Need help figuring out old(-1978) centurion model
07-14-17, 05:39 PM
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Need help figuring out old(-1978) centurion model
The serial number is n8a6243. From the badge and logo font. It seems to be from 1978. However no model information is on the frame. imgur(dot)com/a/FchHL
07-14-17, 08:50 PM
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07-14-17, 09:30 PM
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Looks like the Omega model. Based on the lugs, seatstays, braze-ons, dropouts, stem shifters and center-pull brakes.
The model name at that time was usually on the chainstay.
The model name at that time was usually on the chainstay.
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07-17-17, 09:13 PM
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given the headbadge and centurion font i would say a 1979 Model. The odd part is the centurion name on the top tube, not on the downtube like all the other ones i've seen.
Are you in the US? the reason i ask is that in other countries i have seen things like this that was off of what the US models had.
Are you in the US? the reason i ask is that in other countries i have seen things like this that was off of what the US models had.
07-17-17, 11:01 PM
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given the headbadge and centurion font i would say a 1979 Model. The odd part is the centurion name on the top tube, not on the downtube like all the other ones i've seen.
Are you in the US? the reason i ask is that in other countries i have seen things like this that was off of what the US models had.
Are you in the US? the reason i ask is that in other countries i have seen things like this that was off of what the US models had.
07-18-17, 06:47 AM
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The commonly accepted view (myself included), that the round badge was introduced for the 1979 model year, appears to be based on two undated catalogues that are reportedly from 1978 and 1979. However, if the OP has transcribed the serial number correctly, here we have a frame that was built in the first fortnight of 1978 and therefore should be a 1978 model. If we can get the OP to confirm that the serial number does indeed start with N8A, then perhaps it is time to modify our view on the the dates for the head badge style and the extant catalogue.
Also, while the frame may indeed be an Omega, I wouldn't rule out the possibility of a LeMans. Both frames had similar external features, with the exception of the stay caps and head lugs. The subject frame has the head lugs of a Lemans but the stay caps of a Omega. Of course, one or both features could have been year and/or market dependent. The seat post size could confirm a LeMans, if it a latter version with the double butted, hi-tensile tubeset.
Also, while the frame may indeed be an Omega, I wouldn't rule out the possibility of a LeMans. Both frames had similar external features, with the exception of the stay caps and head lugs. The subject frame has the head lugs of a Lemans but the stay caps of a Omega. Of course, one or both features could have been year and/or market dependent. The seat post size could confirm a LeMans, if it a latter version with the double butted, hi-tensile tubeset.
07-18-17, 07:05 PM
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imgur dot com/7BcWcZB
It is indeed a 8. I have no idea where the bike is originally from. I found the frame next to a dumpster. I would feel kinda bad if a vintage looking bike frame ended up in a land fill. The position of where the the logo is confused me too when I was researching what model it is.
Do you guys think this frame is worthy for a build?
It is indeed a 8. I have no idea where the bike is originally from. I found the frame next to a dumpster. I would feel kinda bad if a vintage looking bike frame ended up in a land fill. The position of where the the logo is confused me too when I was researching what model it is.
Do you guys think this frame is worthy for a build?
07-18-17, 07:11 PM
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I'm located in the US. The inner diameter of the tube is about an inch. The od near the top is 1.26. The od in the middle is 1.13.
07-18-17, 10:00 PM
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If it is in fact a german Centurion then the badge rules that we generally use for the US are not always correct.
07-19-17, 06:33 AM
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https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...r#post13204235
07-20-17, 10:42 PM
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Here's a Pro Tour with the round, metal head badge. It was built by Miki in January 1978 and has 1977-1978 component codes. Bought used, in the USA, with USA Centurion decal location.
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...r#post13204235
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...r#post13204235
I have a Early 1984 (February) Comp TA with a 1983 Headbadge and Downtube logo.
If you look at German Centurion models they did not follow the same headbadge logo scheme as the US.
07-21-17, 11:38 PM
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As to the model. The fork crown is the same as the Omega model. The LeMans had a different fork crown.
09-21-23, 02:47 PM
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In addition to the brand decal being on the downtube, the catalog shows pin-striping on the fork blades and front of the top tube. The pin striping and lug lining is more of a cream color as well.
Then there is this: Cleaning up an old Centurion Omega
I believe this was the first year of this model, so maybe there were some early models where the factory tried out different styling, before settling on the catalog style and they simply sent the mock-ups into the wild.
Then there is this: Cleaning up an old Centurion Omega
I believe this was the first year of this model, so maybe there were some early models where the factory tried out different styling, before settling on the catalog style and they simply sent the mock-ups into the wild.
09-21-23, 04:41 PM
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I agree it is likely Omega I have seen these from the same time frame with several colors of pin stripping and some with none they seemed to very pin stripping depending on color and or intended market or maybe the day of the week the paint was finished. It was pretty common for Japanese bikes from the late 70's to have varied degrees and quality of pin stripping with out much logic.
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