lots but if you dont then you have none lol

stormy_ll

That MV looks great, pity it wouldnt go down well in an all boys school
Does the red one have a name?

ThermionicScott 

Pink is how a man says he is 100% confident in himself.

texaspandj

Reportedly the Red Menace.

stormy_ll

someone would probably key it as a "joke"

ramzilla

I just picked up a late 80's Ironman Expert for $159. But, it's got mismatched wheels & some other non-original parts. I mainly bought it for the Tange 1 frame & Shimano 105 shifters & derailleurs. After I fix it up I figure it will be worth over $300.

RobbieTunes

Glad to hear the siren call....!

I've paid from $90 to $525, and I'd do it again on any of them in a heartbeat. Heck, I'd probably go $600-$700 for a ready-to-roll rccardr build.

I can rationalize anything, but they are still out there $150 to $350 "take" money.

Yes, I've been accused of inflating the market with my hype. My answer is "what hype?"

Pro's:
Still a very underrated frame just a hair off of an SLX Italian model with similar geometry.
Very durable paint and decals. Look around, see how many competitor bikes in that age bracket still look good.
Large market because everyone wanted one. Cool kids still do, and they can still get one.
Infinitely upgrade-possible. Stuff fits. Rock it or rocket, no problem.
Iconic in many ways that your/his/her Italian bike may never be.
Uniquely Ironically American. Designed in USA, Made in Japan when that was not a bad thing.
Priced so right, you can re-do the paint and decals and still not be wasting money.
If your mom or dad rode, they likely had one or knew someone who did.
Even hipsters nod to it.

Con's:
Was there a question?

If for no other reason, it's a conversation piece, a chick magnet, an aphrodesiac and instant street cred.

RobbieTunes

Dead right, huckleberry!

RobbieTunes

Priceless. That's a common theme. You get the frame, and build it, and oh, boy, it's over.

RobbieTunes

I built one of those with 8-sp Campy Chorus Ergo, Vento deep 8-sp wheels with decals that matched the magenta, and a saddle/bar tape combo that matched the yellow. Rode it in a 1000-person group ride, and every rest stop, we just set it by a table, backed off, and watched people swarm to it. First one lady, then another, then another, then their following men...

BF member drrobwave turned to me and said, "you love this, don't you."



And there's always this one under a certain Apple exec, having a blast on the west coast at triathlons.
Yes, he has a carbon tri-bike, too. I don't think confidence is an issue.

ThermionicScott 

God is that thing sexy.

I think when my crashed-and-straightened Bianchi Eros finally gives up the ghost, I'll spring for one of those Miami Vice frames and lovingly transfer all the parts over. It would be the same size as what you ride, so I may come knockin' when the time comes, and see what you have...

aeshultz

I'm on the look out for a 57-58 cm copy - "daily driver" quality would do nicely. Not in a rush, but keep me in mind.