here are some pictures and a couple of question.
1. how does it compare to my super le tour 12.2, I notice the brakes are the same
2. probably part of number one: what kind of tubing is it?

Now I know the model of my mystery Centurion which was built in early 1977 (SN starts with M7C,,,)., Mine has Barcons and the outer chainring does not accommodate a chain guard. I haven't posted enough to be able to post photos but will be doing so when able.

I know this is an old thread but i need more posts.

I don’t think you have the record for a zombie thread.

If the barcons are stock, I would think a Super Le Mans or a Pro Tour.

I love my '77 Pro Tour!

Good! For posterity,,, here are photos of my mystery Centurion the day I bought it (pre any work done) full of grease and rust.. I now believe it to be a Super Elite, even though it differs from the bike above and looks to have factory Bar Cons. I was hoping it was a Pro Tour. It's in storage waiting to be disassembled to begin the clean-up as it's going to take some time to bring it back to beauty, Believe it or not, I was able to take it for a test spin before buying it and the bar cons were a bit stiff but all of the gears shifted just fine.

Input as to what it is and suggestions for a restoration is appreciated;





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It looks a great deal like my Centurion Super Elite in terms of derailleurs, frame chrome and the like. It has had its foil decals on the down tube and seat tube removed, if it was like mine, and either repainted or just stripped of the foil stickers on the seat tube including the one stating that it is made of butted Champion #2. I lean toward a repaint, since the identifying top tube script saying "Super Elite" on mine is in faint gold cursive that appears to be hand painted. I don't think it came with the barcons. Mine was basically mint, came with the original owner manual and suntour "power" ratchet shifters on the downtube, but it would have been an easy convert. I think it's one of the best looking bikes from the period, and I love how stiff the frame is compared to my early 70s Bob Jackson Messina frame. Also the Pro-Am hubs are arguably smoother than the Campys they copy. Do you have a link for the way you found to decode year from a Centurion serial number? I stilll don't know the exact year of mine, but serial number starts with M7E. Thanks!

Hello Elderbear,
welcome to the forum.

From the serial number:
M = Miki of Japan as the frame manufacturer
7 = 1977 as the year of frame manufacture. I don't think there was a Super Elite in 1987.
E = May as the month of manufacture.

That's very cool info. I can now register my bike with its proper year.

Nice bike! I just picked one up myself. NOS NIB. Cant wait to build it up. This is an 1980.

JJ

Will keep the Super Elite thread alive. Having my '78 repainted right now. I've had it since 2015 when I bought the frame only on EBay. Had no clue about Centurion at the time, was just looking for a steel frame to put my 1987 Shimano and Mavic components on. Guy selling it said it was an '87 frame, what did I know then? Have learned A LOT since then, and psyched to have joined the Centurion family. Will post some before and after pics when I hit my 10-post minimum.

I'll join the thread resurrection line.

1987 LeMans RS with Tange 2 frame. Lovely.