Centurion Serial Number Database
01-29-11 | 10:30 AM
#1151
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I picked up a Centurion Sport DLX in almost mint condition last night. Everything seems to be original except for the seat. I've been trying to figure out the date and as far as I can tell it's a 1985. I'm noticing that about 99% of the serial number I see begin with "N" mine doesn't Y5E2782. Does anyone know what the difference is?
Welcome to the forum. Glad to have you here.
01-29-11 | 10:30 AM
#1152
Banned.
Joined: Dec 2007
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I picked up an older Centurion yesterday and would appreciate help identifying the model. It has been repainted so there are no identifying decals, only a 1970s style headbadge. The specifics:
SN 6R5011. There is no letter in front of the 6. The date code on the Suntour derailleurs is RL (Dec 75) so it appears to be a 1976 model.
Derailleurs are SL front and VGT Luxe rear. 5 speed Pro-Compe freewheel, suntour bar-end shifters
Most other components are SR including handlebars (Randnner), Custom seatpost (26.0mm), stem, cranks (Apex 5 RG with 118 BCD). DiaCompe centerpulls (no braze-ons on the frame) with cable release on levers and with safety levers
The lugs on semi-ornate on the headtube but with very long points on the top and seat tube. As long as on my 77 semi-pro. They might be chromed under the paint but I don't know. The dropouts are single-eyelet chrome without adjustors.
There are braze-ons: top tube cable guides, down tube cable stops, water bottle bosses (one pair) and a BB rear derailleur cable guide.
Any guesses on the model and tubing type?
Thanks
SN 6R5011. There is no letter in front of the 6. The date code on the Suntour derailleurs is RL (Dec 75) so it appears to be a 1976 model.
Derailleurs are SL front and VGT Luxe rear. 5 speed Pro-Compe freewheel, suntour bar-end shifters
Most other components are SR including handlebars (Randnner), Custom seatpost (26.0mm), stem, cranks (Apex 5 RG with 118 BCD). DiaCompe centerpulls (no braze-ons on the frame) with cable release on levers and with safety levers
The lugs on semi-ornate on the headtube but with very long points on the top and seat tube. As long as on my 77 semi-pro. They might be chromed under the paint but I don't know. The dropouts are single-eyelet chrome without adjustors.
There are braze-ons: top tube cable guides, down tube cable stops, water bottle bosses (one pair) and a BB rear derailleur cable guide.
Any guesses on the model and tubing type?
Thanks
And, as always, welcome to the forum.
01-29-11 | 04:16 PM
#1153
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 23,212
Likes: 3,122
I picked up a Centurion Sport DLX in almost mint condition last night. Everything seems to be original except for the seat. I've been trying to figure out the date and as far as I can tell it's a 1985. I'm noticing that about 99% of the serial number I see begin with "N" mine doesn't Y5E2782. Does anyone know what the difference is?
I picked up an older Centurion yesterday and would appreciate help identifying the model,,,
SN 6R5011. There is no letter in front of the 6. The date code on the Suntour derailleurs is RL (Dec 75) so it appears to be a 1976 model.
Derailleurs are SL front and VGT Luxe rear. 5 speed Pro-Compe freewheel, suntour bar-end shifters
Most other components are SR including handlebars (Randnner), Custom seatpost (26.0mm), stem, cranks (Apex 5 RG with 118 BCD). DiaCompe centerpulls (no braze-ons on the frame) with cable release on levers and with safety levers
The lugs on semi-ornate on the headtube but with very long points on the top and seat tube. As long as on my 77 semi-pro. They might be chromed under the paint but I don't know. The dropouts are single-eyelet chrome without adjustors.
There are braze-ons: top tube cable guides, down tube cable stops, water bottle bosses (one pair) and a BB rear derailleur cable guide.
Any guesses on the model and tubing type?
SN 6R5011. There is no letter in front of the 6. The date code on the Suntour derailleurs is RL (Dec 75) so it appears to be a 1976 model.
Derailleurs are SL front and VGT Luxe rear. 5 speed Pro-Compe freewheel, suntour bar-end shifters
Most other components are SR including handlebars (Randnner), Custom seatpost (26.0mm), stem, cranks (Apex 5 RG with 118 BCD). DiaCompe centerpulls (no braze-ons on the frame) with cable release on levers and with safety levers
The lugs on semi-ornate on the headtube but with very long points on the top and seat tube. As long as on my 77 semi-pro. They might be chromed under the paint but I don't know. The dropouts are single-eyelet chrome without adjustors.
There are braze-ons: top tube cable guides, down tube cable stops, water bottle bosses (one pair) and a BB rear derailleur cable guide.
Any guesses on the model and tubing type?
01-29-11 | 06:09 PM
#1154
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 24
Likes: 2
T-Mar and RobbieTunes: Thank you both for your input. I had an outside hope that it might be an early ProTour but the seatpost diameter sort of dashed those hopes. It does have very long chainstays, about half an inch longer than my Semi-Pro, which fits the dimensions shown in the 1979 catalog but nothing else seemed to line up.
I don't have a scale but I picked up both the Semi-Pro and the "new" bike - the putative Super LeMans is noticeably heavier, a least a couple pounds. Another nail in my coffin of hopes.
Regardless, it did ride nicely when I took it out for 25 miles this afternoon.
Thanks again
I don't have a scale but I picked up both the Semi-Pro and the "new" bike - the putative Super LeMans is noticeably heavier, a least a couple pounds. Another nail in my coffin of hopes.
Regardless, it did ride nicely when I took it out for 25 miles this afternoon.
Thanks again
01-30-11 | 05:55 PM
#1155
Banned.
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 27,199
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Centurion Super Sport
I got a Centurion Super Sport, which may or may not be one of the original 2000 frames.
It came with a very rare Centurion badge that looks like a mix between vintage Raleigh and Centurion badges.
Frame# S111 111
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...blue+centurion
pictures
RobbieTunes for NukeouT
It came with a very rare Centurion badge that looks like a mix between vintage Raleigh and Centurion badges.
Frame# S111 111
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...blue+centurion
pictures
RobbieTunes for NukeouT
01-31-11 | 07:10 AM
#1156
Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Fort Meade, MD
Bikes: 82 Schwinn World, 78 Fuji ???
Thanks Robbie/T-Mar for the info. I'm just now getting back into cycling after a few years. I was finally able to take the Centurion out for a ride for the first time last night and I was very surprised at how quite it was and how smooth it rode. I've never heard of Centurion before but I think this was money well spent.
02-07-11 | 06:03 AM
#1157
Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: UK
Bikes: Kona Smoke, Emperor Sport
I'm going to pick up this bike tonight which I believe may be a Centurion. I'll post more pictures and details when I get it, but does it look like a Centurion to anyone here? Hoping so.
02-07-11 | 08:00 PM
#1159
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Joined: Dec 2007
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I've certainly not seen a yellow one. If it's a repaint, only thing you can do is see if the labels are OEM, check for any signs of labels under the paint, and go from there.
02-07-11 | 08:58 PM
#1160
Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: UK
Bikes: Kona Smoke, Emperor Sport
Robbie, thanks for the quick reply. I now have the bike and have taken some pictures. Tube stickers are Tange Champion No2 and Tange Champion Fork Blades. Suntour/Sugino/Tange drivetrain. Suntour/Suzue hubs. Araya rims. Campag headset. SR stem/bars/seatpost. Diacompe brakes. Any opinions on whether it's a Centurion or not most welcome. Thanks.
02-07-11 | 09:05 PM
#1161
Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: UK
Bikes: Kona Smoke, Emperor Sport
Forgot to mention the Serial No. - M F O0139 as best as I can make out. Dropouts are Suntour rear and Tange front. There is no internal dynamo cable routing, no evidence of other stickers, and where ever the paint is scratched there is chrome underneath.
02-07-11 | 09:39 PM
#1163
Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 34
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From: UK
Bikes: Kona Smoke, Emperor Sport
I hope you're right Robbie. I would love it to be a Pro Tour. I've just had a second look at the serial number and there seems to be a faint number between the M and F. eg. MoF 00139. Sometimes it looks like a o, sometimes like the bottom half of a 3 or 5. I'll hope T-Mar can firm up the identification. Thanks again.
Last edited by RedRaleigh; 02-08-11 at 05:27 PM. Reason: error
02-08-11 | 07:55 PM
#1164
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,584
Likes: 107
From: Scranton, PA, USA
Bikes: '77 Centurion "Pro Tour"; '67 Carlton "The Flyer"; 1984 Ross MTB (stored at parents' house)
The details strike me as being consistent with a ~1980 Pro Tour. Look at the wrap-around seatstay attachment.
02-09-11 | 06:51 AM
#1165
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2004
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+1. Serial number indicates 1980 and that's definitely a Pro-Tour based on a #2 tubeset, brazed-on brake studs, dual eyelets, low-rider mounts, vertical dropouts, etc.
The most interesting thing is that the studs are cantilever, as opposed to the center-pull studs found on earlier Pro-Tour. This proves that the extant catalog, which has a Pro-Tour with center-pull studs, is in fact from 1979, as I had suggested. Some others had placed the catalog circa 1980.
The most interesting thing is that the studs are cantilever, as opposed to the center-pull studs found on earlier Pro-Tour. This proves that the extant catalog, which has a Pro-Tour with center-pull studs, is in fact from 1979, as I had suggested. Some others had placed the catalog circa 1980.
02-09-11 | 10:38 PM
#1167
Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: UK
Bikes: Kona Smoke, Emperor Sport
Thanks all for responding. As it's summer down here I think I'll just do the minimum required to ride it safely and happily for the next few months. Come winter I'll make it a project and get down to a proper restoration so it will be good for years to come. This thread has been a fantastic source of information and inspiration.
02-10-11 | 09:57 AM
#1168
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 39
Likes: 3
Interesting. That also means we've nailed down when the headbadge changed from the sort of cross shaped one with the vertical "Centurion" to the round C on the bronze badge. My '78 Pro has the former, and the catalog shows the latter.
Tim Fricker
Tim Fricker
+1. Serial number indicates 1980 and that's definitely a Pro-Tour based on a #2 tubeset, brazed-on brake studs, dual eyelets, low-rider mounts, vertical dropouts, etc.
The most interesting thing is that the studs are cantilever, as opposed to the center-pull studs found on earlier Pro-Tour. This proves that the extant catalog, which has a Pro-Tour with center-pull studs, is in fact from 1979, as I had suggested. Some others had placed the catalog circa 1980.
The most interesting thing is that the studs are cantilever, as opposed to the center-pull studs found on earlier Pro-Tour. This proves that the extant catalog, which has a Pro-Tour with center-pull studs, is in fact from 1979, as I had suggested. Some others had placed the catalog circa 1980.
02-11-11 | 05:04 PM
#1169
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 76
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From: Ventura, Ca
02-11-11 | 05:08 PM
#1170
Banned.
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 27,199
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Well, it's not a 1987 Lemans RS.
Cosmetic/graphics differences:
1987 RS had a red Tange 2 sticker on the seat tube. OP's bike sure looks like it has an Infinity sticker there.
The fork on the RS had yellow inside the crown cutouts, Mangalloy stickers, and "Centurion" on the flat crown.
Other frame graphics look the same.
The OP's bike has no top tube decal left, which is odd because it was under the clear coat.
Component differences:
1987 RS did not have a Tange headset like that. It may have been Tange, but it was not labeled in any way, and the lower race was squared off.
Wheels are N/A, because those are obviously not the OEM wheels. OEM on the RS were bronze Araya 700c.
Brakeset on the RS was Exage SLR. This brakeset is DC, very similar to the brakeset on the '86 Ironman, but not exactly. I figure a replacement.
Housing on the RS was red, which in sunlight over time = pink.
1987 Lemans RS had 2x7 indexed LX100 shifters, FD, RD. The OP appears to be 2x6.
1987 Lemans RS had a slightly darker crankset, not a brightly polished crankset, if I recall.
This could be a "straight" Lemans, which I've never seen, from 1987.
This could also be a Lemans/Lemans RS from 1986, which would have put it one step below the Elite RS, two below the Ironman. The Infinity sticker lends support to 1986, as do the DC calipers, but white hoods? I doubt it.
Only a catalog would know for sure, but the next post could be right on the money. I've not seen a black Accordo, and know little about that model.
Cosmetic/graphics differences:
1987 RS had a red Tange 2 sticker on the seat tube. OP's bike sure looks like it has an Infinity sticker there.
The fork on the RS had yellow inside the crown cutouts, Mangalloy stickers, and "Centurion" on the flat crown.
Other frame graphics look the same.
The OP's bike has no top tube decal left, which is odd because it was under the clear coat.
Component differences:
1987 RS did not have a Tange headset like that. It may have been Tange, but it was not labeled in any way, and the lower race was squared off.
Wheels are N/A, because those are obviously not the OEM wheels. OEM on the RS were bronze Araya 700c.
Brakeset on the RS was Exage SLR. This brakeset is DC, very similar to the brakeset on the '86 Ironman, but not exactly. I figure a replacement.
Housing on the RS was red, which in sunlight over time = pink.
1987 Lemans RS had 2x7 indexed LX100 shifters, FD, RD. The OP appears to be 2x6.
1987 Lemans RS had a slightly darker crankset, not a brightly polished crankset, if I recall.
This could be a "straight" Lemans, which I've never seen, from 1987.
This could also be a Lemans/Lemans RS from 1986, which would have put it one step below the Elite RS, two below the Ironman. The Infinity sticker lends support to 1986, as do the DC calipers, but white hoods? I doubt it.
Only a catalog would know for sure, but the next post could be right on the money. I've not seen a black Accordo, and know little about that model.
Last edited by RobbieTunes; 02-12-11 at 08:04 AM. Reason: grammar, a bit.
02-16-11 | 03:00 PM
#1172
Motorcycle RoadRacer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 3,826
Likes: 4
I was pretty lucky in my $90 Centurion Expert Ironman find. The paint finish is very good to excellent. the wheels are true, not important but the tires are good too. I haven't done nothng to this bike except wipe it off!!
My serial number is N8E5375
It appears to be an 87..It has quickly stole my heart..and all for $90. I will change the tires, not because they are bad, they just look dull to me... I went over the bike completely. Very little scratches, some yellowing up front on beneath the headset, but other than that, dam near perfect.. I pick it up and spin the wheels, and they are like they are on rails. It has a sweet ride. In fact, my other bikes have got jealous.
It is the lightest of in this four..85 Raleigh Comp, 85 Raleigh Prestige and 86 Prelude
My serial number is N8E5375
It appears to be an 87..It has quickly stole my heart..and all for $90. I will change the tires, not because they are bad, they just look dull to me...
I went over the bike completely. Very little scratches, some yellowing up front on beneath the headset, but other than that, dam near perfect.. I pick it up and spin the wheels, and they are like they are on rails. It has a sweet ride. In fact, my other bikes have got jealous. It is the lightest of in this four..85 Raleigh Comp, 85 Raleigh Prestige and 86 Prelude
Last edited by cehowardGS; 02-16-11 at 03:04 PM.
02-16-11 | 03:25 PM
#1173
Large Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,533
Likes: 5
From: Tejas
I was pretty lucky in my $90 Centurion Expert Ironman find. The paint finish is very good to excellent. the wheels are true, not important but the tires are good too. I haven't done nothng to this bike except wipe it off!!
My serial number is N8E5375
It appears to be an 87..It has quickly stole my heart..and all for $90. I will change the tires, not because they are bad, they just look dull to me... I went over the bike completely. Very little scratches, some yellowing up front on beneath the headset, but other than that, dam near perfect.. I pick it up and spin the wheels, and they are like they are on rails. It has a sweet ride. In fact, my other bikes have got jealous.
It is the lightest of in this four..85 Raleigh Comp, 85 Raleigh Prestige and 86 Prelude
My serial number is N8E5375
It appears to be an 87..It has quickly stole my heart..and all for $90. I will change the tires, not because they are bad, they just look dull to me...
I went over the bike completely. Very little scratches, some yellowing up front on beneath the headset, but other than that, dam near perfect.. I pick it up and spin the wheels, and they are like they are on rails. It has a sweet ride. In fact, my other bikes have got jealous. It is the lightest of in this four..85 Raleigh Comp, 85 Raleigh Prestige and 86 Prelude
02-16-11 | 07:42 PM
#1174
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 181
Likes: 3
From: Houston, TX
Bikes: 2013 Specialized Roubaix Expert, 1987 Centurion Ironman Expert
Sweet find for sure! What a steal at $90.
The "8E" in the serial number means the bike was manufactured in 1988 during the 9th or 10th week of the year, according to T-Mar's serial number theory. The fading paint scheme also was not on the 1987s I believe. Someone (Robbie? T-Mar?) correct me if I'm wrong!
The "8E" in the serial number means the bike was manufactured in 1988 during the 9th or 10th week of the year, according to T-Mar's serial number theory. The fading paint scheme also was not on the 1987s I believe. Someone (Robbie? T-Mar?) correct me if I'm wrong!
02-16-11 | 07:47 PM
#1175
Large Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,533
Likes: 5
From: Tejas
Sweet find for sure! What a steal at $90.
The "8E" in the serial number means the bike was manufactured in 1988 during the 9th or 10th week of the year, according to T-Mar's serial number theory. The fading paint scheme also was not on the 1987s I believe. Someone (Robbie? T-Mar?) correct me if I'm wrong!
The "8E" in the serial number means the bike was manufactured in 1988 during the 9th or 10th week of the year, according to T-Mar's serial number theory. The fading paint scheme also was not on the 1987s I believe. Someone (Robbie? T-Mar?) correct me if I'm wrong!