Duane Behrens

Will be taking a look at the subject bike tomorrow. A bit of research indicates the bike was Centurion's "strongest, lightest, high-performance recreational bike" - whatever that means. If it's anything like my Raleigh Super Course, I'm bringing it home. Thoughts? Thanks.

Lascauxcaveman 

It means it's mid-range. It's a pretty decent bike and you'll probably like it. Comparing it to a
Super Course isn't a stretch, I don't think. Hard for me to say though, the Le mans I used to have was 12 years newer than my Super Course (so it came with better components) but the 531 tube set on the SC is arguably better than the Tange Champion 5 on the Le Mans. That could just be my prejudice, though. I did t ride the Le Mans much, as it was too small for me.

daf1009

"Recreational" bikes are a bit scary to me. To me, that usually indicates below mid-range. Not being expert on Centurion's (although I have flipped a few)...I cannot say for sure. But, when I think to Schwinn and others that describe "recreational"...it gets a bit low end.

As for a comparison to a Super Course...if you get this bike, it would be great to get a ride comparison...as my SC rides fantastically...particularly for what is, generally, a mid level Raleigh...I love my SC a lot...probably my favorite riding Raleigh...

Duane Behrens

Picked up a second bike at the same time. Also a Centurion Lemans 12, but in the up-scale RS version which I believe has a slightly different headset and fork. Got them both for the combined sum of $250. Will tear them both apart - slowly - and rebuild them one at a time. It'll be an enjoyable winter. Here are the CL links, but I suppose the seller will pull them soon. First, the Lemans 12:

centurion lemans 12

and the Lemans 12 RS:

centurion lemans RS frame

RobbieTunes

Put the best stuff you can get onto the Lemans RS. They are really smooth. I had one with Suntour Arx and a Sugino crankset, 27" wheels that were smooth as silk. I really liked that bike; took it to a swap meet and sold it to a guy who was looking into my trunk as I unloaded the bikes. He doubled the price and took it into the swap meet, made a cool $100 in about 3 hours.

streets

Even the low end Centurions have some nice frame details and good lugs to set them apart. I scored a 5 speed Centurion and I've only just bothered to look at it closely and google the name. I was pleasantly surprised, it will restore into a decent bike.

zazenzach

Lemans is lower mid range. not a bad bike but don't pay too much for it.

531 is leagues better than tange 5.

Lascauxcaveman 

"Leagues better?" That may be overstating it a bit. The straight guage 531 on my Super Course at least is nothing super special, and the Le Mans frame I had I'm sure was a bit lighter and stiffer, but that could have just been size & geometry differences. It was a much smaller bike.

Duane Behrens

Or is it Tange Champion #2 ? Maybe it depends on which frame tube you're referring to:

Centurion Bicycles 1984 Catalogue


Centurion Bicycles From WSI (Western States Industries)

MacGyverBurrito

From the catalog scan it says it has tange 900 main tubes and hi ten stays and fork
The later lemans came with tange 2

I found a super course in the trash once
Was able to find info stating it had plain gauge 531 main tubes
And hi ten stays and fork.

I would guess there wouldn't be much weight difference
Or a difference in ride quality

Duane Behrens

Thank you.
A Super Course in the trash?
That's pretty sad.
I like my restored Super Course more than I like my carbon Tarmac.
It certainly gets ridden more.
I don't even know why.

RobbieTunes

If you're holding the tube in your hand, and on most bike frames, I'd agree. However, I've ridden some real stinkers with 531 that were every bit as heavy and ponderous as any other steel pipe bike. Some Shogun and Centurion bikes, even with Tange Champion 5, were pretty nice riders. Until any frame is being ridden on trued and tensioned wheels, there is just no way to tell, but in general, I'd say the 531 bikes were built a level higher than the Tange C 5 bikes. But not all.

Duane Behrens

Not in this case. Both the Lemans and the Lemans 12 are quality, lightweight steel with high-quality components for their era.

In this case, the "recreational" description was probably because the Lemans rode on Schrader-valved tubes, softening the ride slightly.

I think the company tried to build a really nice bike here; high-end steel and derailleurs with the comfort of a Schrader-valved tire. Really looking forward to riding the final product.

likebike23

Schrader valve tubes ride softer? Please explain, I've never heard that. I'm not trying to disagree, I seriously never heard that.

xn7

probably due to the valve stem being rubber?

shelbyfv

[QUOTE=Duane Behrens;17302753]In this case, the "recreational" description was probably because the Lemans rode on Schrader-valved tubes, softening the ride slightly.

Duane Behrens

Schrader valves come part-and-parcel with 27 x 1.25" tires. Bigger, wider, less air pressure . . . a softer ride. It's nothing to do with the valve itself. I should have been more clear.

Duane Behrens

[QUOTE=shelbyfv;17306140]It's inflation, tire and tube width, of course, not valve stem construction. I expect most people understood that intuitively.

I see you didn't. :-)

likebike23

Ok, got it. Nothing wrong with having a versatile, comfortable bike. Most of the people on race bikes that I see are using them for recreation not racing. Does that make their bikes recreational?

shelbyfv

[QUOTE=Duane Behrens;17308790] I'm sure you now understand, if not "intuitively," that tires can come in all widths, regardless of valve type. It certainly wasn't clear from your post that you did.

Duane Behrens

[QUOTE=shelbyfv;17309204][/COLOR]

Sigh.

18mm tires were all the rage on road bikes a few years ago. Show me an 18mm tire/tube combination with a Schrader valve stem. Or a 23mm combo with a Schrader valve stem.

The point was that Schrader valves are most often associated with non-racing, larger tires and tubes, providing comfort at the expense of weight. Here's what I wrote:

[COLOR=#000000]". . . high-end steel and derailleurs with the comfort of a Schrader-valved tire," indicating a tire/tube combo built for comfort.

Very sorry you were unable to understand that. I hope it's more clear for you now. Thanks.

shelbyfv

A "Schrader valved tire?" You are digging yourself deeper!! All in fun. It's 26 degrees here and I'm forcing myself to go out for 60 miles. bye now

Wildwood

60 miles @ 26 degrees. You've got to be using a schrader valve brain - it's too soft.

Duane Behrens

Still waiting for you to show us an 18mm tire/tube combo with a Schrader valve stem, genius . . . .

"tires can come in all widths, regardless of valve type." - "shelbyfv"

shelbyfv

Sorry bud, the 18mm business is your own red herring. You were amusing with your persistent defense of your clown-bike Nishiki but now you are approaching stalking. Best to move along.