Originally Posted by rekmeyata

Centurion bikes, like Nishiki, were just decals plastered on by Western States Imports (who later introduced the decal DiamondBack), they were never a real brand manufacture just as Schwinn and Cannondale is today...just decals. But the designer a famous frame designer, Yamakoshi, designed the frames, this is the same thing that Grant Petersen did when he was with Bridgestone and still does today with his offerings. Back in the day there were some exceptional Centurion bikes that go for a lot of money today like the Ironman Master, Ironman, Cinelli Equipe, Pro Tour, Turbo, Comp TA, and the Elite RS, either of those bikes gave the Italians a run for their much more money bikes. For someone to say they were all low end bikes proves they know nothing of the bike. This would be akin to saying that Grant Petersen's bikes all suck.

Also Miyata of old is not the same as Koga Miyata today, Miyata of old put out a few very high caliper bikes and their triple butted splined tubing was the best in the world! They weren't just a touring bike company like they are today.

If you like the Centurion then get it, I have a mix of vintage and newer bikes and like them all, get what you like. Personally the older vintage bike components are more durable than the newer stuff but parts sometimes can be a hassle to find with the vintage stuff.