2cam16

Came across this bike. Is it worth the $20? Do you think this is made in Japan or Taiwan? Sorry these are all the sellers pictures.
Thanks!!!

zukahn1 

This looks to be an early 80's entry level model hi-ten steel frame with pretty basic components and upgraded alloy wheels and strait bar conversion. The bike is old enough that it was likely made in Japan. As for value it is a great deal for $20 with the nice rack and alloy wheels, while not high end it would make a great basic rider if you want a smaller upright commuter worth around $150 if everything works good.

oddjob2

Almost any bike is worth $20. The rims alone are worth $20 each. Looks like a Sport DLX. Low end, but perfectly serviceable for getting about.

2cam16

Thanks all!

T-Mar

The down tube logo style places it 1984-1985, wile the presence of shifter cable stops versus clamps suggests 1985. In 1985, the only Centurion without bottle mounts was the bottom end Cavaletto. The bicycle is heavily frankenbiked, so it impossible to confirm via the components. The Cavaletto used hi-tensile steel tubing. Regardless, it is still easily worth $20.00.

FWIW, the 1985 Cavaletto that I have in my serial number database were made in Japan but it's possible there were multiple sources within a model year. If you acquire the bicycle, I can confirm the model year and country of origin from the serial number.

2cam16

Awesome. Thanks T-Mar. I'll take you up on that once I have the bike on hand.
One more question: was this a road bike, touring,or ???
Thanks

ramzilla

Doooooooood................................better go get it real quick before it's gone. That's early 80's Centurion paint. Good bikes. Good value. Be good. Have fun.

2cam16

Got it but it's of the Taiwan generation. All good. Still has some decent stuff. I'll decide later what to turn it into.

T-Mar

It was an entry level road bicycle and would have been orignally equipped with dropped, racing style, handlebars. At the time, it would have been classified as recreational/touring, though not touring in the grand touring definition.

T-Mar

Serial number? TIA.

2cam16

Thanks. I'll probably install dropbars .

2cam16

Thanks!

T-Mar

Thxs. manufactured by Fairly of Taiwan, May, 1985.

2cam16

Thanks again ,T-Mar, for coming through!

ramzilla

OMG! I had no idea Centurion was already making bikes in Taiwan by 85. It's got the same paint job as my 82 "made in Japan" Elite. Anyhow, I thought "Giant" was the first big Taiwan brand name.

T-Mar

Actually, it goes back a lot farther. Centurion was having some entry level models manufactured in Taiwan at least as far back as 1978, as I have a Bicycling road test from that year stating Taiwanese manufacture for a Centurion Sport. They weren't the only brand, as my serial number database has samples of Giant manufactured Nishiki from 1978. Even the big manufacturers were contracting to Taiwan in the late 1970s, as evident by Raleigh's Rampar brand. There were literally dozens of Taiwanese companies who had been contract manufacturing bicycles for the USA market prior to Giant entering the USA under their own name in late 1987.

ramzilla

I've got an old Schwinn World with a step through (girls) frame. It's got 12 speed stem shifters, chrome steel wheels & looks like something from the late 70's. It's got a tiny little white sticker on the drive side drop out that reads "Made by Giant". So, I guess they've been making them in Taiwan since Carter was in the White House. They must have massive bicycle factories there now. I've read reports that say stuff like 80% of all bikes on Earth come from there.

T-Mar

Giant reportedly manufactured their first bicycles for Schwinn in 1977, however I don't believe that the World models went to 12 speed until the mid-1980s. Regardless, it's easy enough to find out. A Giant manufactured frame from this period would typically have an open format date code stamped on the rear dropout.

ramzilla

You're right. I think it's a ten speed.