Hey guys,

My girlfriend is looking at purchasing a Centurion Mixte via Craigslist. The seller sent an email with the serial number, which is either "NOG5793", or "N065793" (he isn't sure about the "0" or the "6").

Do any of you know if this is one of the Japanese made Cromoly ones? I researched Centurion Mixtes and it seems like the Miyata made ones in the 80s were pretty good quality.

Thanks for the help.

Here is a picture of the bike:

The decals and pinstriping are about 1978-1980. Not sure of the tubing.

That old its probably high ten steel. Drive side picture would help a lot.

I've got a 1977 Centurion, and it has the same font on the DT decal as your bike. So +1, its a late 1970s bike.

I have a 1984 Lemans 12 mixte, Champion 5 cromoly frame (Champion 5 is the bottom of the cromoly line). Notice the DT decal is quite a bit different.

Note, the only thing original on this bike is the fork, frame, and brake calipers. Everything else was from the parts bin.

No driveside shots, but details about the components:

"Suntour Vx derailleurs, 12-speed, alloy cranks, centerpull brakes, drop bars with a touring bend."

Sheldon Brown says...

"Japanese Centurions made between 1980-1990 use a serial number format WXYZZZZ where:
W = a letter, purpose uncertain, but probably indicates a manufacturer or Centurion;
X = a number, indicating the calendar year of manufacture;
Y = a letter, indicating the fortnight of manufacture (A = wk 1 & 2, B = wk 3 & 4, etc)
ZZZZ = four digit number, probably indicating frame number during fortnight of manufacture.
Example: N4E0283 indicates the 283 frame made during the period of weeks 9-10 in 1984.

To date, I have received 19 samples that fit this format. All but one use "N" as the manufacturer indicator."

Sounds pretty good to me so far. Any more input?

Thanks, guys.

My favorite part about this mixte is that the chainstay says "LeMans Mixte". Greatness.

probably hi-ten tubing. Cromo sticker will generally be visible on the seat tube if there is one. I'd say go for it!

That bike is begging for some mustache bars...Very nice, indeed. I'll bet she ends up loving it. Congrats.

Good frame, and the best thing is that other parts fit......not like a French abomination...