Why yes, I have circled like a vulture around the still-breathing soul of a bike-shaped object that dared poke it's head out into our inquiry thread.

While the vulture is more interested in carrion, I considered myself more a bird of prey. I need to retain some dignity, after all. I didn't exactly pounce, but I stood around waiting for a chance, definitely.

A nice fellow sent a photo of a bike in Montana, I believe, with an inquiry as to it's value. He joined BF for this very purpose. I don't remember his user name, but I think his name was Doug. This was before we had the separate thread up. I actually think he posted it on the Centurion Serial # database. Having already purchased and resold a smaller, slightly upgraded one for $481 delivered, I advised that the price of a 1985 Cinelli Equipe Centurion would be between $300 and $700, depending upon condition, and expressed interest (right out there in front of everyone).



After receiving such sage advice, he promptly offered it for sale at the upper end of my range. I could not agree, but two wise Bike Forum members, A. Winthrop and JunkYardBike both narrowed the range for him due to their expertise and experience as owners of the same bike. At that time, I made an offer, privately, for a price plus shipping. When the seller came back with the standard CL line "there's another buyer interested," I decided not to pursue it, but left my offer open, hoping that I was the only one, and if not, the only one at that price point. Two weeks later, the seller advised the other buyer had declined, and we were on. The bike was OEM except for skewers and wrap, and had already had the DT and headbadge decals (lavender and black) removed. I sent shipping instructions, and he shipped it exactly that way.

I then heard, via BF, from the "other buyer." He existed, and offered $25 less than I did. He'd seen it on CL in the Montana area. Super guy here known as valentinodel, if I recall. He owns one of the prototypes.

The OEM Miche/Fiamme wheelset, with tires, went to a BF member, and I added Campy skewers. The stem was traded here for one that fit me better. The NR FD/RD/shifters went to Germany to a BF member. The crankset/BB went to a BF member in Chicago. The saddle went on eBay, and the seatpost was given to a relative because he said I lost his Campy one. I've since seen the Campy one on his bike, so now I suppose he's lost the Gipiemme. The brakeset went to a BF member here in NC.

I was left with the frame/fork/headset and Cinelli bars. I sort of took it from there.


So that's that.