Is it a pink/white "fade" or a pink/white bike with distinctly separate colors?

Just saw that amazing value on the Sport DLX. He's lowered his opening to an amazing $350, but the $1000 Buy It Now is still holding. It appears he's dropped the experts from his ad.

That being said, if T-Mar and A. Winthrop really told me to pay that for a bike, I probably would.

I'll agree with A.W. on the Ironman model. If that bike is under 23 lbs, I can't imagine what other model it would be. It's hard to get a Lemans that low, and frankly, I'm not sure it's worth it.

All in all, that's a nice steel lugged road bike, though I'll bet they had to use that stem in order to use those bars. Been there on that one.

Thanks for the input! I'm not sure they used this Levin headset on the Ironman. Also, could't be sure if the Shimano 600 components came with or were added after the re-paint. Also, does anybody know about the Maillard 500 hubs?

The frame could be either an 1986 Ironman Dave Scott or a 1986 LeMans RS. 1987 is also a possibility, but 1986 is more likely, given the fortnight of manufacture. Both frames had identical braze-on features and no dropout eyelets, so there is no distinguishing factor there.

I would also not put much credence in determining the model based on weight as the LeMans RS was full Tange #2. The difference in the weight of betwen #1 and #2 was only 70g and when you consider that the Ironman used a mixed Tange #1/#2 set, the weight difference should be even less. This is certainly not enough of a difference to gauge the model unless you have a known Ironman or Leman RS frame of the same size and year for comparison using the same scale.

While the deraiilleur system is a match for the Ironman, the Ironman models I've seen have all used the two tone, black anodized and natural aluminum version, not the monochrome, natural aluminum version as pictured. This, plus the fact that none of the other equipment match original Ironman spec, put little credibility in the derailleurs being original.

The headset also does not appear to useful for determining the model. The Ironman used a Shimano New 600EX headset. I don't have info on the LeMans RS but the bicycle itself used a mix of Shimano Light Action and Z-series components, so while the Levin is possibly OEM, it may also have been a replacement to fit the crown race of what is obviously a replacement fork. Given the replacement fork and repaint, I trust this frame was not crashed. I would be closely examining the underside of the top and down tubes, in the vicinity immediately behind the lugs, for any signs of wrinkles in the tubes.

I know of only one distinct variation in the frames and another possible one. The geometry of the two did differ but the replacement fork nullifies many of the measurements. The chainstay length did differ but it was only by 5mm and we are not certain which point of the dropout was used. Top tube measurement is just as futile, as they differed by only 1mm. That leaves seat tube angle. The Ironman was spec'd at 74 degrees while the Lemans RS was spec'd at 73 degrees, both for 23" frames, which is what you appear to have. You can get out your old math protractor and cut a couple of templates out of box board (i.e cereal box cardboard). Basically, the templates will look like a couple of big pieces of carboard pie. You will have to cut the corner off to clear the lug collars. Don't forget to mark the angles on each template. Place the templates between the top and seat tubes, to determine which one matches.

The other possible inidcator are the caps at the top of the seat stays. The Ironman pics show these to be embossed with "CENTURION". I don't have pics of the LeMans RS, but the absence of embossing may indicate a Lemans RS, if the templates prove indecisive.

The wheels sound like they came off an old Trek by virtue of the Maillard hubs and Matrix rims. The 500 series was a mid-range hub with the Helicomatic freewheel, a unigue cassette freewheel design permitting outboard hub bearings and easy cog removal. Unfortunately, the design also uses small bearings and accompanying, non-standard cones which are getting very hard to find. Cogs are still available but getting harder to find in a good selection. The unique, cog removal is still available but demanding increasingle higher prices, as are all Helicomatic parts.

I haven't received anything for all my postings, except for making some e-mail friendships and numerous donations of red stars, all of which I've turned down. Yourself and another BF member are the only two whom I have seen give me credit as source on websites and I see my work being reprinted, verbatim, on numerous sites. However, lack of credit is usually a blessing, as most people are mixing my writings with misinformation.

Heh, Heh. Do I have a bicycle for you!:D:D:D

1986 Centurion
 

HI,

Well we have replaced the chain, still hops alittle now the freewheel is ordered and coming and we pray its better now, the derailer is clean and lubed, if it continues to hop in 2-5 gears I will change the derailer.
What if any would be adequate derailer for a 6 spd with those friction shifters.
I don't want to go reflex yet, unless I redo the entire bike.
Doug

Just a follow up to my first post. I bought this in 10/83 for $599. I wore out many chains, chainrings, derailers, and other parts before I decided to save the frame. Not one problem with the frame ever.

I'd bet the Shimano 600 group, if it's tri-color, came on the bike. I'd bet the Tange Levin headset came on the bike, especially if it's black and actually says Tange Levin CD.

My 1989 Master Ironman has Shimano 600 tri-color; some call it Ultegra, with a Tange Levin headset.
My 1989 Expert Ironman has, as all '89's did, Suntour GPX components and a Tange Levin headset.
My 1988 Master Ironman has all Shimano 600 tri-color, including the headset.
My 1988 Carbon has all Shimano 600 tri-color, and the headset says "Centurion."
My 1986 Ironman has all Shimano 600 components.
I've tried several times for a Shimano 105 Ironman Expert. To date, no luck.
I've got time.

As far as the Maillad 500 hubs, not OEM on any Ironman, but decent hubs.
Your wheelset just doesn't appear OEM. No biggie, still a nice bike, and I'd love to have it.
Ride on.

So..............is it for sale? :innocent:

Hi T-Mar,

Just wanted to add my Centurion to your database. It doesn't match the majority of your numbers, but does match the "1984 exception". The serial number is 4G13748, and it's a 1984 Pro Tour 15.

Some details that have been discussed by some others (Wildwood, alanbikehouston):
-It's the brass/bronze/champagne color which they call "Taupe".
-The wheels are 27".
-Internal wiring.
-I believe that the frame actually was entirely chromed: I've got a lot of miles on mine (and therefore quite a few scratches...) and there's chrome underneath all of them... including on the head tube.
-It came with LeTech (SunTour) front and rear derailleurs.
-Mine matches (matched... there are some changes now) all the specs that alanbikehouston listed except the brake levers are DiaCompe (GranCompe?), not Shimano, and the stem was an SR. The levers are drilled, though.

As A.Winthrop mentions, there's a catalog that includes this bike at Sheldon Brown's site:
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/centurion1984/index.html

Ooops, just found this template from A.Winthrop (though I'd add a "Made in" field if known):
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Centurion ProTour 15 1984
Color : Taupe (w/contrasting head tube)
Weight : ?? It's a touring bike... never occurred to me to weigh it
Serial Number : 4G13748
Made in : Japan (says the sticker)

COMPONENTS:
Frame : Tange Champion #2
Fork : Tange Champion (with low rider bosses)
Bars\Stem : SR Custopm/SR ARX
Brakes\Brake levers: DiaCompe Gran Compe cantilevers and DiaCompe levers
Rear derailleur : SunTour LeTech
Front derailleur : Suntour LeTech
Downtube shifters : SunTour Symmetric (trims the front when you shift the rear)
Crankset : Sugino AT (marked C-9 175) with 28-42-50
Bottom bracket : [Don't remember]
Freewheel : SunTour Winner 5-spd 13-28
Chain : [Don't remember; spec sheet says black and chrome DID]
Hubs\QR : Suzue Competition 36F/40R
Pedals : [Don't remember; spec sheet says SR SP100]
Saddle : Vetta
Seatpost : SR Laprade
Rims\Tire size : 27" rims 27 x 1-1/4 tires

Just FYI, I've done a lot of touring on this bike, and I made some changes here and there (sacrilege!):
Hubs: Phil Wood.
BB: Phil Wood
Pedals: SunTour Superbe Pro
Shifters: SunTour bar-con
R. Derailleur: SunTour XCD
Freewheel: SunTour Winner Pro 6spd (oh man, does this mean I need to get a new paint job that says Pro Tour 18???)

It's a beauty and is still going strong.

Thanks for everyone's work on this!

Measured Bike frame
 

HI,
I am new to bicyles and have a centurion and was wonder if this is a large or med sized frame.
I am 6' 2in
the Top tube to the seat post is 59in est
center of the handle bar to the Seat post center is 61in
the drop tube or seat tube to the center of the crank 61in
It seems to fit , I have freewheel cogs from nashbar. on order trying to stop the gear from skipping in 5-2 speed
Doug

Thanks. It's a fun bike, now that I have replaced the front wheel with one that isn't totally screwed up!

Red centurion turbo
 

i saw this thread just after i sold my red and silver 58cm (st) centurion turbo the other day and got kinda bummed. i got good money for it, but i may have gotten more. it was hard to find much , but i researched them a bit and found that the red ones are a little rare. i believe its a 1982 frame and fork. i didnt have any original components on it, but it had suntour drops. im tracking down the guy i sold it to so he can at least know its true value. i'll get the serial number from him and post back.
(EDIT) i just noticed ACME-SUPPLY (about three posts up) has the exact frame im talking about. i can still give you a serial number if needed.

so heres the number off the (1982?) red and silver centurion turbo.
n2p3244
let me know the outcome! thanks man...

Just picked up my new (to me) Centurion Elite RS

Serial:N6H571
Main Tubes: Tange 2 double butted
Fork: Chromo Tange
Brakes: Dia compe Royal S (how are they?)
Brake Levers: ACG?
Pedals: Shimano PD-100R
Crank: Shimano 600
F&R D/Shift Levers: Shimano 600 SIS (first bike with index shifting!)
Rims: Wolber Super Champion Alpine
Nitto stem and handle bars
Hubs: Suzue High Tech (anyone know about these?)

Hope this adds to the knowledge base. I'm assuming it's an 86 or 87. Haven't weighed it but it seems "light" to me.

Hmm, that's sort of in the grey area. Definitely made in 1982 and most likely a 1982 model, but there is a possibility of it being a very early 1983 model.

Definitely a 1986 model. Weight should be about 22-23 lbs, depending on frame size. The brakes and hubs are good, but nothing special. Could you post a pic or describe the colour scheme? TIA.

http://i7.ebayimg.com/06/i/001/13/eb/a887_1.JPG

I started a different thread when I was considering buying off of ebay (where you were very helpful). This is one of the ebay photos. Took it for a quick spin and thought it was awesome. Pretty much just needs a new seat and tires. I'm guessing the seat and post are not stock, but otherwise I'm guessing mostly original.

55cm frame

Hey 'cannonizer' we have almost the same bike. I snagged my Centurian Elite RS last January and it is a very sweet riding bike. It also has 'Tange #2' cro-moly frame and 'Tange cro-moly' fork, and was all original down to the '600 EX' clip & strap pedals. The only differences from yours, is mine came with 700c 'Araya' aluminum rims, Shimano 600 'friction' shifters, Sugino ALP crank in 52 x 42, and the brake levers are Dia-comp 'Gran-comp' that are drilled and anodised a light champagne color that matches the chainrings, Royal 'S' brake calipers, and the rims. Everything else is Shimano 600, with the headset being Tange 'Falcon' that is chromed (and beautiful). Going by the Shimano date codes on the components my bike is an '85 model, with the original paint being 'ice blue'.

Hope you enjoy your ride as much as I do mine. :D

Finally cleaned her UP
 

HI,
Finally have the bike cleaned up and ridding nice.


The first picture is how she arrived from ebay,

http://i22.ebayimg.com/05/i/001/09/8f/16b3_12.JPG
http://www.albumsnaps.com/photos/DCP...724.html?raw=1

The dang date stamp is wrong this was taken 11/01/08
here's one where she looks alive.
http://www.albumsnaps.com/photos/DCP...723.html?raw=1
I am amazed how smooth it rolls and it dosen't make a sound when you free wheel coast, its almost to quite.
I think I'll keep her for a while.. I taped the bars black and the new hoods are still seating in there some shimano hoods not a perfect fit but close....
Doug
Those Nash Bar 6 speed free wheel gears are perfect for vintage bikes I was afraid the ratio would be wrong its not..

Road the Ironman hard Sat 11/15/08 36 miles, it was so smooth and responsive, If you find one fix her up its really a nice ridding bicycle at any price.

Hi everyone,Nubie here. Just bought an Accordo RS. Questions:1. When did the RS designation get added to the Accordo and what does it mean. I see the RS on other models as well (Le Mans, Elite, etc). My guess is that it is meaningless other than it signifies continuation of the model into additional years of production?2. The number stamped into the underside bottom of the down tube appears to be 7FF7315. This number does not fit the scheme I have read about. Given that I haven't read much of this thread can someone tell me if this is the spot for the serial number and if so, am I somehow or another reading it wrong.3. Frame has decal "Tange Infinity CrMo tapered double butted tubing." Guessing that this bike was mfg'd in 86 or 87, is likely that the entire frame is Infinity tubing or just the main triangle? Thanks,Larry

I don't blame you for not having read through the entire thread - it's become a monster!

The general consensus is that RS = Road Sport, which defines the intended use. I'm not some when the suffix was added to the Accordo model.

Centurion used so many different manufacturers over the years, it's not suprising that another serial number format has popped up. An educated guess would be a 1987 model. It certainly is the correct period for Infinity. I've seen Accordo specs with both hi-tensile and CrMo spec'd for forks, so it could be either, depending on the year. Can you post pics or list the brands and models of the major components? Alternately, you can check out component date codes using the info on the components page of the Vintage-Trek website.

And welcome to the Centurion cult.

I'm trying out my friend's Centurion for a while and thought I'd add it to the database, as well as ask if anybody can identify the model.

Serial Number: M6C06314
60cm orange frame with chrome steering tube lugs and rear dropouts.
No model name printed on the top tube.
Suntour Cyclone drivetrain, with a Shimano 600 headset, Campy brakes (couldn't identify), and Phil Wood hubs... so obviously somebody built this bike up. I imagine the Cyclone drivetrain is original and the rest was thrown on a some point.

The seat tube has a "Champion Cro-Mo Steel" badge and then two rings about a foot apart that are:
Blue
Silver
Black
Yellow
Blue

Based on their condition I'm guessing they're original stickers but somebody may have added them at some point.

Anybody know what I'm working with? I've search the forums as much as I could but can't find an orange nameless Centurion from 1986.

Thanks!

ps- extra bonus points for anybody who also wants to tell me it's approx. value.

A.Winthrop - Thanks for the info! I admit, I kind of gave up on trying to read the whole thread through so I appreciate the relevant link. Also, it didn't occur to me that the '6' in the serial number could be '76 instead of '86. Anyway, here are the pics you asked for. (this is my first time trying to attach pics... so I'm kind of guessing on size/resolution. If they're not big enough I'll repost.)

Great, thanks for identifying it!

I saw on another post a similar model:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...+centurion+pro

Did the 1976 Semi-Pro come with a headbadge?