revchuck 

An example of "simple is good." Missing a bottle cage, though. I can't imagine going for a ride on a bike that sweet where I'd only need one bottle.

seypat

I picked up a Miami Vice Expert last week. The serial # is N7D7150. When I got home I noticed some differences from the norm. The Dave Scott decal is different, a HIRAKO decal on the TT, no water bottle bosses on the ST, and the fork is a traditional crowned/lugged fork. WTF? I could barely make out a telephone number on the shop decal at the bottom of the ST so I looked it up. Turns out it was bought at Hirako Cycles in Yushi, Japan!

I tried posting some pictures, but failed. I will keep trying.

Bruce Enns

I'd be more concerned about having a set of pedals, LOL.

lasauge 

I recently acquired one of the spiritual successor Diamondbacks, a 1991 Master TG. Came with a complete 105 group, but I put 600 STI levers on just because I like it better that way:

WNG

^ Wow, that's a sharp looking pink Master TG. I've not seen one in pink before. It's in great condition.

QuangVuong

Here's what I picked up yesterday for $150 Aussie dollars. It's a Triathlon Master with the splatter black paint scheme on white, with a nice purple sheen when in sunlight(purple flakes in the clear coat?). It's the export model, hence the different name. Most likely it is an Aussie market model as I reckon the old guy I got it off was the original owner. It's rare to find a fully original Centurion here in Aus, most with the groupsets robbed and frame sold off. So I aim to keep it as is. Maybe just swap to gumwalls and some different bar tape(any ideas? Maybe brown to match the saddle), and give it a overhaul. It has a weird geometry with a 57cm ST(c-c), with a 59cm TT(c-c).

This is how I bought it, and rode home for 5km or so. Will need to push that stem further down, and raise the saddle a bit.




I believe it to be fully original, still with the Nitto stem and B115 bars.


Perfect condition 6400 groupset. I dont think it has ever fallen down.


Nice original suede Turbo from 89


And heres the serial number - M0L01538. Does this mean a 1990 model made in the 21st/22nd week and is the 1538th frame? This seems consistant with the groupset being made in 1990, and the 89 saddle.

RobbieTunes

Decals are '89 era. In your part of Earth, could be '90 model.

frantik

have you checked the date codes on the components? by 1990 i thought WSI had switched to TIG welding on their road bikes.. interesting if they were still making lugged bikes in 1990 for the export market. There's no Avenir branding either.. by 1989 Avenir branding was all over Centurion/Diamondback

FreeSky

Here's my recently acquired 87 Master. Stumbled across this bike while looking for a roadie and picked it up for $220. I can say I quickly became an ironman addict and I can understand the cult type mentality surrounding these bikes. Bikes pretty much Shimano 600 but with aftermarket Mavic wheels (Shimano hubs) and a ridiculously wide handlebar. Don't mind the campy pedals I just switched them out for Shimano clipless

cooperryder

It would be interesting to hear a description of how these bikes ride from folks that put some miles on them.

Also what's the fattest tire you have been able to fit on yours? 700x28? Possibly a 700x32 that actually measures 700x30?

revchuck 

On my '87 Ironman with the stock Wolber Super Champion rims, I've been able to fit Michelin Krylions in 700x25, and they measured just under 27mm wide. I tried Conti Grand Prix in 700x28, and they were too tall - the front rubbed the underside of the fork. IIRC, the rear was okay.

The ride is smooth and the handling responsive. I'm planning on racing mine at least once this year, just because.

rccardr 

I've put the most miles on my '85' it has Vittoria Rando 28's on it. 32's will not fit. I think the largest you 'll be able to fit on an 86 or later frame is 25's.

K1196A

I have many miles on mine... great bike from Day one. Nice and responsive and fine for Centuries. I have been running Conti Grand Prix 700x24 and it rides nice and smoothly.

revchuck 

K1196A - FWIW, Conti has discontinued those tires in 700x24. Not to worry, they're making them in 700x25 now.

K1196A

Thanks for the update... that'll likely be the next set... the pair on now are getting a bit of a flat spot!!!

RobbieTunes

I've put thousands of miles on Ironman bikes, from an '85 to an '89, steel and the carbon fiber models. They are light, precise, and agile. I had an '87 Paramount (SLX) built in Waterford. I also have a Cinelli-made Centurion and a Merckx Corsa Extra, and just sold a Simoncini SLX. The Ironman frame will give you 90-95% of what those frames will give you.

The best person to ask would be quotient on BF, if he's still here. He rode one from San Diego, CA to Myrtle Beach SC. They don't have a cult following for nothing.

TallRider

I have a 65cm 1987 Ironman Expert with the "Miami Vice" paint job (although to me it just screams "painted in Japan in the mid/late-1980s). Bought (with original 6-speed 105 parts) for $180 in 2005.

My similarly-tall brother, when he was 23, was UNWILLING TO RIDE IT because "someone might see".

Set up with some pretty tri-color Shimano 600 parts and 9-speed drivetrain, with mtb seatpost and 135mm stem.



Click on the photo for more pictures.
Some parts have changed since those pictures were taken, but the paint job maintains all of its glory.

RobbieTunes

to me, it screams "I know something you don't, and it's about the bike...."

K1196A

Well put! Loved mine the day I bought it new and still do!

FreeSky

^I would be proud to ride a Miami vice, only thing I would change on yours is a proper stem (I may just be a quill stem fanboy though)

rjhammett

Very nice bike. You will really like it. I have an '87 Miami Vice with Shimano Sante components.
BTW, send those discarded Campy pedals my way so I can complete my Pinarello build.

beanteck

Here is my 88' Master fresh from Ebay. Im going to convert it to Shimergo, but want to keep the current wheel and hub setup. The rear hub is a FH-6400. What body would I need? and how long an axle? Redishing too, right?

lsberrios1 

I wanted a purple and yellow centurian ironman Dave Scott Master to be my first C&V. Could not find one so ended up getting a panasonic DX4000. I am still in the search for an IM. Good looking bikes

rccardr 

I think virtually any 'modern' 130OLD freehub will fit that 6400 hub shell. I did it years ago just by buying one at random off of eBay and it was fine.
By the time 6400 came around Shimano was doing a pretty good job of standardizing that stuff.

thirdgenbird

Except 7400 rear derailleurs, 7700 hubs, 7900 brakes, 7970 electronics, and 9000 hubs.

if memory serves correct...