what do you think of this bike?
https://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/bik/225295819.html
I've been shopping for months for the "right" starter bike; I'm a 51-yr old runner looking for a decent road bike for cross training, maybe duathon/triathlon/race at some point. Don't want to spend $1500 for new bike without knowing how I'll take to it, but want something that's "for real" so that I won't be discouraged by bad equipment.
This post says it's an early-1990's Centurion Ironman, yet in another post on these forums I read that WSI dropped the Centurion name late '80's.........? In any event, what's the read on this machine? I'm thinking it might be a pretty decent bike, especially for the price.

good quality frame and components. If it fits i will make an excellent starter bike and also last forever if properly cared for. I think the price is fair, and if it is tuned up and greased already that is a bonus.

Good bike, good components. The price is a little steep though??? $200 would be a solid buy... not a bargain... but a solid buy.

I bought a similar bike and it is nice.

As you mentioned, I think the year is a little off in the ad, because the derailleurs look like an older model than mine. Mine is a 1989 (I think) and has the Shimano 600/Ultegra 7 speed indexed setup. I believe that bike has indexed 6 speed. Front is friction on mine (and that one), but on a double, it is really the same.

The Centurion Ironman bikes have nice Tange frames, and I believe you will find the weight at about 22 pounds.

As far as price, I bought mine for about 1/2 of the $250 asking price. But, I live in an area where road bikes don't sell very well. I hear that prices are higher in the Portland area.

I would say that if you are looking for a nice vintage 12 speed bike with indexed down tube shifters and a fairly light lugged steel frame, then it is worth a look, and test ride.

For $250, in my opinion it should be nearly flawless except for minor cosmetic issues. But if that bike is as nice as it looks, it is much better than you could get for twice that much money new.

Let us know how it goes!

To put things in the proper perspective, it appears to be a 1986 model, which would have originally cost $499 US. Components, tubing and build quality were very good on these models. It's pretty much the perfect bicycle for your intended purpose, provided it's the right size and has not been abused or worn out.

I'm not familiar with the market conditions in your area, but the price does seem a bit high, especially given the time of year. But at least he seems willing to negotiate somewhat. Assuming good condition, I'd shoot for $150 and top out at about $200.

maybe it's the US-->CND conversion but I guess 200US would be around 250 CND and that bike would sell here in Vancouver for 250 no problem. However, time of year is a factor and it wouldn't sell nearly as fast as in the spring early summer.

A. Winthrop, would you like a replacement Bernard Hinault signature saddle for your Centurion? I don't use the one that came on my Centurion Ironman. It's not pristine, but it didn't seem to have gotten much use. It's free!

East Hill

I had a Centurion Le Mans (ended up being too small), a lower end model compared to the Ironman, and it was a really nice ride. I'm not a huge fan of Biopace, but that's just a personal preferance. As for the price, Portland is just as bike crazy as SF so actually for that part of the country it seems fair. It would sell for about the same here in San Francisco. It just depends on where you live. For example, I saw the same frame in SoCal a couple of weeks ago for $50 or obo.

If you change your mind and go ebay, just keep yr eye on shipping costs and make sure you negotiate it up front.

just read your '06 post. I'm also a 50 year old runner moving to cross training, and a used Ironman made sense, still does, so much I have two. how'd you end up?