View Single Post
Old 02-26-20 | 07:50 AM
  #2274  
T-Mar
Senior Member
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 23,212
Likes: 3,122
Originally Posted by Volare77
Have a 75 centurion serial number is m5c00960
can’t upload pics but based on what I’ve read and the sticker on the seat tube that says hi ten high tensile steel made by miki. Any idea of the tubing?
The decal style is consistent with 1985, not 1975. The stamped dropouts and lack of brazed-on features with the exception of the two top tube cable tunnels and chain stay cable stop are indicative of a entry level model. It's definitely typical of mid-1980s, entry level Centurion models such as the Cavaletto and Signet, which used hi-tensile steel. I'm not aware of Miki having manufactured their own hi-tensile steel but have no reason to dispute it. The fork likely says Tange because it came form Tange's pre-fabricated fork facility. It was cheaper to buy complete forks from Tange, than for bicycle companies to manufacture them in-house. The best indicator to confirm hi-tensile steel is to measure the diameter of the seat post. Basic hi-tensile steels typically use 25.4-25.8 mm seat posts, while some lightweight hi-tensile steels use posts as large as 26.2 mm.

I'm not sure if that chain stay Novara decal is a model name or an aftermarket REI decal. I suspect the latter, as it does not have the dark blue outline to match the Centurion decal. The frame doesn't quite match a 1985 Signet, as it lacks the down tube cable stops for stem shifters. However, it's quite close to the 1984 Cavaletto, including the colour. It could be a non-catalogued or non-USA model. It's definitely been frankenbiked to an extent, based on the dual pivot brakeset. The crankset may be a replacement too. The Honor and Spirt derailleurs while more typical of 1975, were still available in the mid-1980s and were actually spec'd on the 1984 Cavaletto. That raises the possibility of a mis-stamp on the year indicator.

Selective photo assist...


T-Mar is offline  
Reply