Originally Posted by
valentinodel
Just obtained this Cinelli Centurion. The decals state "Cinelli Project Centurion". A couple of other differences from the typical Cinelli Equippe Cent though --
No chrome on the steer tube lugs.
Fork crown is smooth without the relief lugged effect I have seen on other Equippes.
Suntour Superbe crank, brakes - but of course anyone who was in their right mind and using the bike in 1990 would probably have upgraded the Ofmega crap to Suntour.
Tubular tires.
The most interesting thing is the decals. They are seriously old. ( The bike appears to have the original paint and the Columbus decals appear to be originals..) If someone did replace the decals I can not figure out why they would manufacture a set which proclaimed it a Cinelli Project Centurion---
Anybody have any thoughts or seen one like it.
By the way - the question of whether it was manufactured of Italian parts in Japan - as Panasonic did do with their team issue bikes, is easily answered by viewing the bike in person - the finish is of the low quality associated with Italian bikes...
Images of this "European" Centurion Cinelli in original titanium silver (I have seen one in light metallic blue), have identical features as those found on my "mystery" frame. I guess I can no longer call my frame a mystery because it has now been ID'ed. Even though all paint has been removed, a perfect outline of the "project" head tube decal remains. As far as I can tell, this is a one of a kind decal only found on the "project" Centurion Cinelli's.
Hey Robbie, still want to work on this frame? I am not sure about using Cinelli red any longer now that I know this beast came in at least two colors. I am not fond of the original titanium silver but do like the metallic blue. Let's talk.
John