TromboneAl

DW (= Dear Wife) and I have been looking for a bike for her, and this was posted on Craigslist last night for $100.

https://humboldt.craigslist.org/bik/750537349.html



If the fit is right for her, it will be a choice between this bike (which I will fix up) or a $750 new bike.

The main disadvantage of this older bike that I see is the shifters on the down tube.

Any comments?

RobbieTunes

Buy it.

If you spend the $100 and $200 more MAX, you'll have a better bike than any $750 new one.

If you don't want it, I'll pay same and shipping to me, plus a little for your time & effort.

Little Darwin

Robbie,

I swear you are trying to corner the market on Centurions.

They are sweet bikes! Better frames than you can possibly get on an entry level modern bike.

For $750 you could probably get that Centurion and then outfit with a modern Sora or Tiagra drive train.

RobbieTunes

When I finally do, it will be free Ironmen for everyone....

They could buy the bike, upgrade it, send $50 to your Livestrong ride, and still have plenty left to buy another one.

sluglug

My wife picked up an old '86 dave scott ironman w/ 600 groupo just last year. She loves it - we kept it the way it was but we're also into older bikes. If this DW person likes it the way it is - you'll save yourself $650.

RobbieTunes

+1 OEM or with bells and whistles, a fine bike for nearly any rider. I've got 'em both ways, still can't decide.

TromboneAl

Got It!

It's in good condition, very little rust on the frame, nothing on the bottom bracket. I'll have lots of questions concerning restoration, and more pictures to follow.

LenasBikeSmaller.jpg

top506

I like the color scheme MUCH better than the yellow/purple paint on mine:



Top

roccobike

Fortunately you've come to the right place. Robbie Tunes and I will be glad to take the bike and ride it through that painful "break in" period.

Seriously, very nice bike for a VERY good price. That frame will ride much better than any of the $750 entry level bikes that will depreciate to half their purchase price in three years. Meanwhile, your Centurion is like money in the bank, gaining in value while you ride it. How can you beat that deal!

TromboneAl

Just finished the first cleanup. Clean and lube chain, cogs, all other moving parts, disassemble and clean/lube derailleur cogs, etc. New seat. Adjust fit. Felt great to get some lubrication on the poor dry, rusty chain.

Cogs before:



Cogs after:



Here it is after this first pass:





And most importantly, wife is almost as excited about it as I am (it's her bike):

RobbieTunes

I just realized you bought this for your wife.
You and AHemp, princes both (he bought his girlfriend one).

twentyflights

the butterfly + flower pattern in the window behind it doesn't help haha. but...if you don't want it, i'll gladly take it off your hands...not to mention it sports the colors of my Lakers

top506

At the moment it's a frame and a box of parts waiting for decent paint.
We New Englanders truly enjoyed watching the Lakers this season
Top

top506

I'm pretty sure my bike is an '87, and has the TIG welded fork. Late in the model year production?
Top

TromboneAl

Yes it is indeed an 87, according to the serial number.

I had the same thoughts about "water entry" slots on the seat post. I've regreased it, and will add more to the flutes. Happy to find that the stem was not frozen.

Plan to relube everything. However, the front wheel is so friction free that placing the valve at 4 o'clock causes it to rotate down to 6 o'clock. Think I need to overhaul it anyway?

BTW, DW already got a "Nice Bike!" comment when she was out riding today.

------------------

1980-1990 Japanese models:

Japanese models during this period use a serial number format WXYZZZZ where;

W = a letter, purpose uncertain, but probably indicates manufacturer or Centurion
X = a number, indicating the calendar year of manufacture
Y = a letter, indicating the fortnight of manufacture (A = wk 1 & 2, B = wk 3 & 4, etc)
ZZZZ = four digit number, probably indicating frame number during fortnight

Example: N4E0283 indicates the 283 frame manufactured during the period of weeks 9-10, for the year 1984.

East Hill

I came late to the party, but I have to agree with everyone that your DW has gotten a very nice bike indeed.

Top, if your bike was a tiny little thing I would love to own it! I think that the tiny ones with the small front wheels only came in salmon/white though.

East Hill

top506

Alas, it's just a touch too tall for me. But since I've been riding bikes that were 'too tall' for 30 years I'll manage.
I keep looking for a Miyata 512 with the smaller wheel in front for you. I do like those Miyatas....
This year I didn't notice as many Terry-style bikes in the Trek Across Maine, but I think that was the fault of my 'early out early in' style this time.
Top

East Hill

Well, I don't have a Miyata (yet) ....

I did just return four bikes to the community, so I have at least one more spot open in the stable!

East Hill

twentyflights

>_>

give it a year. and don't dare paint that bike green and white...

top506

No, that would be my daughter the redhead. She looks good in green....
I'm thinking metallic blue/grey and yellow, like my '86 Miyata.
Top
(I'll bet you're just old enough to remember Magic and Bird, but not Russell and Chamberlain).