What modifications can I make?
 

I picked up a 85 Centurion Ironman for commuting, but it's set up more as a road bike. I'd like to make some changes to it, but I'm having a hard time figuring out just how much leeway I have.

Okay, firstly I want to add fenders. I don't have any braze-ons or extra lugs that would allow it, so it seems I'm limited there.

Secondly I'd like to add a rack, at least to the rear. Again, lack of braze-ons or lugs limit my options.

Finally I want to replace the CTS 23mm tires on my with something more suitable for commuting. I'd like to go with the Schwalbe Marathons in a 25 or 27, but I'm not sure what my limiting factors are. I've got Shimano 600 brakes and Araya 700c wheels.

So, oh great BF Brain Trust™, what say you?

fenders...planet bike has clamp on fenders for road bikes, I like them better than the "full" fenders, less rattle.

rack... get one that can clamp to your seat post (I have one, and they work great, even with a loaded bag attached - don't remember the brand).
This morning I attached a standard rack to my 86 lemans (58cm), and my foot was hitting the pannier all the way to work.

wheels, I've used 28's on my lemans with no clearance issues (but I only run a front brake)

This is all assuming that the ironman and lemans have similar geometry/sizes....

Schwalbe Marathon plus tires come in 25 and 28 (not 27) sizes and either one will fit your rims. To add fenders, you would likely have to replace your 600 brakes with a center-pull variety. I never found much of a use for a front fender even on long rides and having a solid rack in the back makes a rear fender somewhat repetitive. Something like this:

http://www.bikesomewhere.com/images/...56791690B0.jpg

Does the job and it is rated for up to 40 lbs (Eleven81 City Limit Bicycle Beam Mounted Rack - Black - RACK1012)

And raise the stem, your back will thank you.

I disagree about the full front fender. Having one keeps a lot of crud off the bottom of the downtube, and out of the bottom bracket area. Probably not an issue if you live where it doesn't rain much, but if you have to ride through slop, it helps, IMO.

Thanks - 28mm tire size is what I'd shoot for. Maybe I can take the bike to my LBS and get one installed first to check fit?

As the to back rack, my son has something similar and recommended the same thing. I'm not completely sold on its stabillity, but I'd have to try one first to really evaluate it.

I still need to get fitted - lots to do still.

How difficult is it to get additional braze-ons brazed on? Is that a realistic goal?

If setting it up the way you want gets to be too much of a hassle, just look for something that will better fit your needs. Might be less aggravation and expense in the long run. Use the Centurion for "workout" rides, or resell it.

You would need to go to a frame maker to be done correctly and it will cost you more than an additional steel frame that has the braze-ons already.

Edit: here is the price list from a local to me frame maker for these kind of jobs, just to get an idea of the prices... http://www.spectrum-cycles.com/forms/repair.pdf

Not realistic. You will end up buggering up the paint on a pretty desirable bike. You should consider getting one of the rigid frame MTBs instead. You can pick them up cheap, they will handle the fenders and larger tires, etc.

These Planet Bike fenders dont require braze ons

You might need some centerpull brakes to get around bigger tires and fenders. Or long reach calipers

Keep us updated on what you end up going with!

Hey there,

I have an Ironman myself I think it's a later 80s model. I don't know how much success you would have mounting larger tires on it. I know that I have 700x23s on my set up (although 700x25 in the rear, I think) and the clearances are pretty tight. You could definitely get 25s in there and maybe sneak a 28 on the rear, but I don't think you would have much luck with wider tires in front (although I have a later model with a welded full-sloping fork and I think the earlier models had wider fork corwns). Best of luck!

Where are you located? What size is the frame?
I think your best bet is to use it for training/weekend rides if it fits you and get a cheap rigid MTB for commuting or sell it and get something with eyelets that fits. It gets to be a pain when you "rig" everything and then realize finally that it just doesn't do what you wanted because you started on the wrong platform.
That's why I'm selling off all the other stuff I've got and finally have the "right bikes" on the way.

I'll just venture a couple guess, a couple opinions, and take your comments off the air.....

3 issues, 2 combined into the third.

1-Not much clearance for fenders, more on the '85 than any Ironman if that one. The front fender has a good chance of hitting the downtube when turned. There is almost no clearance for the back wheel, and that's with 700x23's.

2-Not much clearance for tires. 700x25's, no problem, but you'll see a lot of debris on the back of the fork and both the brake bridge and seat tube. 700x27's, you'll run in a high-speed corner, and 700x28's, you'll rub if you lean the bike over. The flex of the wheel produces enough movement, under load, to put a 700x28 into rub mode.

3-If you get fenders big enough to put 700x25's or 700x27's under, I can't see how you'll have much space. If you run the clearance that tiight, ride in clean areas, or you'll have a lot of junk under the fienders.

Not to say it can't be done. The rear fender can be trimmed to stop when it approaches the seat tube. The front fender can be shaved in back or just avoid turning sharply. In my opinion, the fork is the issue on the front, the seat tube on the back.

My recommendation is to find a Lemans or Lemans RS frame in the same size. You will get a little relaxed geometry, the extra half inch or more of clearance you need, and eyelets for fenders. I'm building a light tourer right now on one of those frames, and the 700x25's will fit just fine under the fenders. Probably not a snow/ice bike, and I haven't tried cyclocross tires or anything the size of 700x28's.

Good luck. It would be a unique Ironman. There is a guy in CA who built an upright commuter with an Ironman frame, but he didn't use fenders.

As far as a rack goes, I've used a Trek clamp-on rack with excellent results, and it's very convenient.

Wow, thank you everyone for your input! Great crowd.

It looks as though the concensus is the bike is built for road riding and doesn't come with facilities for adding fenders, going with (much) wider tires, etc. Fair enough. I live in San Marcos CA, which is North San Diego county. The weather is generally nice, the roads are rarely wet, so I will either drive when it's wet or deal with the stripe.

I'm a bit torn about making significant changes to the bike. My son has "stolen" the bike from me (he works at REI) and says he'll "keep an eye out for something similar if it comes in the store". He figures he'll find something right after Christmas. This is code for "I took your bike in for a tune-up and service - Merry Christmas Dad". I will certainly not sell the bike, and will probably not change any hardware on it at this point.

I will look into putting the 700x28's on, will probably get a seatpost mounted rack, and use it this way for a while. If it looks like I really want the full fenders, big tires, panniers, etc. there's a LHT I've had my eye on for a while that just may find its way into my stable.