I've an opportunity to buy a Centurion Lemans RS. It appears to be an 86 or 87 model. The bike has a Shimano Light Action rear derailleur. The bike has some rust, the brake hoods are worn through at the top of the shifiters, but appears in good condition and rides well. Unfortunately, I could not shift it through all the gears as the rear tire, which is old, flatted half way through the planned ride, a consequence of an old tire and weighing 230 lbs. The price asked is $65, but probably can get it for less. The components appear original, Shimano Light Action derailleur, Biopace chain rings. Decent price or not?

The bike is the same color as the one in the photo, just not as nice:

No gaspipe here. Tange 2 frame, as I recall.

This is a very decent bike. Saw a beautiful example in the local CL for asking price of $200. That's too much.

Depending on condition of yours it's worth between $40-100. If you can get concessions based on known need to replace those parts it would be all the better.

If I found that deal, I would be all over it. I would try and haggle a few bucks off though.

txvintage would have to get in line behind me. I'll give you $100 and pay shipping.
Does that answer your question?

I just gladly paid $55 for an Accordo, one full level down from the LeMans and in similiar condition to the one you are looking at. The owner asked $50, but knowing the bike would sell before I got there, I offered a $5 holding fee.
I'm saying all this to say, if I had a line on a LeMans for $65 in decent condition, I'd run, not walk over there and grab it. You can always flip it for more than you paid for it if you change your mind.

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bik/756731104.html This is what's be asked here. $150

See, I've got $100 talking. Roccobike would run over there, and txvintage would be all over it.

I just paid $200 shipped and $153.50 pickup for similar Lemans bikes.

By the time A. Winthrop sees this post, the bike could be gone, and he has one just like it. Those are hands down the most popular colors. That seller puts that thing on eBay and your $65 bike is gone.

Thanks for the vote of confidence. The bike has some rust, shows a bit of use and not enough love in recent years, but is fairly clean. It shifted crisply. I'm using my Nishiki Cresta for my fitness bike, but it doesn't handle as well in tight maneuvering I've encountered on some routes I use. The Lemans will replace it for that purpose. Can't part with the Cresta, it was bought new in 1984 and has treated me well. But, it never hurts to have another bike in the stable. Don't have the money to buy new, at my age, the classics are what I know.

There is one negative to the bike. Its just a bit taller than I like. The reach is fine, but the top tube gets a bit friendly if you know what I mean. But, its workable. That's what I get for having a long torso and short legs. If it doesn't work out, c-list or ebay will. As the seller operates a bike repair shop...caters to the BMX crowd and locals, but not the road crowd, and has a decent bike grave yard...I believe I can get him to throw in some new rubber, maybe even the leather covered toe clips that are on a old Raleigh hanging in the shop.

Well, fit aside, as you can tell, they have a following.

If it fits, you're worlds ahead of the game as far as bike quality compared to a $400 LBS.

Heck, get it and if it doesn't fit you won't have any trouble either selling it or trading it

A.Winthrop, the bike in the photo is not the one for sale, but is the same color. I'd rate the condition as slightly below average, primarily because of surface rust that should be easy to clean, but also to apparent lack of care over the latter part of its life. Really, it speaks to the durability of old multi-speed bicycles of good quality that they endure abuse and neglect and remain good rides.

Your list of components is spot on for the bike. It even has what appears to be the original handle bar tape. And, I was pleased with the crispness of the shifting, much better than that on my Gary Fisher mtn bike with Deore XT dérailleurs. New cables (they work, but show signs of aging), new rubber, maybe a new chain (jury is out on that as the existing one looks in good condition, just unlubricated), and cleaning should do wonders.

See, I told you. .........

What size is the frame on the actual bike, anyway?

and in LA, you're very lucky to find a LeMans in good condition for $150. i would say almost impossible...possibly an Accordo, but even then, i often see those for around $175-200.

hop on it!

Haven't measured it. My Nishiki is a 21, The Nishiki gives me a small bit of clearance, the Centurion is a bit friendlier and does touch, but not uncomfortably so. I'd estimate its about 1/2" taller. I've never measured from floor to crotch, but, while I'm 5'9" I wear 30" length dress pants. Long torso, short legs equals not the easiest to fit in production bikes, or so it seems.

i have this centurion bike, i've been told its worth different prices, but wanted to know more about it.. as far as prices go, trying to sell it.. ..would any of u happen to know the model of this? if soo..please email me at thunderemg@yahoo.com, it will surely help thanks! ..any info on it would be helpful!

Put it up on ebay and let the market decide. That's the same basic bike being described above with a terrible picture.

I wound up paying the full asking price for the bike this thread discussed. For $65, I got the bike, nearly new Gatorskin tires, a "new" used leather seat (Koobi), and the wheels trued. But, the bike was one of those unusual finds...it hung in the sellers bike repair shop for months. As most of his customers are BMX and inexpensive mountain bike kind of people, there was no interest. He got the bike for free...seems people bring him their garage/barn bikes to dump or trade him for new parts for other bikes. As said above, put the bike on Ebay if you want to know the market value to internet buyers and wish to sell it. Otherwise, ride the bike and don't worry about its worth.

After cleaning it and putting on some new bar tape, the bike now looks like this. Still need new hoods for the brakes. Its definitely a keeper and has become a favorite ride, thought each of my bikes serves a different purpose. To me, its priceless, but I can't afford new fancy carbon whatever bikes and don't get into flipping bikes or any of my other toys (kayaks and canoes).

Gray, that's a pretty bike. congratulations.

Thanks, had a dickens of a time finding new toe clips locally. Found new hoods for my Nishiki Cresta...old school cable out the top of the levers and hoods, but no hoods yet for the Lemans. Guess I'll need to hit Ebay for some NOS hoods. The ones on the bike are usable, but look like crap. The tops have been worn off or something, weird.

Nice bike, hope you are enjoying it. I have exactly the same bike except for the size. I paid $250 for it on Ebay a few years ago. I replaced the tires and rode it as is for a few years untill this past year when I decided to start replacing some parts. I could buy a new bike, but I just love the way the Lemans rides. So I have upgraded most of the bike. The only things that are original are the derailleurs, shifters, crankset, wheels, and of course the frame/fork. Seems like Centurions are still somewhat of a well kept secret as the quality of these Japanese made bikes is really high.

Just have to put my 2 cents in here. First off, grayloon- Nice bike! . I have the same bike in a 52cm, it's light blue metallic and silver. The paint quality is good and it's a well made little bike, shifts good, too. I beg to disagree about the ride quality, as it seems a bit harsh to me. To be fair, my other bike is a Peugeot, and the Centurion has the original Panaracers that are labeled 700 x 25, but they look like 700 x 23's. I'm thinking about putting some 700 x 28's on there. Looks like there's plenty of room for bigger tires. Enjoy your bike!

Zombie Thread!

But apt and timely as I just bought an Ironman and was wondering if I'd paid too much. Judging from the LeMans love here, I didn't.

Don't tell anyone about our Centurions, then they'll all want one.

First time I've ever heard a Lemans RS ride quality described that way. Your Pug must not be a UO-8.

Yep, very old thread. Still current in my book, though. The Lemans RS is a nice bike, and my '83


actually rides smoother than the '87, which is too small and not mine, anymore.
The tires will make a huge difference.