Like Ashley, I would not use the term "crap" to define the Ofmega components and Universal brakeset.

One must remember the original concept for this bicycle; to deliver an all Italian bicycle, from a renowned designer, for under $1000 US. At the time, there were probably only two choices on the designer short list, Cinelli and Colnago. Others just did not have wide market recognition in the USA. By going with Cinelli, WSI was obligated to use the full gamut of Cinelli products (BB shell, fork crown, lugs, stay caps, bar, stem, saddle and handlebar tape). This would give the impression that it was a Cinelli manufactured frame (which WSI were very careful to avoid stating in the ad copy) and increase sales. The down side was that these expenses forced them to make cost concessions on the components. A full Campagnolo and Cinelli model would have cost several hundred dollars extra and shot them well over the critical sub-$1000 target. So WSI made cost concessions by going to second tier Italian manufacturers for most of the components. Most of these components are very good and certainly far better value than Campagnolo NR/SR, even if the performance is not quite up to that level. In fact, the place where this model could have most benefited from an Ofmega are the derailleurs. The Nuovo Record are woefully old and sub-standard compared to the Ofmega offerings of the era. Unfortunately, the only component that garners the attention from a customer is the rear derailleur and if it did not say Campagnolo, the sales would probably have dropped drastically.

Personally, I feel that WSI made very intelligent decisions regarding this model, given their intended market and price. As I 've told Ashley, if I could own only one Centurion, this would be my choice, even though other models are arguably better built, prettier or perform better. This model definitely has a visceral appeal.