Looks like I hit something of a nerve with my characterization of the Ofmega components as "crap". Perhaps the language was a bit intemperate (maybe "stuff" would have been better), but before addressing that question let me point out that I am an admirer of the Centurion brand, presently own other Centurions, and in the past have owned many other Centurions of various models (most of which left my possession only because of size considerations). I specifically sought out an Equippe because I had not previously owned one. In fact I came very close to purchasing an Equippe in Montana, the value of which was discussed in this forum several months ago. I was interested in an Equippe because of how it fits into the totality of the Centurion progression rather than because of its "Italianess". I have, over the years owned a bunch of other Italian bikes and had my desire been to simply own a Cinelli, I would have sought out a Cinelli...
While I am not a Europhile who believes that all things European are better, I am also not someone who stumbled onto the bike at a garage or rummage sale and has no appreciation for what the Equippe was or was trying to be.
My comments were not intended to alarm annoy or belittle. What I was trying to convey was that although the bike itself seemed to have a substantial number of deviations (in frame construction, paint and decals) from the standard model Equippes I had seen, I was pretty sure that the component array was not stock. In fact it struck me that the bike was exactly as it would have been, had any of the serious bicycle people or aspiring racers I knew in the mid 80's upgraded the bike at that point in time. In those days we all came to believe that the Superbe components were so profoundly better than anything else, that all other components then available were junk or (sorry) "crap" in comparison. I had assumed that this was a universally held belief but this apparently is not the case...
Inevitably this has opened up a line of discussion of various components and which were "good" or "best".
Ultimately though, these dissertations have little meaning. The quality or lack thereof is irrelevant. If the path chosen is to restore the bike as it was, then the OEM equipment is required. On the other hand if you believe that high quality lug frame steel bikes fitted with modern components have a continuing place in the modern world you are going to equip it with ergo shifters and dual pivot brakes rather than in non OEM but perhaps "better"1985 parts. As far as I am concerned, in either case, if the owner is enjoying himself he is doing the right thing.
Right now my visceral bike is my 1987 Dave Scott Ironman. I did not buy the Equippe to look at it though, so perhaps after I get a chance to put in some miles that evaluation will change...