I came accross a C/L ad a few weeks back for a "Centurion 10-speed", asking price of $25. The photo was pretty fuzzy, showing a vintage bike that had a bolted on aero bar. I called on the bike and the owner indicated that it was a Semi Pro. The bike has some history, having been ridden by the first owner in the Iron Man. It was sold to the next owner who had it handing in his garage for years. He later gave it to the person from whom I bought it when he heard that he intended to do a triathlon. That person rode it in an Olympic length triathlon and then stored it, finally listing it on C/L when I bought it.

The bike is almost all original, with only the seat having been replaced. The SN starts with M0K, so I am assuming a 1980 bike. It was REALLY dirty and needing the normal parts replaced. Sorry, no "before" pictures. I completely stripped the bike and repacked all the bearings. I replaced the cables (Jagwire) and housings, brake pads (Jagwire), brake hoods, rewrapped the bars, and added my SPD pedals. I replaced the 90mm SR stem with a Nitto 110mm stem which I polished to better match the bike. I also took an old Avocet Racing saddle and recovered it in undyed leather. All in all, I am very pleased with the bike.

Yes, I paid the asking price, no haggle.

Wow, Preynmantis, very nice score. Did you eat the seller's head off, too?

Un-*****ing believable!!! Sorry had to say it!
Congrats on your sweet Centurion. Envy...envy.

Yowzaaaa!

That looks very dangerous! - that crank has holes in it, and the frame tubes are probably hollow! Why, that bike could collapse any second!

-Better ship it to me for repair.

Very nice. Great work on the overhaul, your choices in colors could not be better(IMO)

interesting, looks like it is very close to my super elite. Love mine, also got it in Colorado for $75

$25? good greif

Sometimes I can't even find lunch for $25.

Were you grinning from ear to ear when you finally saw the bike in person? If not you must be one hell of a poker player.
A find like that dosent happen very often.

Wow, nice job! That thing is squeaky clean.

Oh Wow! Very nice. I very jealous!

That's sick. Do you ever feel lucky after you score something like that? And for 25clams??? What a gorgeous bike

Did it come to you that clean???

I wasn't... on the outside. He made a comment about how he had mentioned to his wife how the bike might be worth quite a bit more. My reply was that to the right person, I am sure he could have gotten more. My reaction, in part, was that I was not fully aware of just how good a find it was until later.

In a word YES

Not even remotely, it was filthy. The front hub would hardly even turn, the chain, freewheel, rings, and transmission were frightful. It took me over a week to get it remotely clean. I have been detailing and putting it back together for the last week. I really should have taken pictures before, but it was really sad and I was excited to get it clean.

nice work. lovely bike.

Well done Sir!!!
I love seeing $25.00 bikes turned into beautiful things

Cheers,
Chris

Yes no kidding! How did you get the bike that absolutely clean looking? I am undertaking a dirty old 80's bike and need some tips for cleaning her up like that one.

When the guilt builds up so bad that you can't stand it, I'll pay shipping to alleviate that burden.

Outstandng.

Lucky bastid.

Sounds like it's in the right place, though. Ride it like you stole it.

I would have left a generous tip. OMG, since when did great things become so cheap???

I just finished a '77 PX-10LE. It takes patience and diligence. Detailing goes as far as you want it. My buddy gets the bike back tomorrow and it gleams like new.

This is fun stuff. Now my life is boring as far as vintage goes....nothing on the horizon for the time being.

Labor of love! You've done an excellent job.

Would have taken me a couple of years. If you have some spare time, I have some bikes calling your name in my basement.