Found this one. NOS Centurion Super Elite, Pics inside
 

Hey guys, this bike came from the "famed" Sportif bicycles in Chicago. I purchased from a flipper near me and built it up. Here is the video and pics.
The bike is a 1979 Super Elite. Perfect shape. Tiny tiny bit of shop wear from being in the box for 40 plus years.

JJ

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...41f073b96e.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d9c45a0f8e.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...3ec198993a.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...2f63f041e0.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...8dedbc64f7.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...434b84b9d1.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...168cb08ff0.jpg

That's an amazing find!
By the way, Mikashima = MKS
https://www.mkspedal.com/?q=en/page/node/1

Thanks! I learn something new everyday.

JJ

Ive seen many of the various NIB bikes over the last 4 years for sale on craigslist, but most have been Miyata. Its neat to have something like that be brand new to hang up.
Cables in front of the bars?!? I dont care, but man you like to live dangerously!

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...407b75c5e.jpeg
Perfect copy of the catalog bike. 😀

Fantastic find! Did you take the BB or hubs apart and check the grease?

Looks great! I was really tempted to buy one of these (or this one, perhaps) when it was advertised on eBay about a year ago for I think it was an $800 asking price? Would have turned out too similar to another ongoing build but these Centurion frames really do have some lovely details! The only one I've had was a '79 Pro-Tour that got ruined when a guy ran into me with a pickup truck. :(

-Gregory

Stunning! I'm surprised they built these with wide range GT gearing and the pants guard... but that's the sort of stuff I like, anyway!

Not all bike finds are the top of the line, top of the line components or top of the line materials. This is a splendid example of a perfect fit of really good components on a great frame. What a beauty! What toe clip straps are you going to join with this bike?

I get grief all the time about the cables. Most of those Miyata's and Nishikis out of the box came from the same basement. I understand that there were over 350 boxed bikes there. I know a guy that still has ten assorted ones. The same guy I got the Centurion from.
JJ

No. Not yet. Though I instructed everyone in the video to do that on a NOS old bike, I haven't done it myself. I will get to that this winter. Its probably concrete!

JJ

Im going to try and find the MKS that came with it. I'd say its probably impossible to find those. So we shall see what I find.

JJ

I think 79 was the transition year. They stared going away on that level bike about then.

JJ

You might also try some leather treatment on the original straps, might make 'em more supple?

Great time capsule. Hopefully it'll still be around in another 40 years.

2 wrongs don't make a right! :D

Great video, your content continues to improve. I really appreciate the time you're putting into those, living overseas in an apartment I don't get much wrench time so it's a very vicarious pleasure to watch your vids.

As to the bike, well...I kinda hate you. Which makes it more fun!