BRAZUCA

Hello folks, I posted earlier this week asking advice between a Centurion Elite RS, a Lotus and a Panasonic Team. Anyway, thanks for all the replies and I decided on the Centurion Elite RS, it's a 58cm frame and in very good condition, also ready to ride. The owner replaced the saddle with a bontrage black and white, relatively new tires and water bottle and the wheels are Mistral (made in USA), not sure why he replaced the original wheels. The serial number is N6H5958 (1986), everything else is original with Shimano 600 SIS, Sugino seat post, Nitto handlebar, Tange 2. Very happy here, my first road bike and after reading about the steel frames specially mid to end '80s, I'm addicted to them. I just came back from a 18 mile ride and I had a great time.

Alan Edwards

Nice bike. Have all the fun you can but watch out, another bike will call out to you and then you will be N+1.

frantik

pretty sweet.. glad you got the centurion that is one of my favorite colors Centurion put out. That paint job makes me think the model year might be 1987 even though the frame was manufactured in 1986

looks like the rear brake cable housing is a bit short

I wonder if the Elite RS came equipped from Shimano 600 from the factory or if it was an upgrade. otherwise it seems like the elite and the ironman are very similarly equipped but have slightly different frames

RobbieTunes

The Elite came with 600 as OEM.
Different frames, but not much.

The Elite was more versatile, and a sight prettier, in many opinions..

Orrery

Love the color, it's quite similar to my '88 Trek 560. Beautiful bike.

auchencrow

This bike will make you a steel frame-C&V junkie forever Brazuka! Congrats on a great buy.

hamanu23

My favorite color as well. Awesome bike man, I am totally jealous!

frantik

yeah i just discovered yet another Centurion i would like

rothenfield1

Very nice find. I think the Elite RS is under rated, which is fine with me. I think this is my favorite color scheme for this bike. Although, the black/silver is pretty sharp as well.

spats

Nice looking bike.

BRAZUCA

Thank you guys for all the positive comments. I like to ride longer distances (at least for me) and my long term goal is to do a century ride. Today was my first ride with it and it was really windy here in Indiana, I just did 18 miles, but the bike was awesome, the shifters on the tube are great, did not have a problem with those. Let's see tomorrow, I will try my regular 27 miles ride.

rothenfield1

That’s fantastic that you’re putting the spurs to her. The Elite Rally Sports geometry was meant for longer rides versus sprints in my opinion. It’s especially nice that you’re riding in Indy. I’m Hoosier born myself.

rothenfield1

Oh Hell, I might as well post a pic of the one I once owned. It’s not like I post here much anymore. Of all the bikes I rebuilt and sold, this is the one that I wish I still owned. And that includes some pretty bad as* bikes. Don’t let this remorse happen to you and hang-on to that workhorse.

frantik

now that i know it came with Shimano 600 and is Tange 2, it won't be underrated by me, that's for sure. tange 2 is barely heavier than tange 1 from what A. Winthrop says

does it have clearance for fat tires? the iromman does not, and the ride is a bit harsh for anything but smooth roads. an elite with some fattie tires could be a workhorse

RobbieTunes

There is more clearance on the Elite RS, plus eyelets.
They are underrated, well-equipped, and very versatile.
The lugged fork is prettier than the unicrown.
IMO, a better century bike than an Ironman.
The 2 oz of weight more than a Tange 1 frame make up for themselves in comfort.

horatio 

Great find on a sweet bike!

Welcome to the Centurion club.

Glennfordx4

Congrats on your new Centurion shes a looker,. (There is more clearance on the Elite RS, plus eyelets). There aren't any eyelets on my 85 Elite RS of the same color.


Glenn

BRAZUCA

Hello Rothenfield1, don't want to increase your remorse, but what a hot bicycle this Centurion in black and silver! You may find another one of these days. In my opinion, the Centurions where ahead of the competition on the color scheme and perhaps design specially mid to end 80's. I just saw a Miatta when I was looking for mine, even though another beautiful bike, but it was too dull for me.

frantik

I agree 100%! Centurion definitely have the best paint jobs in the late 80s. The only other brand that comes close is Nishiki

Knowing about the Elite RS is not helping my Centurion and Shimano 600 addictions

RobbieTunes

We're not exactly here to, uh, "help," in that regard, you might say.....

cehowardGS

Nice find, and it looks super good. Welcome to the Centururion Clan!!

frantik

Robbie you're a "pusher".. c'mon try it, you'll like it.. first ride's free

Ericson38

Here's mine. Too pretty to ride, since we live on a gravel road now.

mapleleafs-13 

this is true, i thought my first real love was my pinrello, it was a wonderful monogamous relationship, then i went and got a mint condition bianchi celeste, and now i'm working on a pinarello montello which i have no clue when it will be done. But now it is a polygamous relationship and i love them all equally, i never believed in polygamy and thought what they stood for and the way they lived was stupid and pathetic. but now i have given into the polygamous lifestyle. Oh also there's my steve bauer, but she gets a little neglected, i do love her but i guess that's the wife you just sorta forget about.

by the way, to take nicer pictures i suggest you use a nice background. take it in the shade if it's in the middle of the day. I find the best time to take a picture outside with a bike is at dusk or dawn. i usually do later afternoon/evening when the sun isn't super bright. but you have to time it so you have about 1 hour or so of sunlight left then you should get good lighting. also if you have to do it during the day, find a wall that faces the sun and has shade and take it against that.

nice bike

Jung Karl

I was on the fence about picking up one of these from a friend who no longer wants it. This thread just confirmed the sale
Thanks all!