So, I've got an '81 Centurion Super Tour 15 basket case, as shown. Picked up new(er) 700c wheels with Suntour Superbe pro hubs. Here is a before photo.

I don't like the blue. Considering the new wheels have greyish rims, I'm trying to decide on what color to paint it. (paint is off, need to prep the steel and primer it tonight).

Finding color combinations that are

1. interesting
2. go with the silver components
3. and kinda traditional for touring bike

has been tough. I'd love to hear some suggestions. I was thinking of an orange tube/cream lug design (ala creamsicle), but it might pop a little too much.

I've also built jpgs of the Centurion and Super Tour 15 and have a buddy cutting vinyl masks for me, so the contrasting color is important for the logos.

Note, I have no ideas of this being collectable or anything like that, I'm just having some fun, and just want another ride alongside my Rodriguez.

Medium blue.

Black with silver between lugs on headtube looks nice, plus black is easy to touch-up. BTW, you aren't going to do a "rattle can" job...are you? If so, probably better to just spray over/touch-up the bad spots if you are going to be touring and knocking it around a bit.

Anyway, black with silver head tube...



This one replaced a late '50s bike, which was also black (but too small) ...

Don't know about tradition, but I'm itching to eventually get a frame in a pearlescent creme, a black seat and maroon handlebar tape. Should work with a wide range of colors that you or your gear is.

Personally, I like any earth tones on a tourer. Greens....browns....

Darker metallic orange. Not too dark.

British Racing Green.

No rattlecan... I'll be using Auto Air for the base coat, and a catalyzed urethane clear coat on top. This bike is as much about the paint as anything, as I haven't spayed in a few years, and I'm looking forward to using the newer water based paints...

The earth tones are a good idea, a metallic green with beige lugs, honey seat and matching tape seems pretty sweet. saving the medium blue for my early 70s Botecchia (the original color).

Now gotta see what the local paint shop has available...

Metallic green

go with your heart.

or black.

Cream or ivory white - you can accent with any colour then. I chose green but burgundy would look good. This one isn't finished yet by the way.

I like slate gray, British Racing Green, nice understated colors like antique cars. I think touring bikes should be muted, not flashy.

I like the metallic green blue of my Fuji Touring Series V:

It's your bike, so go with what makes you happy. I prefer touring bikes to be understated colors like smoke blue, dark green, brown, burgandy, etc. Save the bright colors for the race bikes.

Hey Matt!
What about a Mint Green and Cream color scheme like something you'd see on a 2 tone 50's chevy?
Glad you like the wheels

Hey Matt! Actually, I think khatfull's green & gold Fuji might be what I'm looking for. Understated, classy, easy to hide flaws , plus the colors are close enough to the Auto-Air line that no mixing should be involved. Auto air doesn't make many basic colors, they all seem to be very bright or unusual. I suppose they expect a good painter just to mix them (I'm not that good).
Here was my original idea (that I came up with at Northbend's desk), but I don't think it's appropriate for a touring rig. I guess I'll have to build a few more bike then ...