texaspandj

Wish I had theoritical "bike money" I'd get this 54 cm Master.

Centurion Ironman Expert Frame Fork 53 cm Headset Bracket Seat Post | eBay

RobbieTunes

Why yes, yes I did. Not exactly my size, but nearly NOS, and I was the only bid at the opening bid amount.
In other words, "Honey, I just entered the lowest bid, and I got it. Who would have predicted that?"

It worked out, as its presence generated another Ironman owner.
World domination only happens when you win hearts and minds....Ironman

RobbieTunes

That sure looks like a 60cm.

Discretion is the better part of valor.

texaspandj

1. Maybe a 62 cm.

2. Maybe I should repeat that saying instead of my "Nobody likes a smartass "mantra.

wrk101

Maybe its a new version of the show "Bait Car". Bait Bike.

texaspandj

When I first found this site I was all about the 86 Ironman. And was just looking for info on my 88 ironman. I preferred the 6 speed cluster. And didn't see a need for more than that. But this bike inspired me to think of other possibilities, well this bike and RobbieTunes.
Anyways, I love and want every Ironman on this thread. But I'd have to say that this bike, jetboy's 88 red fade, and markwesti's 86 classic are in the top 5 favorites for me (so far).
After analyzing this pic. I've come to the conclusion that besides it looking super freaking cool. What sets it apart is the fact that its a very small frame, yet still looks right. I feel the 56cm and one step up and below that are the most photogenic. Possibly because of their geometric proportions.
Yes I know it's already posted on this thread. But it deserves to be posted again, don't you think?
Sidenote: Can someone please let me know how to post bigger pics, as I think this bike deserves it.
***SPECIAL NOTE: This bike belongs to riceboy. SPECIAL NOTE***

RobbieTunes

That is such a well-done bike, all business. Only thing I'd do, for looks, if the fit could take it, is bring the stem up at least one spacer, and maybe try to find a -15 degree or -17 degree stem. The fit should be about the same, if the stem were higher on the steerer, but more in line with the top tube. I like to see a horizontal line from the steerer through the hoods. Of course, fit has priority. One of those VO stems would be about perfect.
I'll PM you on the bigger pics. I think the length of the head tube makes 54-58cm bikes more photogenic, allowing balance between the vertical and horizontal, making the wheels a more pleasing proportion to the frame. This model just goes to show you that photogenic is surely not based on size, though.

seypat

Small Miami Vice one sitting on the South Jersey Craigslist. Looks to be in good condition.

markwesti

Tex, thanks for the nod . I like that fork , I think it closes up the gap on the down tube and the front tire . It's almost as close as the seat tube and the rear tire . So how does that bike handle now ? My last bike had a fork with little rake to it , man I really had to pay attention . Ha just read SPECIAL NOTE never mind .

texaspandj

So after my 70s Schwinn was stolen in 1986,I bought me a panasonic dx 3000. It was black and yellow like a bumble bee. It had rear and front eyelets and marketed as a fast recreational bike. And it was. As much as I missed that schwinn clunker I got used to the panasonic pretty quick. It was the perfect bike to learn on. It held its line, it was relatively light,and fast, most importantly it had the new light action SIS rear derailleur. That bike was so much fun,and gave me an indescribable great feeling
I wasn't a biker, I was a triathlete. So I did all my training solo. And I rode the wheels off that thing.
About 2 weeks before my first organized bike ride, I bought me some black and yellow sidi cycling shoes. On the day of the big ride I felt right at home with my bike shorts,jersey, helmet, and gloves. My longest ride up to that point was 67 miles on that old schwinn. So I knew I could handle the long ride on the lighter panasonic. But the 150 mile ride was tougher than I thought. I was doing fine til I ran out of water. At about 70 miles I stopped at a gas station for water, and got left behind. Fortunately I wasn't the only one and rode alone maybe 10 miles the whole ride. I finished in 10 hrs.
This 88 master gives me "that feeling". I hope it still does after all the changes. It started off completely stock all 600 tri color group minus pedals. I could've lived with the complete stock look, but I couldn't live with those narrow bars. Once I swapped to the period correct larger 42 nitto olympiad bars, I thought I might as well keep going and added black cables,wrap,cages,mini frame pump all from walmart (well except for the bars). And finally it's latest and last incarnation: All Shimano ultegra 9 speed including bottom bracket. Only the 600 tri color headset was left on (which I overhauled). I did all the swapping myself except the bb and crank arms the LBS did that (I dont have the proper tools). My current intentions is to use this on local club rides, and occasional solo training rides . Except for a possible aero seat post, this bike is finished. Thats 3 down 2 to go.So here's some pics to show the progression of the bike I've named Maverick (because it's vintage and modern).
Sidenote: Up next my 88 purple haze triathlon bike build.

markwesti

What do you guys think about my new fork , looks wise ? Ms. westi thinks I just ruined the best looking bike I ever had .

nesteel 

Just doesn't look right. On an Italian frame; sure. Not on an Ironman. Just my opinion.

icepick_trotsky 

I just set my personal best for fastest I've ever gone on a bicycle over the weekend -- 53 mph. On the Ironman, of course. It's the best descender I've ever ridden. Coming down Bollinger Canyon Road in San Ramon, CA.

texaspandj

You know I like your bike the way it was. However it looks cool to me.Reminds me of the blue pinarello I owned back in the day. All you have to do is chrome the chain stays and it would look totally italian. My pinarello had all Japanese components except the Campy seat post bolt. So it should be able to go the other way,right? But more full body pics needed please. Laterz

lord_athlon

Tange still makes the lugged fork found on the 87 Master, and the 84-86 TA/Ironmans

RobbieTunes

None of the US spec Ironman bikes had a lugged fork; seypat's is an immigrant. Tange does still offer a pretty lugged fork, but it was only OEM that I know of on the Prestige.

I like the chrome fork, but better on a Turbo or Prestige. Centurion's fork maybe matched better.

If you went to Soma Fab and got their chrome chainstay protector, added a decal, I think it would be neat. Velocals would likely sell you the fork decal only. I'd also do the cutout in red.

RobbieTunes

You need a saddle made for those stones.

markwesti

I appreciate the feed back . I can see how someone would think I'm trying to make it into something it's not subconsciously maybe I am . But this is as far as it goes , well except for the wheel build and that will all come together as soon as the tires show up .

texaspandj

Ok, but at least put the chrome chain stay protector on, (for symmetrical balance).
Dang your bike looks good.

Vintage_Cyclist

Evocative of some Cinelli-like Centurion Professionals. Looks great.


Spokes of a Wheel: One of my favorite bikes...


Cinelli Only: February 2014

lord_athlon

Mine has a lugged, sloping crown fork.

markwesti

Now that you mention it , there is a Alum. spacer in there about 4mm thick and a star washer . The rear brake doesn't have either . Hmmmm....
RT thanks for the heads up on Soma Fab , but I can't find the chrome chain stay protector . By the way I think that would look nice . Could you send me a link . As far as decals I don't really know what type to get . Those forks are a no name type from Taiwan . I would like to put some decals on , I think that would be nice too . Any Ideas ?

bobbyl1966

How is compare bianchi strada lx 1987 to your bikes. What is the weight of your bikes.

RobbieTunes

Than it wasn't a US-spec Ironman, or a US-spec Comp TA.
Perhaps in other markets, as both Europe and Australia, and Japan, from what I've seen, had different specs.
No Ironman or Comp TA spec'd for the US market had a lugged fork.

RobbieTunes

I'll try to find the link. There are also other chrome-type chainstay protectors out there, I think. For decals, I'd go to Velocals and look for the semi-circular Centurion decal that went on the fork crowns from 1985-1987, see if they'll just print you the two fork crown decals. If it was a Tange fork, which is similar to that, it would have come with Tange decals already. I see no issue putting the Centurion decals on that. I'll search a bit for chainstay protectors.....