Well, after riding my Centurion Semi-Pro for a month or so, I REALLY like this bike. That said, there are some things I think I would like to make a bit more modern:

I want to upgrade to aero brake levers, looking at putting a pair of Cane Creek SCR-5 levers on.

Getting a slightly wider handlebar with ergo bend.

Putting on an ultra-6 freewheel to go from a 13-15-18-21-24 cogset to 13-15-17-19-21-24.

Questions:
Is there a set of indexed downtube shifters that would work with the ultra-6 freewheel?

Should I just sell the bike as it sits (mostly stock) and buy a slightly more modern bike (I want to stay in a good steel bike, no carbon or aluminum) or make this one more of what I want?

For the record, this is how she looks right now.

I kinda think you answered your own question. Keep her and make her yours.

If you're going with the Cane Creek levers, try the ones with the gum colored hoods! They'll look sharp.

I don't think you can get the Suntour derailleur to index with anything else.

If you're ever looking to unload that, let me know. I'd be willing to drive up there to get it...

I was think of changing to more of a yellow and black color scheme. Black hoods, yellow Fizik tape, yellow brake housings, yellow/black saddle.


Is that to say, I need a set of Suntour indexed shifters or that it just won't work right? In any event, I am not constitutionally opposed to friction. Much simpler design with less to fail.

I am still on the fence on this one. I am reluctant to frankenbike a gem like this, but all I really want is a sweet bike to ride and ride and ride and...

Good advice, but I may be influenced by the C&V concept of keeping the nice ones stock. I have a '85 Vette that I treat the same way...

I say make it yours and keep the stock parts so it can be returned to original or at least the parts can go with it if you ever decide to sell. After all, the changes you are talking about are not huge.

Good advice, something I plan on doing.

OBTW - love your quote

what is on the bike now? shimano or Suntour? in general Suntour 2 prong FW (the removal tool having 2 prongs) will not index only the 4 prong. that being said you also need Suntour index or "Accushift" shifters as the spacing is slightly off from shimano. also if your RD is not already a indexing design (no adjusting barrel) you would need a new RD to make it index

is the difference between a 17 and 18 reall that noticable to you?

AH now I see the pic! great looking bike. I am not big on ergo bars but I see nothing wrong with going aero.

I feel the same about my Windstar even the oil is original!!

Kevin,

I now see what your up to...... The freewheel I'm sending you is an Ultra spaced freewheel, and will NOT index with Accu Shift levers,it will however index with Shimano 7 or 8 speed levers, and Shimano derailleur.... You would use the limit screw on the derailleur to stop the shifter from going into the 7th or 8th speed. Shimano and old Suntour Ultra freewheels have 5.0mm spacing cog to cog. Your all set if you want to go index or friction. Yikes.......

PM sent.

Robbie,

Until I get to 50 posts, I can't reply to PMs.

15 more posts and I can...

That would be a hard bike to get rid of.

I vote that you keep it.

What do you mean by "modern"? Do you mean modern as in a current steel production bike or modern as in componentry? Nothing wrong with current made bikes, but unless you're going with something like an indy fab, gunnar, etc... I doubt they will ride as well as your centurion (if it fits you of course). As stated earlier, if you really like the bike, keep the parts and modernize the the componentry. I love the feel of retrofitted bikes.

I myself don't care for keeping bikes original when I am riding them. I build it to how I want it (*and what I can afford*). However, I think keeping the stock parts is important when you are reselling. So box up all the parts, let them collect dust, add what you want and enjoy your ride.

Your second description, modern components. Mainly aero brakes. I am not sure I would put on brifters even if I could. The main idea for the immediate changes will be adding an ultra-6 FW, aero brakes, wider bar, and changing out saddle, brake housing, and bar wrap (gotta be color coordinated, moving away from the brown accents and going to yellow/black).

However, I will be keeping a watch out for a good donor group set. Maybe a nice Shimano 600 with indexed shifting.

I do agree with you, I would have to spend some serious cash to replace this steel frame with something as nice.

The proposed changes is hardly an affront to a stock bike. Do it.