texaspandj

Yes, its a shimano 7 speed freewheel. I even adjusted the RD limit screw to allow for 7 speed. When I put the same 7 speed freewheel and wheel on my 7 speed equipped Ironman it shifts fine. I'm beginning to think it's the original 600 SIS derailleur. I may put an original 105 on it and try again. I wonder has anyone used the original 600 SIS to convert to 7 speed with success?

rccardr 

Yep, using one now to shift 10 speeds...

SloButWide 

58" Centurion Ironman Dave Scott on eBay.

Crankset: Shimano Biopace (42 & 62 cog)

Is this a typo, or did Biopace have a 62 tooth cog?

DMC707

I got the report back about the bike's maiden voyage

My buddy seemed really comfortable on it and couldnt believe the ride was so much better than his 58, although he stated the wide bars might take some getting used to

Perhaps it is better tires or the lower spoke count wheels contributing to the extra comfort- or just being on a bike that fits a bit better
He did state he noticed an oscillation in his pedalling stroke that wasnt there before---- i attributed this to going from bio pace rings to round rings and figure that will smooth out with time-- but also the jump from a 58 frame to a 60 gets 175 crank arms too- so it could be that (which will also work itself out in a few rides i think)

But so far , full success---- i'll never make myself rich building bikes for friends and family, but it was fun and nice to get some positive feedback

texaspandj

Typo.
Although not a biopace ,I know John Howard used a gigantic chainring to break the land speed record on a bike years ago.

OTS 

I counted the teeth in the photo because I was curious and I got 52.

Probably just a typo.

texaspandj

Here's John Howards set up. That's what you need if you wanna go 152 mph.

texaspandj

I've been trying to write this for three weeks now. Just a review of my new 89 Ironman. Problem is my post were always too long.
Its been raining here, flooding really. But finally a couple of weeks with sunshine and 80° temperature with humidity it was 90° heat index. Then 90° temperature with heat index 100. Now middle 90s. So I finally got to put some miles on it. The 8 speed components are good and solid. The frame is quick handling but stable enough. I have 44 bars on it and all my others are 42, so until I get some 42s i don't think I can make a fair comparison. Any body have some original 42 bars?
Every single time I ride any one of my Ironman, I think I could live with just one. They always feel great. However the 89 I'm just starting to dial in fit. Replacing the long stem helped tremendously. Raising the saddle made a big difference. Lowering the stem also helped. Now I need some narrower bars.
My Miami Vice Ironmans seatpost is stuck. But with a low profile saddle it works. In fact so well I've decided to raise all my saddles to the same height. I was just riding too low. However my 86 classic saddle height is staying the same, it's my default fit.
Here's my 89 in its current state, that is until I get some 42mm bars, modern wheels, and black saddle. Later Irongents.
This after a ride so all accessories included. Of note the tires are at least 10 years old, the cyclemeter is an avenir, the stem looks oem but it isnt, and although it hasn't been wiped down for pics that bike shines like a diamond.

johnlink

I have the same paint job. Have you ever used white tape? That's my choice, even with my black saddle.

shuru421

So I'm guessing the Masters, are the higher end compared to the Expert correct?

Also, are these bikes THAT great? I'm not going to lie, the white and grey color scheme like the one posted above (89) looks very nice.

T-Mar

Correct, the Master if the higher of the two. It used Shimano New 600EX (1987) and Shimano 600 Ultegra (1988-1989). The Expert used Shimano New 105 (1987-1988) and SunTour GPX (1989). There was also an Ironman Carbon in 1988, with a carbon fibre frame and New Dura-Ace.

Most manufacturers had similar models. There was nothing magic about the Ironman models. What appealed to the customer, making them such popular sellers, was riding a bicycle with the Ironman moniker and Dave Scott endorsement. The Centurion owner, Western State Imports paid to license the use of these names. Now comes the backlash from the masses.

DMC707

Fun color schemes, nice bikes at a attainable price for most , --- those attributes continue to this day for the Ironman to the extent that some on here strive to own one in every color scheme offered

Colorful, good value, brand and sport tie-ins, etc etc --- seems like Marketing 101 -- sold tons of bikes for Mongoose a decade earlier

texaspandj

I thought about it, but my cable housing is black. Like most I like to match housing,tape, and saddle. However, I'm gonna try white tape first. Thanks for the suggestion.

texaspandj

As usual I agree with T-Mar. He has an incredible encyclopedia of bike knowledge and bike catalogs to match. One of the things I have a contention is with how much if any did Dave Scott have with the geometry design of the Ironman. According to T-Mar none and sites the TA model as reference . I base my opinion on Dave Scott himself who said in his book he had direct In put into the design specifically a longer top tube.

Now about the Ironman not being magical. Then explain how I floated up a huge hill today on my 86 classic Ironman?

plonz 

No backlash here. These days I'm putting most of my miles on my 85 Ironman and my 85 Scwhinn Tempo. On paper the Ironman is probably the superior bike with its 600EX group compared to the 600 Arabesque I used on the Tempo. Both ride nice but if I was forced to choose I'd stick with the Tempo. It's just a touch more nimble and responsive to me. I amp up the effort and the bike immediately responds. The Ironman does well but seems a hair more lethargic to me.

Full disclosure: The Ironman is a 60cm that is perfectly sized for me. The Tempo is a 58ish that I built like a 60 and feels great despite the frame being what some would consider too small for me. So maybe not a fair comparison. Also, the Ironman weighs a full pound more and I really can't tell why.

Fine bike, I just haven't gotten the mind blowing experience others seem to get from these.

Tanz

Welp, finally had that unique San Francisco commuter experience and ate **** on the muni rails yesterday. Was crossing not enough angle over wet tracks and had the tire twist to the lift and completely stop. I actually managed to somersault off the bars, roll over my bag and end up on my feet which was pretty cool at least. No personal damage outside of needing a new helmet, so it worked out as well as it could be I guess. The bike ended up standing straight up, tires locked into the rail, exactly where I had left it.


As for the bike, I think it's ok. My front wheel didn't really go out of true but it did have sort of a dip which I was mostly able to re-true out this morning. Truing that wheel is tough because I have the axle on pretty loosely to compensate for its' mangled cups, so I'm not going to be upset if it ends up being borked--it was on borrowed time anyway. Everything else looked ok, bike seems to ride fine (I had another couple miles to go on my way in, rode it home, checked it out and rode in again today) but are there any areas that warrant further investigation, or that I should be worried about?

RobbieTunes

Yes.

Well, yeah.

johnlink

I have white cable housing to match the white tape. The black saddle matches the tires and the hoods.

Before this weekend I plan to post pictures which will show off the many Dura Ace components I've used to replace the GPX components as well as the new tape job.

texaspandj

Looking forward to it.
Since the only difference between master and 89 expert (besides color scheme) is componentry, I guess yours will be above a master. Maybe grandmaster.

RobbieTunes

Master Ace.

btpdragon

Saw this one on Ebay today. Lots to touch-up for sure.

Vintage Centurion Ironman Road Bike Frame Set 57x61cm Large Tange Steel | eBay

jastiz 

Debating between shimano 5800 in silver from ribble for about $320 and a Campy Daytona 10 sp group that is on c&v sales right now.

What are your opinions? I just have acquired a frame fork in '87 ironman Miami Vice

johnlink

I woke up this morning at 6:15 to take advantage of the early light for an outdoor photoshoot with a beautiful 27-year-old. Pictures soon!

rccardr 

My preference would be the 5800, it's geat stuff and can't beat the price right now.
You'll need 11 speed wheels, I've had good luck with Shimano RS21's; good combination of light weight, robust build (I'm a solid 195 lbs) and looks.

plonz 

I'm having the EXACT same debate right now. Leaning toward the new stuff.