Centurion Serial Number Database
10-07-13, 01:42 PM
#1801
52psi
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Major score. Tange chromed frame, wrap-around seat stays, chromed head lugs and fork crown top. Upgrade from the Semi Pro to cantilever brakes and a triple, appears still to have Suntour drivetrain and SR crankset. Are those the Araya rims with the silver decals? Boy, that's nice. Welcome to the land of bikes that make sense to own and ride.
10-07-13, 02:06 PM
#1802
Senior Member
It would've originally come with Barcon shifters and Sunshine Pro Am hubs.
You're in the ballpark on the year. My 1977 isn't fully chromed and came with a double crank, and by the early 1980s they had switched to cantilever brakes.
You're in the ballpark on the year. My 1977 isn't fully chromed and came with a double crank, and by the early 1980s they had switched to cantilever brakes.
10-07-13, 02:29 PM
#1803
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do u have some pictures with this Valuas? thanks
PS Ș becouse I found this Centurion le mans very similair https://www.flickr.com/photos/outline...6SiWvy-6SiYgU/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/pcnotpc...7887/lightbox/
and this
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Cent...item3a85c017e3
...and more of mine:
PS Ș becouse I found this Centurion le mans very similair https://www.flickr.com/photos/outline...6SiWvy-6SiYgU/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/pcnotpc...7887/lightbox/
and this
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Cent...item3a85c017e3
...and more of mine:
Last edited by roliviuro; 10-07-13 at 03:08 PM.
10-07-13, 03:07 PM
#1804
52psi
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p.s. Mine doesn't look much like the linked bike, although I suppose it did once upon a time.
10-07-13, 03:15 PM
#1805
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Additional research (particularly this) puts me solidly on '78. Right now it's got Shimano 600 shifters on the downtube; shouldn't be too hard to track down some duplicates of the originals, should it?
p.s. Mine doesn't look much like the linked bike, although I suppose it did once upon a time.
p.s. Mine doesn't look much like the linked bike, although I suppose it did once upon a time.
A little work and you can tell the Surly LHT's to bite you.
10-07-13, 03:22 PM
#1806
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do u have some pictures with this Valuas? thanks
PS Ș becouse I found this Centurion le mans very similair https://www.flickr.com/photos/outline...6SiWvy-6SiYgU/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/pcnotpc...7887/lightbox/
and this
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Cent...item3a85c017e3
...and more of mine:
PS Ș becouse I found this Centurion le mans very similair https://www.flickr.com/photos/outline...6SiWvy-6SiYgU/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/pcnotpc...7887/lightbox/
and this
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Cent...item3a85c017e3
...and more of mine:
10-07-13, 04:45 PM
#1807
52psi
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Noted!
10-07-13, 04:50 PM
#1808
Senior Member
If you have no preferences one way or the other, I'd just try to put some miles on it as it sits. The Shimano shifters are pretty nice, too.
10-07-13, 05:37 PM
#1810
52psi
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Last edited by Fahrenheit531; 10-07-13 at 05:38 PM. Reason: clarification
10-07-13, 05:44 PM
#1811
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That'll definitely happen. My plan is to address all the little ugly/irritating stuff first (zip-tied cables, bent fender struts, surface rust, etc.) while "feeling out" the rest of the bike. Then when I get a sense of what, if anything, I want and/or need, I'll start shopping. At which time I'll consult the heck outta you guys.
10-16-13, 05:49 AM
#1814
keep it simple.
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Centurion Turbo TT
Ok, ok, I know this is probably breaking the rules since this bike's not mine and I don't have the serial #... But, as this seems the most active Centurion thread on here, I thought this might be appreciated:
CycleExif: Centurion Turbo TT
Weirdly enough, I've actually seen this same model locked up outside a local bar-- the first time I saw it I thought it was just a Lemans RS that had a lot of crash damage to the top tube
. Wild-- anyone else run across these in the flesh??
CycleExif: Centurion Turbo TT
Weirdly enough, I've actually seen this same model locked up outside a local bar-- the first time I saw it I thought it was just a Lemans RS that had a lot of crash damage to the top tube
. Wild-- anyone else run across these in the flesh??
10-16-13, 08:35 AM
#1815
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I've never seen one in the real, but there was a 58cm used frameset for sale for a while on eBay.
I'd love to have one. The shifters/levers mounting is nice. I have a spare wheelset for that, just in case.....
I'd love to have one. The shifters/levers mounting is nice. I have a spare wheelset for that, just in case.....
10-16-13, 04:17 PM
#1817
Senior Member
I picked up the Centurion LeMans. Serial # N7N5775. I did a complete overhaul and it is in great condition. It is listed on CL because it is too small for me. My daughter wants it but she lives in an apartment and has 4 bikes already. Here are some really crappy pictures.
BTW, real men ride pink.
BTW, real men ride pink.
I am looking at purchasing a Centurion LeMans. I have a few questions concerning it. Any help would be appreciated.
1. In this thread I saw a posting for a similar vintage LeMans. The LeMans RS (black/yellow)serial number started with N7K while the LeMans (pink/white fade) I am looking at is N7N. What is the difference between a LeMans RS and LeMans of this vintage? Is one higher up in the hierachy? One more desirable? Different components?
2. From what I can tell the fade paint jobs on the LeMans started in 1988. Am I correct in that? Even though it was made in July of 1987 would it be sold as an '88?
1. In this thread I saw a posting for a similar vintage LeMans. The LeMans RS (black/yellow)serial number started with N7K while the LeMans (pink/white fade) I am looking at is N7N. What is the difference between a LeMans RS and LeMans of this vintage? Is one higher up in the hierachy? One more desirable? Different components?
2. From what I can tell the fade paint jobs on the LeMans started in 1988. Am I correct in that? Even though it was made in July of 1987 would it be sold as an '88?
Last edited by rjhammett; 10-16-13 at 04:20 PM.
10-16-13, 09:12 PM
#1818
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...and a big FYI: I was offered an '84 Turbo today, OEM except for tires and saddle. Yes, that means Superbe shifters/FD/RD/Pedals, bronzed Suzue hubs laced to Arayas, bronzed NGC calipers, Tange Aero headset, just a real nice chromed Tange 1 bike, well appointed. He's not turned it loose to eBay yet, and CL sure won't bring him the $375 he's asking. He saw Chicago Al's on eBay and is excited about the $450 Al's brought. Looks to be a 52cm?
10-16-13, 09:43 PM
#1819
Senior Member
Anyone know who made the late 70's/early 80's Centurions? They seem to use the same 54cm top tube for 3 sizes which just happens to be my sweet spot. Relatively long legs/arms and short torso is a pain to find a frame that fits.
10-17-13, 05:46 AM
#1820
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People who actually know will chime in, but I've notice quite similar frames by Lotus for the same time frame, with the same components, as well. Not sure if the Panasonic National plant was building them in the late 70's, early 80's. Some Shoguns of the time frame have nearly identical frames, as well.
10-17-13, 09:50 AM
#1821
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rjhammett: My daughter wants it but she lives in an apartment and has 4 bikes already.
Made my day. Really, it did.
There's hope for mankind, after all.
I might be a little obsessed with Semi-Pros.
10-17-13, 12:13 PM
#1823
OMC
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If I were half my age and single, I'd be asking your for her phone number.
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Regards,
Chuck
Demain, on roule!
Regards,
Chuck
Demain, on roule!
10-17-13, 07:25 PM
#1825
52psi
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Some nice bikes up above. I swear the black Turbo looks like it'd stick you with a stiletto as it passed, then give your girl a ride home. That is a fierce - and elegant - looking bike.
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A race bike in any era is a highly personal choice that at its "best" balances the requirements of fit, weight, handling, durability and cost tempered by the willingness to toss it and oneself down the pavement at considerable speed. ~Bandera
A race bike in any era is a highly personal choice that at its "best" balances the requirements of fit, weight, handling, durability and cost tempered by the willingness to toss it and oneself down the pavement at considerable speed. ~Bandera