1984 Centurion Elite GT 15
11-27-16, 10:24 PM
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1984 Centurion Elite GT 15
Thoughts on this 1984 Centurion Elite GT 15 touring bicycle at $200? Appears to be in great original condition with new tires and i'm assuming tubes. I know it was playing second fiddle behind the Pro Tour 15 but non the less I know this is a pretty solid touring machine with double butted chromoly tubing on the main 3 tubes.
I'm pretty sure it's worth the $200 but i'm mostly concerned with it's resale value cause I'd probably keep it for a year or two and then look to resell after that. I really just want to compare the ride to my '82 Miyata 1000.
Centurion Touring Bike
My only concerns...
1 - He says it contains the original saddle but the spec sheet indicates a Vette, not a Sella Italia as I believe is pictured.
2 - Do those handlebars look weird to anybody? May just be that one brake lever/hood is lower than the other but I'm a bit concerned the handlebars are bent as well?!
It is an hour plus drive south of me so I've got to take that into consideration when making my decision as well. Would hate to get there and then see the handlebars are bent!
Thanks for any replies!
I'm pretty sure it's worth the $200 but i'm mostly concerned with it's resale value cause I'd probably keep it for a year or two and then look to resell after that. I really just want to compare the ride to my '82 Miyata 1000.
Centurion Touring Bike
My only concerns...
1 - He says it contains the original saddle but the spec sheet indicates a Vette, not a Sella Italia as I believe is pictured.
2 - Do those handlebars look weird to anybody? May just be that one brake lever/hood is lower than the other but I'm a bit concerned the handlebars are bent as well?!
It is an hour plus drive south of me so I've got to take that into consideration when making my decision as well. Would hate to get there and then see the handlebars are bent!
Thanks for any replies!
11-27-16, 10:27 PM
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That bike is very clean and it is a good quality vintage touring bike at $200. That last thing I'd be concerned about is whether the saddle is factory spec or not.
Last edited by bikemig; 11-27-16 at 10:46 PM.
11-27-16, 10:32 PM
#3
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If it's your size, go pick it up. They're good bargains in todays market. They're a one year only model.
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11-27-16, 10:47 PM
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I agree that the bar looks a little bent, but replacing the handlebar would be about the cheapest change you could make. Chances are you'll want to change the bar anyway; you'd certainly want to tear all that old sticky foam off.
Edit: I now see your mention of probably not keeping it. If you get there and the bar does look bent, then use it as a bargaining point. Whatever bar it is, I'll bet you could find an exact replacement readily.
Edit: I now see your mention of probably not keeping it. If you get there and the bar does look bent, then use it as a bargaining point. Whatever bar it is, I'll bet you could find an exact replacement readily.
11-28-16, 07:36 AM
#5
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Looks like a pretty good deal to me. (I paid $185 for a clean 1982 Elite around three years ago). It has cantilever brakes that will provide peace of mind on big downhill runs. Probably a Tange 2 frame. I think its FMV.
11-28-16, 09:21 PM
#6
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Originally Posted by wrk101
Out of lurk mode briefly.
Like many of the nicer Japanese touring bikes from that era, FMV for a pristine example, ready to ride ~ $400. Nice it has original factory rack and mid fork front rack braze ons. Deduct for any needs: bar tape, bearings, grease, tires, whatever. BB looks like it hasn't seen maintenance in a long time. TT paint looks scraped up, so subtract for that as well
Brand of saddle is meaningless to value. First thing people change is the saddle for personal preference/fit.
Tange 900 tubing as I recall.
Top of the line Japanese touring models bring more, say later Miyata 1000s (lots of variation from early 1980s to late 1980s).
Like many of the nicer Japanese touring bikes from that era, FMV for a pristine example, ready to ride ~ $400. Nice it has original factory rack and mid fork front rack braze ons. Deduct for any needs: bar tape, bearings, grease, tires, whatever. BB looks like it hasn't seen maintenance in a long time. TT paint looks scraped up, so subtract for that as well
Brand of saddle is meaningless to value. First thing people change is the saddle for personal preference/fit.
Tange 900 tubing as I recall.
Top of the line Japanese touring models bring more, say later Miyata 1000s (lots of variation from early 1980s to late 1980s).
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11-29-16, 01:28 PM
#7
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At $200 you should have been there yesterday. I bought mine as a frame and updated every part including adding 700c wheels, which is a very easy conversion and allows you to use 35mm tires.
I don't think I would do a conversion on this one, it looks too close to original to go down that path.
I don't think I would do a conversion on this one, it looks too close to original to go down that path.
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