WolfgangVerne 

Hi all. I'm looking to purchase my first road bike and am looking for something fairly inexpensive to make sure it's something I want to stick with! A friend recommended that I look into some 80's Japanese bikes for a good value.

I found this Centurion Ironman Dave Scott on craigslist for $160 and am wondering if it is worth the price?

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/ws...042003233.html

I also found a few other bikes, that I'm not quite sure of the quality, but from browsing the forums seemed to be decent.

Univega:
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lg...036184428.html

Fuji Royale II:
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/ws...046045917.html


Thank you! I appreciate any help!

Kactus

The Centurion is an excellent buy! Is it your size? If so hurry up; it won't last long at that price.

bikeyboy

I like all three of the bikes. The Centurion looks like the best deal, because of condition. The other two look like, they need a good rehab, and I would try and get a few dollars off. However, the three bikes are different sizes. The Centurion looks like it's going to fit someone under 5'5" or so.

jetboy 

that centurion is a smoking deal if it fits you. I have basically the same bike in different colors and it may be my favorite of the three (and was the cheapest to boot).

WolfgangVerne 

I'm 5'10", so it sounds like it would be way too small for me?

jetboy 

yeah- that is one reason its under market value. most men will find it way to small. too bad. you should probably be looking at bikes around 56/57cm. the good news is that you are in the men's average sweet spot and many bikes are that size. the bad news is that because you are in the sweet spot, you have a lot of competition and prices might be higher (made up for by much better selection)

the univega would be my next choice.. but it might be too big. sort of depends on your body type.

oddjob2

At your height, you need a 56-58cm frame. The Miyata and Fuji are both well price, if you can do some of your own bike maintenance. You'll spend $75-$100 for tires, tubes (?), bar wrap, cables, housing, and bearings. The bikes need cleaning, cone and bottom bracket overhauls, and perhaps the headset. Pay a lbs $200 for the work, or learn to DIY.

Pemetic2006

https://www.classicfuji.com/1983_14_R...Mixte_Page.htm

Pretty sure the Fuji is a 1983.

daf1009

+1 on the sizing...but...be sure and ride it before buying it if at all possible...I have seen the "right size" simply not "feel" right.

All three are pretty good deals, but the Univega and Fuji will need some work...as oddjob states above...

ramzilla

There's very little clearance between the front wheel & down tube on that Centurion which leads me to believe it's got bent forks or frame damage. Or else it's just strange geometry. All three bikes are good picks. Centurion's are usually lighter than Fuji's & Univega's. But, Univega's & Fuji's are more indestructable than other brands.

xiaoman1 

I agree and I don't think its the photo there is a post where the tire looks way to close to the tube (1") and look at the height of the top tube front to back...higher at the front to the rear....not sure that they would make a one off geometry for the frame but who knows...if you buy it check it out very carefully and let us know what you find.

FastJake

The Centurion would be an excellent deal if it didn't have a bent fork. It's also way too small for you.

The Univega and Fuji are good buys. But they need work. So factor that into the cost.

WolfgangVerne 

Thanks for all of the advice, looks like I'll pass on the Centurion since it's too small and I wouldn't want to take the risk of a bent fork. Good to know that the other two bikes are decent values though, I'll definitely have to check them out.

Are there any other brands and specific models of bikes you'd recommend I look out for?

ramzilla

I think you're definitely on the right track. 80's vintage Japanese bikes are great values. In the mid 80's high end Japanese bikes were considered some of the best in the world. I like Fuji, Shogun, Centurion, Miyata, & Univega brands. You can pretty much tell what the high end stuff is by looking at the frame. Good bikes weigh in at under 28 lbs. Great bikes are under 23 lbs. Some of the finest will only weigh about 21. If you want to go lighter than that then you're going to have to switch to Italian bikes & start checking out Masi & Bottecchia. Italian bikes will also cost 3x or more what an equivalent Japanese bike cost.

rawly old

Having just checked, I see the Centurion is gone. For $120 I Really like the 'Vega. They had very good
components for the price when new, and quality frame. I have issues with 27 1 1/4 wheels being big.
Steel's Ok, but I put 700/40s on mine. It's my favorite all purpose bike & a great tourer, road or trail.
It handles well even when loaded with 60# of gear.