Value on this original Centurion Semi Pro 55cm
06-21-23, 08:15 PM
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Value on this original Centurion Semi Pro 55cm
Appreciate your thoughts on the value of this 1979 Centurion Semi Pro
Seems to me to in amazing cosmetic shape. 95%+ decals and paint. Sparkling chrome. I cleaned it but did not address any consumables. The only non original parts are the seat and possibly the chain. It has the original Centurion tires which hold air. I checked against the 1979 catalog and it all corresponds.
I hope to not ship this, so probably limiting potential buyers.
Likes For arhant:
06-22-23, 01:11 AM
#2
Senior Member
Thats a nice one! Good size, excellent cosmetics, and the less common color of the two offered in those years (cobalt blue was the other offering).
Not sure how the Denver market is holding up, but in a hot market you might price it in the $500-$600 range and you wouldn’t be far off
Not sure how the Denver market is holding up, but in a hot market you might price it in the $500-$600 range and you wouldn’t be far off
06-22-23, 04:47 AM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Middle Earth (aka IA)
Posts: 20,470
Bikes: A bunch of old bikes and a few new ones
Mentioned: 178 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5863 Post(s)
Liked 3,393 Times
in
2,038 Posts
You need better tires than this to get top dollar. Original tires don't add value to an old bike.
The market is down. I'd value this closer to $300-$400.
The market is down. I'd value this closer to $300-$400.
06-22-23, 04:53 AM
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Western MI
Posts: 2,824
Mentioned: 45 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 638 Post(s)
Liked 421 Times
in
276 Posts
If there’s a semi-pro following out there keeping the values up, I don’t see it. Here’s one that’s been collecting dust on western MI FBM for a while. Listed at $595 and still sitting at $495.
When I see an Ironman going for $275 +/- $50 in similar condition, I have a hard time seeing 2x for this Centurion. Yes the Semi-Pro has a more vintage aesthetic and some sweet chrome lug work. I just don’t see spending more than an Ironman for a bike with 27” schrader valve wheels.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...0695154212892/
When I see an Ironman going for $275 +/- $50 in similar condition, I have a hard time seeing 2x for this Centurion. Yes the Semi-Pro has a more vintage aesthetic and some sweet chrome lug work. I just don’t see spending more than an Ironman for a bike with 27” schrader valve wheels.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...0695154212892/
Likes For plonz:
06-22-23, 07:30 AM
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,511
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 585 Post(s)
Liked 611 Times
in
447 Posts
Not disagreeing, just saddened that a bike this clean and original would not be worth more. Chrome lugs get my attention always, but the paint and the pinstriping on this one really add to it. It just exhudes class.
Hopefully it will meet the "right" buyer, someone who will ride it proudly.
Hopefully it will meet the "right" buyer, someone who will ride it proudly.
Likes For TugaDude:
06-22-23, 10:54 AM
#7
señor miembro
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Pac NW
Posts: 8,475
Bikes: '70s - '80s Campagnolo
Mentioned: 91 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3691 Post(s)
Liked 6,103 Times
in
3,033 Posts
That bike is way too nice to sell for $300. I think the frame is worth that. I realize local c&v markets are down. So, why settle? If you don't ride it, add an appropriate saddle, lower the stem and hang it on a wall. It's art and looks fantastic.
Likes For SurferRosa:
06-25-23, 10:27 PM
#8
Senior Member
Plonz has a good point about the Ironman. I think I just have a soft spot for the Semi-Pro, having owned several. If you aren’t willing to ship, that does limit your market quite a bit. Sales on vintage bikes do seem to be down all over. An aging group interested in such things and the rise of e-bikes making a big dent in the number of buyers for such items. 
Last edited by orcas island; 06-25-23 at 10:31 PM.
06-26-23, 06:26 PM
#9
Senior Member
Regarding the soft vintage market, I think another factor is that there are lots more current production “practical” bikes than a decade ago - gravel bikes, commuters, single speeds, etc. Vintage bikes are/were good platforms for modifying, but now buyers have more ready-made choices.
Anyway, that’s a lovely bike, and I hope it finds a proper home.
Anyway, that’s a lovely bike, and I hope it finds a proper home.
Likes For due ruote:
06-27-23, 07:43 PM
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Fairplay Co
Posts: 9,404
Bikes: Current 79 Nishiki Custum Sport, Jeunet 620, notable previous bikes P.K. Ripper loop tail, Kawahara Laser Lite, Paramount Track full chrome, Raliegh Internatioanl, Motobecan Super Mirage. 59 Crown royak 3 speed
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 747 Post(s)
Liked 1,569 Times
in
575 Posts
Thats a nice one! Good size, excellent cosmetics, and the less common color of the two offered in those years (cobalt blue was the other offering).
Not sure how the Denver market is holding up, but in a hot market you might price it in the $500-$600 range and you wouldn’t be far off
Not sure how the Denver market is holding up, but in a hot market you might price it in the $500-$600 range and you wouldn’t be far off
Or the alter list it on here
Last edited by zukahn1; 06-28-23 at 11:33 AM.
07-03-23, 08:18 PM
#11
Senior Member
Vintage Japanese goes for about 1/2 of vintage Italian or something like a US vintage Paramount. So, you can't ask for for a whole lot for something like that. But, the good news is a vintage Japanese bike is usually in better shape than comparable Italian stuff and, since they're less expensive they sell quick.
That's a pretty bike. If it was Italian it would go for $1000. But, it's Japanese. You figure out the rest.
Be good. Have fun.
That's a pretty bike. If it was Italian it would go for $1000. But, it's Japanese. You figure out the rest.
Be good. Have fun.
09-07-23, 07:28 PM
#13
Senior Member
That is a super pretty bike! Love the chromed lugs, paint color, and the the stripes or whatever you call those lines. First generation suntour cyclone was a fantastic drivetrain. Sadly they are not all that coveted, which is a crying shame.
If you want top dollars you may have to wait until next spring when dreams of the open road are pumping on people's brains. New tires, new handlebar wraps (leather if you are keeping it) and polishing that seatpost would make it shine.
If you want top dollars you may have to wait until next spring when dreams of the open road are pumping on people's brains. New tires, new handlebar wraps (leather if you are keeping it) and polishing that seatpost would make it shine.
