Centurion Comp Ta -- Mint --- Worth $300???
01-30-08 | 04:03 PM
#1
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From: Orange County, CA
Centurion Comp Ta $300 Vitus $280 -- Worth It??
Are these good prices?
Here's the local ad for a Centurion Comp TA: $300 Vintage CENTURION COMP TA 53 CM Road Race Bike, all Shimano 600, MINT! This is a mid 80's very rare centurion comp ta, candy apple red, and fully loaded with all top of the line shimano 600 components, evrything is shimano 600, the headset is shimano 600, cranks and bottom bracket are shimano 600, pedals are shimano 600,complete brake system is shimano 600, all shifters,deraillers,etc.. are shimano 600, the post is shimano 600, the seat is a leather bernard hinault turbo, wheels are araya 700c's with hard annodized sealed suzue hubs and stainless spokes. this bike is seriously in very sweet condition. frame size is 53 cm.
Here's the Vitus ad: $280 Vintage Vitus '979' Road Bike, aluminum , all dura ace dx, campagnolo. Here is an extremely light and very fast, smooth road bike, it is a very rare 53 cm frame size vitus 979, aluminum race bike, fully equipped with top of the line components for it's time, it was made in 1986', and has a stronglight headset,dia compe brake levers,campagnolo nuevo record derailler and seat post, and the remaining components are all shimano dura ace dx, no cracks,dents,and is in incredible shape for it's age. you will not find a nicer bike anywhere for this price.
Here's the local ad for a Centurion Comp TA: $300 Vintage CENTURION COMP TA 53 CM Road Race Bike, all Shimano 600, MINT! This is a mid 80's very rare centurion comp ta, candy apple red, and fully loaded with all top of the line shimano 600 components, evrything is shimano 600, the headset is shimano 600, cranks and bottom bracket are shimano 600, pedals are shimano 600,complete brake system is shimano 600, all shifters,deraillers,etc.. are shimano 600, the post is shimano 600, the seat is a leather bernard hinault turbo, wheels are araya 700c's with hard annodized sealed suzue hubs and stainless spokes. this bike is seriously in very sweet condition. frame size is 53 cm.
Here's the Vitus ad: $280 Vintage Vitus '979' Road Bike, aluminum , all dura ace dx, campagnolo. Here is an extremely light and very fast, smooth road bike, it is a very rare 53 cm frame size vitus 979, aluminum race bike, fully equipped with top of the line components for it's time, it was made in 1986', and has a stronglight headset,dia compe brake levers,campagnolo nuevo record derailler and seat post, and the remaining components are all shimano dura ace dx, no cracks,dents,and is in incredible shape for it's age. you will not find a nicer bike anywhere for this price.
Last edited by jaclyn; 01-31-08 at 12:57 AM.
01-30-08 | 04:07 PM
#2
I'd say it's fair if in excellent condition.
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01-30-08 | 04:55 PM
#6
whoa. buy both and part out vitus on ebay to earn back all money.
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01-30-08 | 05:01 PM
#7
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I'm not familiar with the Vitus, so no comment.
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01-30-08 | 05:05 PM
#8
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From: Orange County, CA
Here's info I found for the Comp TA on Sheldon Brown's site:
The earliest models of the Centurion line had high-tensile steel frames but by the late 1970s and into the early 1980s Centurion's pricier models, such as the Professional and Semi-Professional (late 1970s), Pro-Tour (late 1970s to early 1980s) and the Turbo and Comp TA models (early 1980s) featured Tange's high-end Champion #1 or #2 tubing, a double-butted, seamless chromium-molybdenum (CrMo) steel alloy.
The difference in weight between Champion #1 and #2 tubing (and the later high-end tubing used for Centurions, simply labeled Tange #1 and Tange #2 by about 1985) was so small (less than 3oz for a 58cm c-c frame, all eight tubes) that it seems a bit silly to debate supposed frame quality differences between these two high-end tubesets. The thing to remember is that the high-end Tange tubesets were high-quality CrMo steel which were on a par with high-end Columbus SL/SP (CrMo) and Reynolds 531 (manganese-molybdenum) tubesets.
The earliest models of the Centurion line had high-tensile steel frames but by the late 1970s and into the early 1980s Centurion's pricier models, such as the Professional and Semi-Professional (late 1970s), Pro-Tour (late 1970s to early 1980s) and the Turbo and Comp TA models (early 1980s) featured Tange's high-end Champion #1 or #2 tubing, a double-butted, seamless chromium-molybdenum (CrMo) steel alloy.
The difference in weight between Champion #1 and #2 tubing (and the later high-end tubing used for Centurions, simply labeled Tange #1 and Tange #2 by about 1985) was so small (less than 3oz for a 58cm c-c frame, all eight tubes) that it seems a bit silly to debate supposed frame quality differences between these two high-end tubesets. The thing to remember is that the high-end Tange tubesets were high-quality CrMo steel which were on a par with high-end Columbus SL/SP (CrMo) and Reynolds 531 (manganese-molybdenum) tubesets.
01-30-08 | 05:07 PM
#9
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The Centurion Comp TA is your better all around bicycle, but the Vitus 979 is the better deal. The brakes on the Vitus are serious collector items and regularly sell on ebay for the price of the entire bicycle. You could probably part out the Vitus, make enough to pay for the Comp TA and still have some cash left over.
01-30-08 | 05:12 PM
#10
Composed Mainly of Beer
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From: South Austin, Texas
Bikes: Surly CrossCheck, Centurion CompTA, Schwinn Mirada
I have a Comp TA. It was Centurion's next to top or top model of the year.
It is a great vintage bike. If it is really clean, then sure, it is worth $300.
Think what a comparable lugged steel lightweight frame would cost today.
A lot.
I won't part with mine.
I love the way mine rides, it's a very smooth ride.
If you decide on a different saddle, I am interested in purchasing the original one from you, should you buy the bike.
It is a great vintage bike. If it is really clean, then sure, it is worth $300.
Think what a comparable lugged steel lightweight frame would cost today.
A lot.
I won't part with mine.
I love the way mine rides, it's a very smooth ride.
If you decide on a different saddle, I am interested in purchasing the original one from you, should you buy the bike.
01-30-08 | 05:46 PM
#11
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The Centurion Comp TA is your better all around bicycle, but the Vitus 979 is the better deal. The brakes on the Vitus are serious collector items and regularly sell on ebay for the price of the entire bicycle. You could probably part out the Vitus, make enough to pay for the Comp TA and still have some cash left over.
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01-30-08 | 06:11 PM
#13
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01-30-08 | 06:17 PM
#14
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From: Orange County, CA
Just called the seller to negotiate price on the Comp TA. He said another guy from my area is heading there right now, and whoever shows up w/$250 first gets it. He's an hour away. We're kinda short on cash right now. Told husband I would sell other bikes, but need to get this one before it goes. I was chatting w/the hubby online about this and hubby's computer just crashed. Arggghhh!
01-30-08 | 06:39 PM
#15
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From: Orange County, CA
Just spoke w/seller again, and he said he's coming down past my area tonight, so he'll bring the Comp TA with him so I can see it! My other half is okay with the price, especially since I've said I'll sell the other 4 bikes I have.
01-30-08 | 06:44 PM
#16
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From: Orange County, CA
01-30-08 | 10:54 PM
#17
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From: Orange County, CA
It's Beautiful!
I've just picked up the Comp TA for $250. It is beautiful! There a few small nicks, but it's in overall perfect condition. The best part is it's in my size! Thank you everyone that gave advice!!! I promise to post pics as soon as that darn camera cable shows itself.
T-Mar, you have a P.M.
T-Mar, you have a P.M.
01-31-08 | 01:54 AM
#18
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The Vitus looks wrong. That doesn't appear to be a BADOR 979 fork. They didn't come painted. It should be clear anodized aluminum. And obviously, the Dia Compe suicide brake levers are really out of place with the rest of the components.
01-31-08 | 02:06 AM
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Moral of story: don't consult spouse! "better to apologize later than ask permission beforehand"
But glad to hear of the happy ending - sounds like a great bike
But glad to hear of the happy ending - sounds like a great bike
01-31-08 | 07:44 AM
#20
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I know A. Winthrop will be interested in seeing photos 
.
Along with the rest of us....
East Hill
.Along with the rest of us....
East Hill
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01-31-08 | 08:37 AM
#21
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From: Ontario, Canada
Getting a bike that fits is great - and Shimano 600 is a great group to have on a bike! Good luck selling the other 4 - maybe you could let the CV forum in on what's for sale?
01-31-08 | 01:58 PM
#22
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From: Orange County, CA
Seller has knocked the Vitus price down to $200. I'd love to pick it up, but my husband was already generous enough to let me get the TA, so no can do.
Here's the ad: https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/bik/558497448.html
Here's the ad: https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/bik/558497448.html
01-31-08 | 02:04 PM
#23
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From: Orange County, CA
Hi,
.
I've got two Comp TAs both in exellent condition, one all-
original and one nearly all-original. One is the "metallic
red" with the silver head tube, like yours, the other is
in the one alternate color, "titanium silver" with a black
head tube.
.
These two bikes are my favorites among the six Centurions
I've bought over the last five years. Two of my Centurions,
the 1984\85 only Cinelli Equipe Centurion and the 1986,
Ironman Dave Scott (the model that replaced the Comp TA)
would be considered by most to be a step or two up the food
chain from the Comp TA but I think anyone comparing closely
these models to the Comp TA would be hard-pressed to agree.
I think the Comp TA is at least as good as the others.
.
The Comp TA was produced only in 1984 but appeared in almost
identical form in 1985 as the Ironman Dave Scott. The only
real difference between the two was the name (the Comp TA
name had to be dropped because of a trade name dispute) and
the frame material. The Comp TA was Tange Champion #2 and
the 1985 Ironman Dave Scott was Tange #1. The difference in
weight was less than 3oz, according to information published
in the 1984 Centurion catalog (www.sheldonbrown.com/centurion).
The "metallic red" and silver color scheme was carried over
to the 1985 Ironman Dave Scott. I don't know about the
"titanium silver" and black color scheme.
.
As for price, I think $300 with no shipping is fine if the
bike is in the condition described. I paid about that on eBay,
including packing and shipping, for my silver and black one
and saw a parted-out pristine silver and black Comp TA frame &
fork only sold on eBay last week for $202, plus $40 packing
and shipping.
.
I got lucky on my "metallic red" and silver Comp TA. I paid
$219, including S&H, but it was presented on eBay in filthy
condition and plastered with dried-out reflective tape. I
took a chance that it would clean up like new and it did.
.
Also, both my Comp TAs are 62cm c-c, the largest made. This
size is not as sought after as smaller frames. The pristine
frame & fork that sold on eBay last week was 50cm c-c.
.
If my endorsement of this model is not good enough, have
a look at Sheldon Brown's Japanese bikes page on his site.
He singles this model out as "particularly nice." I bought
my first one on that recommendation and was so pleased with
it, I couldn't resist a second. I'm only sorry it didn't
come in a third color scheme. :-)
.
And now, if you will excuse me, I'm going to take my silver
and black Comp TA out for a spin.
.
PS - Almost forgot, check those Araya rims\tires carefully.
The originals were Araya 20A in 27x1, not 700C. Suzue hubs
are correct for that year. And one other thing, as you will
see from the 1984 Centurion catalog, the Comp TA was second
only to the Turbo in that year's Centurion line-up. If your
seatpost is Shimano 600, it would be a nice upgrade. The
original was an also nice fluted SR Leprade.
.
.
I've got two Comp TAs both in exellent condition, one all-
original and one nearly all-original. One is the "metallic
red" with the silver head tube, like yours, the other is
in the one alternate color, "titanium silver" with a black
head tube.
.
These two bikes are my favorites among the six Centurions
I've bought over the last five years. Two of my Centurions,
the 1984\85 only Cinelli Equipe Centurion and the 1986,
Ironman Dave Scott (the model that replaced the Comp TA)
would be considered by most to be a step or two up the food
chain from the Comp TA but I think anyone comparing closely
these models to the Comp TA would be hard-pressed to agree.
I think the Comp TA is at least as good as the others.
.
The Comp TA was produced only in 1984 but appeared in almost
identical form in 1985 as the Ironman Dave Scott. The only
real difference between the two was the name (the Comp TA
name had to be dropped because of a trade name dispute) and
the frame material. The Comp TA was Tange Champion #2 and
the 1985 Ironman Dave Scott was Tange #1. The difference in
weight was less than 3oz, according to information published
in the 1984 Centurion catalog (www.sheldonbrown.com/centurion).
The "metallic red" and silver color scheme was carried over
to the 1985 Ironman Dave Scott. I don't know about the
"titanium silver" and black color scheme.
.
As for price, I think $300 with no shipping is fine if the
bike is in the condition described. I paid about that on eBay,
including packing and shipping, for my silver and black one
and saw a parted-out pristine silver and black Comp TA frame &
fork only sold on eBay last week for $202, plus $40 packing
and shipping.
.
I got lucky on my "metallic red" and silver Comp TA. I paid
$219, including S&H, but it was presented on eBay in filthy
condition and plastered with dried-out reflective tape. I
took a chance that it would clean up like new and it did.
.
Also, both my Comp TAs are 62cm c-c, the largest made. This
size is not as sought after as smaller frames. The pristine
frame & fork that sold on eBay last week was 50cm c-c.
.
If my endorsement of this model is not good enough, have
a look at Sheldon Brown's Japanese bikes page on his site.
He singles this model out as "particularly nice." I bought
my first one on that recommendation and was so pleased with
it, I couldn't resist a second. I'm only sorry it didn't
come in a third color scheme. :-)
.
And now, if you will excuse me, I'm going to take my silver
and black Comp TA out for a spin.
.
PS - Almost forgot, check those Araya rims\tires carefully.
The originals were Araya 20A in 27x1, not 700C. Suzue hubs
are correct for that year. And one other thing, as you will
see from the 1984 Centurion catalog, the Comp TA was second
only to the Turbo in that year's Centurion line-up. If your
seatpost is Shimano 600, it would be a nice upgrade. The
original was an also nice fluted SR Leprade.
.
Unfortunately my rims are Araya 700C.
01-31-08 | 03:16 PM
#24
Spin Forest! Spin!
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Posts: 5,956
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From: Arrid Zone-a
Bikes: I used to have many. And I Will again.
$200 is a worthwhile purchase for the Vitus. The frame doesn't appear to be an 86 as claimed. I think it's older, note the machining mark on the head tube. My 86-87 Vitus has no such 'beauty mark'.
As I already pointed out, the fork doesn't match either. Unless it got painted...or a much older Vitus 979 came with such a painted fork.
Parting it out, you'd make more than $200. If you want the bike for yourself, you'd love it. Small sized Vituses were not as whippy. Either way, inspect the frame carefully for damage and possible adhesive failure.
As I already pointed out, the fork doesn't match either. Unless it got painted...or a much older Vitus 979 came with such a painted fork.Parting it out, you'd make more than $200. If you want the bike for yourself, you'd love it. Small sized Vituses were not as whippy. Either way, inspect the frame carefully for damage and possible adhesive failure.
01-31-08 | 07:07 PM
#25
Thread Starter
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From: Orange County, CA
I'll tell you what I have, but they'll most likely be for sale on Craigslist, since I've never bought or sold anything on eBay before. I have a Motobecane Grand Touring w/a Vitus frame, a Motobecane Nomade Sprint, a Centurion LeMans Mixte, and either a K2 Seaside or Giant Cypress DX (Hubby's rides, which he's going to decide this weekend which to keep.)