OK, What bike did I see in 1975?
12-13-15, 01:15 PM
#1
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OK, What bike did I see in 1975?
This keeps popping into my head. I had just bought a Motobecane LeChampion in the fall of 1974. Great bike. But in the Spring of 1975 I remember seeing a bike in the window of "The Wheel Thing" bike shop. It was metallic orange. Had lots of drillium. And I think it was all Dura Ace black anodized components. It was stunning. And kinda made me wish I had held off on the purchase of my LeChampion.
Any Ideas? I know it was Japanese. But cannot remember the make.
Any Ideas? I know it was Japanese. But cannot remember the make.
12-13-15, 01:41 PM
#2
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Centurion Semi Pro came in orange and had a black anodized Suntour Cyclone/Dia Compe group
12-13-15, 01:56 PM
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Yep, I have an image of one burned into my memory. I can see it now in the top rack of some shop in Fresno, CA, the light from the window hit that paint just right, the chrome winked at me. Unfortunately I was 16 at the time, and was saving up every penny for a Raleigh Super Course MkII.
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12-13-15, 02:05 PM
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Sugino did some drillium chainrings in those days. My Fuji Pro had a 54-44 crankset so drilled. Silver anodized but a black version is certainly conceivable. (Fuji and Sugino were pretty tight. Centurion might have had a similar relationship.
Ben
Ben
12-13-15, 02:29 PM
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When reading your post, the Semi Pro was the first bike that I thought of.
pic stolen from photobucket
pic stolen from photobucket
12-13-15, 02:48 PM
#6
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That's it! I remember the chrome ends, head lugs, etc. That crank with the drilled rings was really something else when it first appeared.
Do these come up for sale much? Bet it rides and works amazingly.
Do these come up for sale much? Bet it rides and works amazingly.
12-13-15, 02:54 PM
#7
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The black anodized parts were so different and "NEW" at the time. Nothing else like it before this that wasnt completely custom. That bike hanging in the window was the only one I have seen in person, and it was ****led up quick. It was just on one particular day that I saw it and then it was gone. And the shop never got another one. That's gotta be a bike on my list to get. Just beautiful.
12-13-15, 02:57 PM
#8
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So the chainrings were the only thing drilled on that bike? In my memory the bike was like swiss cheese. But those cranks were just so different for the times, maybe they just overwhelmed me.
12-13-15, 03:14 PM
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12-13-15, 05:41 PM
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Oh, man! That's the one! My size, but you stole the pic, happen to know the owner?
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If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
12-13-15, 06:10 PM
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12-13-15, 07:23 PM
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Prettiest burnt metallic orange ever. Shows three colours in one pic only. Dressed to kill
12-13-15, 10:12 PM
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Miyata Pro matches the description from that time.
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