Looking for some input.
 

I'm new to the bike scene and wanna buy an older vintage bike and fix it up. I'll be doing some triathlons in the future and would really like something that I can use in this setting. Something that's not too heavy, I kind of like the idea of a steel frame but would like to stay relatively lightweight if possible. I also want to upgrade the components to more modern stuff, most importantly the shifters. So, with this information what should I keep my eyes peeled for on craigslist? I saw a 1988 Centurion Ironman yesterday that looked like exactly what I'm looking for but someone beat me to it :(

Thanks

If you like the late 80's stuff I think there are a lot of great choices. Late 80s upper-level Schwinns (like the Tempo) are awfully nice, IMO, and run in the 22 lbs. range. Ditto with Panasonic DX-4000 or DX-5000, Miyata 512, 912. I think the advantage of going late '80s as well is you might find the components feel modern enough that you could go with stock. Just my 2 cents, I'm sure there are forum members who can be a lot more help than I can.

Sounds like you are on the right track.

I was in your exact same position 4 or 5 months ago (looking for a nice, older steel bike that didn't weigh 30 lbs to use in some upcoming Tris). I ended up with a pristine Miyata 110 - not a bike I ever heard anyone here outwardly recommend. It's not top of the line by any means, but is relatively light, functions flawlessly, and is an absolute joy to ride. I can't wait to get out on it for my first race in a few months.

Depending on your market, I think it is hard to recommend a certain bike since your only options (assuming you're taking the CL route) are what comes up for sale. I would just recommend to look often and jump on something you think fits the bill - fit being the key word. If you buy something not quite "high end", at least you have something and if you find something you like better you can probably sell the other and recoup most, if not all of your money (assuming you don't overpay).

A great hint - the search function on this site is less than great IMHO. A better method is to google, "site:bikeforums.net XXX" with XXX being the particular bike/components/etc. you are considering. That search will return results from this site and give you some great opinions from people on here regarding the quality and worth of your potential buys. Good luck!

The 86 Miyata 710 was marketed as a triathlon bike specifically. They are tight and light.

I'd be looking for something mid-range, from the very early 1990s. That typically gives Shimano 105SC or 600 Ultegra components and a CrMo butted frameset. You'll get excellent shifting performance via SIS indexed shifting combined with the noched and ramped HyperGlide cogs. You'll get 7 or 8 cogs, depending on the exact year. The freehubs build strong wheels and by that time 32 spoke was pretty much standard, so you'll have a bit less air rersistance for triathlons. Shimano brakes were SLR by that time, so there's good modulation and stopping performance. Down shifters were still available so you don't have the extra expense of brifters (shifters integrated into the brake levers) and can mount tham directly to triathlon bars, for that last bit of aero advantage. Lastly, compatible replacements for this era, particularly the HyperGlide cogs, are still readily available.

The steel Specialized Allez in the early 90s had some very attractive lugs, and there should be a fair number of them roaming around out there.

You need to price out modern shifters. Converting an older bike to modern shifters is an expensive undertaking. I've done it many times, but it starts with scoring a terrific deal on the modern parts. Otherwise, it is MUCH cheaper to just buy a used bike, equipped how you want it.

And when you see a deal on one, you need to move fast, really fast. There are other people out there looking for deals, and they will move fast.

IMHO, Centurions are the most overlooked bikes out there. They ride spectacularly and they are not as pursued like other brands. Make sure you are looking at the higher quality bikes, but they can be had for amazing prices if you know what you want and can be a little patient.

I have bought a Semi Pro, a Pro Tour 15, and an Iron Man Expert that sat for days on CL before I got them.

I agree about the Schwinn Tempo and Circuit....They were very nice, solid, well made bikes from Schwinn during their resurgence on the mid 80's with clean classic lines and graphics that caught that golden time of bicycles when designs were at their best aesthetic-wise IMO and the frames and compnents were pared down to minimal states that resulted in very mechanically efficient and light designs.
JMO

Chombi

Many of those Schwinns (and if my info is correct, at least some of the Centurions) were made by Panasonic. The Panasonic branded bikes are themselves well worth a look. I have a 1988 DX-3000 and it's a great bike that I picked up for a pittance.

As far as the Centurions go, they do have a great reputation and I don't doubt that it's well-deserved; but in many markets they are very sought after and not likely to be flying below the radar.