realestvin7

Say what you will. That Axis is cool as crap.

RobbieTunes 

I second the crap comparison. I'd take that Axis in half a heartbeat.

frantik

yes, it definitely is pretty cool.. i'd be happy to own it.. i was just sayin i dont like the straight fork, mostly cause i bet it transmits road shock more than a fork with some rake

RobbieTunes 

I think the grey marbled fade makes it absorb shock and also faster. Just sayin.....

GamleOle

British Racing Green and chrome. Brown leather.

theblackbullet

maybe one of you guys can shed some light on this for me

I came across this LeMans RS on craigslist for $160. I'm guessing the frame is a 63cm? RD was obviously replaced sometime down the road. The guy claims it as a 1986 but I'm struggling to find any 1986 with that color scheme, and I'm worried that it might actually be an '85 which had the tange infinity instead of tange 2, right?
I know there is an appraisals forum, but I figure you guys are probably most knowledgeable on the bike, so is it worth the asking price if it is an 86? is it worth it if it is an 85? I would be buying the bike to keep for myself as a rider not a flipper.
Thanks in advance!

realestvin7

Brakes have been replaced as well. I can see the red Tange 2 decal in the pics. What's the issue? The LeMans RS had Tange 2 tubing and Shimano Light Action drivetrain.

theblackbullet

Nothing really. I got rid of a tange 2 panasonic last year and regret it. Regardless of whether it would make much of a difference or not, I kinda want another tange 2 frame and would be less interested in infinity. Was wondering if the paint/decals match an 86 model.
Also it appears that earlier models had 27" rims as opposed to 700c, and I'm partial to 700c.

realestvin7

Decals are '87, but don't really know about the color. Original rims would have been gold anodized Araya 700c.

frantik

c_bake

I'm finally getting around to adding my Pro-Tour. I think it's a 79. Here are a few details and maybe someone off hand can indicate what year to be exact. I am sometimes tempted to sell it because it does not get rode a whole lot but when I do ride it I immediately change my mind about selling it. It rides so nice.

Completely chromed Champion #2 frame
Suntour Bar End shifters
Dia Compe brazed on center pulls
Kusuki Medallion 1000 stem (very sweet)
Kashimax saddle
SR Apex crank (triple)
Sunshine Pro-Am hubs
Suntour Cyclones
I have the original pedals and toe clips but I've mis-placed the original handle bars.

#M1F29540

realestvin7

Nice bike. I may bite if you ever wanted to follow through with selling it.

RobbieTunes 

Yep, decals are '86 or newer. That font didn't show until at least '86. I'm not sure if the Lemans RS was sold in '86, as the Elite was sort of in that market spot, an all-around excellent bike. First black one I've seen of that model year.

RobbieTunes 

1987 Centurion Dave Scott Ironman Expert.
I've taken some good-natured ribbing over the year about not having one of these.
Well, enough parts from BF members, and we have the reality of it.
The "Miami Vice" edition has always been a styling challenge.
My answer was to simply put parts on it and hope for the best.

Roger M 

Pretty slick Robbie^^

Some may remember this 87 Expert that I picked up for free. I brought it home a few months ago and just hung it up in the garage and forgot about it.



I recently serviced it and cleaned it up. I gave it to the Dad of one of my Daughters friends a couple days ago. He seemed to like it, but time will tell if he actually rides it...

Here it is before I passed it on to him.

frantik

@robbie

dont like the wheels but other than that it looks great. i have decided i can tolerate campy brifters even though i still think downtube shifters are the most attractive shifting option by far

ps, your tape is coming loose on your handlebar

RobbieTunes 

You caught that...good eyes....new wrap coming by Saturday, with new finish tape. You'd like the ride of those wheels, I think. 1992 wheels, so not too far off. The decals match the frame color, so they're pretty much permanent. They sing, they don't flex, and they stay true. Those are tubular clinchers, and the ride is very smooth.

Roger M, that is one nice setup. Great balance, and the tires really lighten it up....I can't see how anyone could not see that red/white beauty and not want to at least test-ride an Ironman....

frantik

yeah that is probably the first frame the logos on those wheels actually match. i just dont like the "deep v" style wheel that much. im sure if i rode it like you say, it would be a different story

guygadois

A very beautiful Comp TA on CL nearby. I emailed the seller back and forth and it seems a bit sketchy. I am sure he has the bike but he just just doesn't seem to be the best seller. Anyway, here it is

https://slo.craigslist.org/bik/2494515114.html

Price is at $275 but was $300 earlier today and he told me the $300 price was non negotiable and that he had many people wanting to buy it. I guess the sale didn't go through.

Not related to seller, blah, blah, blah

RobbieTunes 

Look for the YouTube video "Scraper Bike." I ride those wheels through certain neighborhoods here, and if I slowed down, which I've done a couple of times, I get an escort of kids....

frantik

lol.. "Scraper" Ironman

cehowardGS

Simply Beautiful...

EddyR

Bobbie I have had three of those 87 pink & yellow Ironman and got rid of all of them. They are nice but not my cup of tee. My first one had yellow side wall on the super Champ rims and it was great looking but to big for me.
Here is a Accordo I picked up on Saturday and sold on Sunday almost mint.Champion 5 tubing 12 speed #n3s6443=1983
Also sold the 87 Master. I put all the old parts back on it. Some elts can update it now

Ed

ronniep

i just purchased a centurion elite rs from a junk store to replace my too small 72-73 ross frame. the centurion serial number is kf50617. some parts appear original like the gold araya rims. front hub is suze, the rear is shimano 105 with a 7 speed freewheel (axel is bent) brakes are diacompe royal s. levers are campy. shifters are shimano 600. bars are nitto. it needs bars and a crankset as someone put a deore lx tripple crankset on it. paint is grey with light grey headtube. stickers say tange#2 and made in japan. any ideas what year? 83? maybe?

RobbieTunes 

RonnieP,

The font will help to tell the age, but it sounds like 85-86 era, with those rims.
That was a really nice all-around bike, and raced by lots of folks.

If the font is the blockier CENTURION with some contrast shading on one edge of the letter, it's 85 or earlier, most likely. If the font is thinner with decreasing thickness (increasing thinness?) as the word progresses, it's probably 85 or newer. As the years go up from '85, the decals tend to get a little "busy."

You should be able to swap the Deore LX triple crankset (include the BB) for a nice Shimano double, in 600EX or 105, with BB.

Welcome to the forum, and we're glad to have you on board. Especially with that bike.