1977 Centurion Pro-Tour; chromed frame under the paint?
03-16-15, 04:36 PM
#1
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1977 Centurion Pro-Tour; chromed frame under the paint?
Finishing up adding some pieces and making adjustments to my 1977 Pro-Tour (acquired recently in a trade + cash deal with a Forum member). Had it out today on a 20 mile shakedown ride and was very pleased with it's comfort and rock-solid stability. A new 14-30 rear cluster is on it's way to replace the 14-18 corncob that the bike came with in an effort to replicate the bikes original gearing.
My question is whether the frame on these 1977's was fully chrome plated under the paint as later 1980's models were? Does anyone know how many of these 1976-77 Pro Tours were produced? They seem to be far fewer in number than the later models of Pro-Tour, at least in my efforts to find one in the last 5 years. Thanks in advance!
My question is whether the frame on these 1977's was fully chrome plated under the paint as later 1980's models were? Does anyone know how many of these 1976-77 Pro Tours were produced? They seem to be far fewer in number than the later models of Pro-Tour, at least in my efforts to find one in the last 5 years. Thanks in advance!
03-16-15, 07:48 PM
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I had a '78 Pro Tour a little while back, and it was full chrome under the paint.
So that gets you close...
So that gets you close...
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A race bike in any era is a highly personal choice that at its "best" balances the requirements of fit, weight, handling, durability and cost tempered by the willingness to toss it and oneself down the pavement at considerable speed. ~Bandera
A race bike in any era is a highly personal choice that at its "best" balances the requirements of fit, weight, handling, durability and cost tempered by the willingness to toss it and oneself down the pavement at considerable speed. ~Bandera
03-18-15, 01:05 PM
#3
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I have one.
They are not fully chromed. Only the ones with the slightly later chrome-lugged frames were fully chromed.
They are not fully chromed. Only the ones with the slightly later chrome-lugged frames were fully chromed.
03-18-15, 01:25 PM
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What a difference a year makes sometimes.
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A race bike in any era is a highly personal choice that at its "best" balances the requirements of fit, weight, handling, durability and cost tempered by the willingness to toss it and oneself down the pavement at considerable speed. ~Bandera
A race bike in any era is a highly personal choice that at its "best" balances the requirements of fit, weight, handling, durability and cost tempered by the willingness to toss it and oneself down the pavement at considerable speed. ~Bandera
03-18-15, 04:23 PM
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Those are still extremely nice bikes. The brazed on centerpulls are something that's making a minor comeback in the rando crowd.
BTW, a fully chromed (painted on top) Pro Tour from the early 80's just sold on eBay for $745. 1st edition SunTour Cyclone, AT triple cranks silk screened enamel labels instead of decals, but it wasn't my size.
BTW, a fully chromed (painted on top) Pro Tour from the early 80's just sold on eBay for $745. 1st edition SunTour Cyclone, AT triple cranks silk screened enamel labels instead of decals, but it wasn't my size.
03-18-15, 06:53 PM
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Last edited by orcas island; 03-18-15 at 07:01 PM. Reason: added photo
03-19-15, 12:07 PM
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Here's my modified version enjoying my boring, dark living room in Sweden this winter.
I've modified it a bit. I think next may be my first attempt with brifters!
I've modified it a bit. I think next may be my first attempt with brifters!
03-19-15, 01:36 PM
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There was a time when lots of upperend bikes were chromed under the paint, it was done to protect the steel and some thought the process did something to the steel to enhance its performance. The frames are not completely highly polished before hand so most of the frame while chrome is usually dull and rough.
Pretty bike.
Pretty bike.
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“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
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“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
03-24-15, 12:17 AM
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I watched that pro tour closely. Tried hard to get my riding buddy to buy it, but no dice. Really pretty machine. I have the champagne colored PT from 1981.
03-24-15, 10:01 AM
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Here's one of the 1978's I had that was full chrome under the paint:
Centurion Pro Tour all-chrome 650B townie « djcatnap.com
Centurion Pro Tour all-chrome 650B townie « djcatnap.com
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Check out www.djcatnap.com for articles on vintage Japanese & French bicycle restorations, components and history.
Check out www.djcatnap.com for articles on vintage Japanese & French bicycle restorations, components and history.
03-24-15, 10:23 AM
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03-24-15, 04:04 PM
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I changed out the freewheel to a 14-30 to return the bike to its original gearing, made a few more adjustments to fit and Viola, she is done! The two Pro-Tours above are incredibly good looking! Catnap - following your build thread was what got me excited about turning up the wick on my ProTour search. Here's a last photo of the bike:
03-24-15, 10:19 PM
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There's a pristine '78 Pro Tour on Phoenix CL right now, 56cm if I recall. Asking price $777.
Steep, but if you've gotta have it...
Steep, but if you've gotta have it...
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A race bike in any era is a highly personal choice that at its "best" balances the requirements of fit, weight, handling, durability and cost tempered by the willingness to toss it and oneself down the pavement at considerable speed. ~Bandera
A race bike in any era is a highly personal choice that at its "best" balances the requirements of fit, weight, handling, durability and cost tempered by the willingness to toss it and oneself down the pavement at considerable speed. ~Bandera
03-25-15, 01:26 AM
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Centurion Pro Tour 1st Edition Stunning Suntour Vintage 55 5cm Touring Bicycle | eBay
03-25-15, 08:26 AM
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Nope, that one was co-listed on eBay, and sold for $745
Centurion Pro Tour 1st Edition Stunning Suntour Vintage 55 5cm Touring Bicycle | eBay
Centurion Pro Tour 1st Edition Stunning Suntour Vintage 55 5cm Touring Bicycle | eBay
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A race bike in any era is a highly personal choice that at its "best" balances the requirements of fit, weight, handling, durability and cost tempered by the willingness to toss it and oneself down the pavement at considerable speed. ~Bandera
A race bike in any era is a highly personal choice that at its "best" balances the requirements of fit, weight, handling, durability and cost tempered by the willingness to toss it and oneself down the pavement at considerable speed. ~Bandera
