Post your Centurion Ironman.. For the love of 80s paint jobs!
#8126
Me duelen las nalgas
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There was at least one threadless stem from ye olden dayes of the early 1990s that adhered pretty closely to the quill stem appearance: the Ibis titanium stem. Single bolt clamp for both ends, the steerer and handlebar. Svelte appearance, but the trade-off was you had to strip the handlebar to swap it out, as with most quill stems. The later multi-bolt designs with detachable face plates were more practical, at least for racers.
Here's an amusing sale ad from craigslist, 2003, for the l-o-n-g Ibis titanium threadless stem: Ibis titanium stem -- long as a cat's leg
Ibis titanium threadless stem, approx 130mm. Not mine.
***
Cat and stem not mine. Considering it's a photo from 2003, the cat is probably long gone. The titanium stem is probably still going strong.
***
That Ibis stem from the old craigslist ad was designed to be horizontal when installed. Mine is angled slightly upward and can't be changed by flipping it. But the angle is comfortable for me so it's fine as-is.
My Trekenstein Trek 5900 bought from texaspandj last year came with the original Ibis stem. Lovely thing. At the time it was a little too long for my achy injured neck, so I replaced it with an FSA stem -- the typical chunky looking thing with 4-bolt detachable face plate. And an FSA Omega compact drop bar with shorter reach.
Trekenstein with the relatively sleek Ibis titanium threadless stem. Single bolts for steerer and handlebar clamps. No detachable face plate so it's necessary to strip the handlebar for swaps. Not great for pro racers, but not a big deal for us ordinary folks. (Essential Ironman relevant content: Most of those components on that '93 Trek 5900 came from an Ironman. So it's sort of a Centrekion Irontrek.)
Closeup of Ibis titanium threadless stem, single bolts for each clamp. At the time, using a lovely Nitto B65LL drop bar. Soon to be replaced with a Soma Highway One to shorten the reach and drop a bit to suit my creaky old neck.
However with lots of physical therapy I may be able to handle the Ibis stem again, particularly with a handlebar with less reach. I discovered the Soma Highway One bar is nearly identical to the FSA Omega and Gossamer compact drops. A couple of local friends use that Soma bar on their Bridgestone steel bikes. So while the Trekenstein is currently out of service waiting for headset repairs, I'm going to order that Soma bar, and put the original Ibis stem back on. That'll restore the sleeker appearance it originally had, with a handlebar better suited to my limited flexibility.
And the FSA Omega drop bar can go on the newer Diamondback Podium frame project, which will look fine with the chunky headset and fatter diameter handlebar.
Here's an amusing sale ad from craigslist, 2003, for the l-o-n-g Ibis titanium threadless stem: Ibis titanium stem -- long as a cat's leg
Ibis titanium threadless stem, approx 130mm. Not mine.
***
Cat and stem not mine. Considering it's a photo from 2003, the cat is probably long gone. The titanium stem is probably still going strong.
***
That Ibis stem from the old craigslist ad was designed to be horizontal when installed. Mine is angled slightly upward and can't be changed by flipping it. But the angle is comfortable for me so it's fine as-is.
My Trekenstein Trek 5900 bought from texaspandj last year came with the original Ibis stem. Lovely thing. At the time it was a little too long for my achy injured neck, so I replaced it with an FSA stem -- the typical chunky looking thing with 4-bolt detachable face plate. And an FSA Omega compact drop bar with shorter reach.
Trekenstein with the relatively sleek Ibis titanium threadless stem. Single bolts for steerer and handlebar clamps. No detachable face plate so it's necessary to strip the handlebar for swaps. Not great for pro racers, but not a big deal for us ordinary folks. (Essential Ironman relevant content: Most of those components on that '93 Trek 5900 came from an Ironman. So it's sort of a Centrekion Irontrek.)
Closeup of Ibis titanium threadless stem, single bolts for each clamp. At the time, using a lovely Nitto B65LL drop bar. Soon to be replaced with a Soma Highway One to shorten the reach and drop a bit to suit my creaky old neck.
However with lots of physical therapy I may be able to handle the Ibis stem again, particularly with a handlebar with less reach. I discovered the Soma Highway One bar is nearly identical to the FSA Omega and Gossamer compact drops. A couple of local friends use that Soma bar on their Bridgestone steel bikes. So while the Trekenstein is currently out of service waiting for headset repairs, I'm going to order that Soma bar, and put the original Ibis stem back on. That'll restore the sleeker appearance it originally had, with a handlebar better suited to my limited flexibility.
And the FSA Omega drop bar can go on the newer Diamondback Podium frame project, which will look fine with the chunky headset and fatter diameter handlebar.
Last edited by canklecat; 02-21-20 at 06:47 PM. Reason: add photo
#8127
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Location: NW Ohio
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Bikes: 1983 Univega Super Strada, 1986 Panasonic DX5000, 1984 Fuji Team 85 Univega Gran Turismo, 1984 Lotus Unique, 1987 Centurion Expert, 1987 Centurion Ironman Master,
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My favorite
Likes For robertj298:
#8128
1/2 as far in 2x the time
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Northern Bergen County, NJ
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My First...
Too small for me, but how could I resist. It's practically NOS. Check out the big ring, and brake blocks (though it just shows how little it takes to leave marks on some anodized rims). The tires even still have the nubs on them. Going up for local sale, North Jersey CL.
Crazy cool, (except for the overly padded saddle).
A little basic maintenance, and a few bits soaked in evaporust overnight, some new bar tape... Ready for someone to start putting some miles on it.
Crazy cool, (except for the overly padded saddle).
A little basic maintenance, and a few bits soaked in evaporust overnight, some new bar tape... Ready for someone to start putting some miles on it.
#8129
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They are still out there...
Ace and bone clean.
Looks 56cm. 54cm and we'd be talking....
Looks 56cm. 54cm and we'd be talking....
Too small for me, but how could I resist. It's practically NOS. Check out the big ring, and brake blocks (though it just shows how little it takes to leave marks on some anodized rims). The tires even still have the nubs on them. Going up for local sale, North Jersey CL.
Crazy cool, (except for the overly padded saddle).
A little basic maintenance, and a few bits soaked in evaporust overnight, some new bar tape... Ready for someone to start putting some miles on it.
Crazy cool, (except for the overly padded saddle).
A little basic maintenance, and a few bits soaked in evaporust overnight, some new bar tape... Ready for someone to start putting some miles on it.
#8130
1/2 as far in 2x the time
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Robbie, you are no help at all.*
A month ago, I was told 54 cm, on an under 40 degree day, windy and raining - with the saddle slammed down, it was all I could do to ride it across the parking lot to feel it if tracked ok. It had black grease splattered all over, under the rain. In addition there was an impatient wife in the seller's passenger seat. At home. I made coffee,dried it off and squirted WD-40 into everything, and put it aside.
Head tubes with different color lugs, confuse me, apparently. I didn't even notice while cleaning and taking pictures this afternoon. I can't sell it, not before tuning the fit and putting some miles on it. Not gonna happen.
Actually I would have felt worse, if I found out later. So, Thx. Tomorrow is going to be in the fifties again...
#8131
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Too small for me, but how could I resist. It's practically NOS. Check out the big ring, and brake blocks (though it just shows how little it takes to leave marks on some anodized rims). The tires even still have the nubs on them. Going up for local sale, North Jersey CL.
Crazy cool, (except for the overly padded saddle).
A little basic maintenance, and a few bits soaked in evaporust overnight, some new bar tape... Ready for someone to start putting some miles on it.
Crazy cool, (except for the overly padded saddle).
A little basic maintenance, and a few bits soaked in evaporust overnight, some new bar tape... Ready for someone to start putting some miles on it.
#8132
Senior Member
Too small for me, but how could I resist. It's practically NOS. Check out the big ring, and brake blocks (though it just shows how little it takes to leave marks on some anodized rims). The tires even still have the nubs on them. Going up for local sale, North Jersey CL.
Crazy cool, (except for the overly padded saddle).
A little basic maintenance, and a few bits soaked in evaporust overnight, some new bar tape... Ready for someone to start putting some miles on it.
Crazy cool, (except for the overly padded saddle).
A little basic maintenance, and a few bits soaked in evaporust overnight, some new bar tape... Ready for someone to start putting some miles on it.
#8133
Senior Member
I’m one of those who tries to limit my inventory, so I really don’t let myself drift into the true collector mode. But I’m also trying to optimize the quality and fit if my rides. I was able to pick up an Ironman for a tad over a c-note this fall, and I rode it a couple hundred miles, as is, to see if the geometry would work for me - and it really feels great! So . . . my plan is to build it up as my main vintage rider (I also have a CX bike for gravel and general riding) - it will get about 50% of my miles. Because if my age and level of comfort and safety with my bikes, I’ll be removing just about every component on the bike and swapping in a full Dura-Ace 8-speed group with the early shifter brakes. This group will come off of my 1980 Miyata Pro which has been my vintage rider for the past couple years, but which narrowly lost out to the Ironman. While I was OK with the Ironman 105 setup, I feel much safer with the controls at hand. Right now, all the components have been removed from the bike, and I’m trying to find paint to match the colors so I can get the touch-ups done. Then, I’ll reassemble with the D-A pieces. Looking forward to this winter project!
#8134
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Thanks for the interest. So far, I have the bike completely disassembled and all the parts have been cleaned and ready to go. But since it’s still winter here in the Twin Cities, I can’t get the touch-up painting done. I have about 20 little spots that need to be touched up, and I have most of the priming and leveling done (see pic). I plan on using an airbrush for the spot work. If that goes well, I might use the airbrush to paint frames. I’m also practicing re-covering bike seats. The Ironman will get a yellow leather seat with yellow bar tape, and white cables. The groupset will be 8-speed Dura-Ace (brifters). I may not be very fast on the bike, but people will know I’m coming! I’m also working on a funky-cool bike for my grandson. But again, I’m not allowed to strip paint in the house. I hope to be able to get a decent paint match on the MV - we’ll see.
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Some days, it's not even worth gnawing through the restraints.
Some days, it's not even worth gnawing through the restraints.
#8135
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I no longer live there, or it would be gone.
Has this been posted before? I mean the ad has been up for a month, price seems reasonable. What am I missing? If it were my size I would be really tempted.
https://raleigh.craigslist.org/bik/d...065388259.html
Older bike but rides like new. It’s needs a bath (it’s not a Picasso) and a new front tire that I can provide. Selling only to purchase new wheels for another bike.
Campagnolo 9 speed Mirage Shifters, Campagnolo Veloce rear derailuer, Campagnolo Mirage front derailuer and Campagnolo Mirage triple cranks. Bianchi wheel with Campagnolo rear hub. Mavic front wheel with Shimano 600 hub. Shimano 600 brakes.
https://raleigh.craigslist.org/bik/d...065388259.html
Centurion Prestige Road bike 56cm Tange Cr-Mo steel - $180
Centurion Prestige Road bike. 56 cm Tange Cr-Mo double butted tubing frame & fork. Good for riders 5’ 8” up to 5’ 10”. Pending pant inseamOlder bike but rides like new. It’s needs a bath (it’s not a Picasso) and a new front tire that I can provide. Selling only to purchase new wheels for another bike.
Campagnolo 9 speed Mirage Shifters, Campagnolo Veloce rear derailuer, Campagnolo Mirage front derailuer and Campagnolo Mirage triple cranks. Bianchi wheel with Campagnolo rear hub. Mavic front wheel with Shimano 600 hub. Shimano 600 brakes.
#8136
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Has this been posted before? I mean the ad has been up for a month, price seems reasonable. What am I missing? If it were my size I would be really tempted.
https://raleigh.craigslist.org/bik/d...065388259.html
Older bike but rides like new. It’s needs a bath (it’s not a Picasso) and a new front tire that I can provide. Selling only to purchase new wheels for another bike.
Campagnolo 9 speed Mirage Shifters, Campagnolo Veloce rear derailuer, Campagnolo Mirage front derailuer and Campagnolo Mirage triple cranks. Bianchi wheel with Campagnolo rear hub. Mavic front wheel with Shimano 600 hub. Shimano 600 brakes.
https://raleigh.craigslist.org/bik/d...065388259.html
Centurion Prestige Road bike 56cm Tange Cr-Mo steel - $180
Centurion Prestige Road bike. 56 cm Tange Cr-Mo double butted tubing frame & fork. Good for riders 5’ 8” up to 5’ 10”. Pending pant inseamOlder bike but rides like new. It’s needs a bath (it’s not a Picasso) and a new front tire that I can provide. Selling only to purchase new wheels for another bike.
Campagnolo 9 speed Mirage Shifters, Campagnolo Veloce rear derailuer, Campagnolo Mirage front derailuer and Campagnolo Mirage triple cranks. Bianchi wheel with Campagnolo rear hub. Mavic front wheel with Shimano 600 hub. Shimano 600 brakes.
#8137
Me duelen las nalgas
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That Prestige is tempting. My size too. But I have a feeling my apartment manager would have a conniption if I brought another bike home.
#8138
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For the Texas chapter, the wife attended a wedding in Waxahachie yesterday. It was held at a place called the Vine Barn. The bride lives in Crawford.
#8139
Senior Member
You should've made the trip then you and I could've rode. I'd a let you borrow an Ironman. Man it was beautiful weather yesterday too. Sunny and 75. Maybe next time.
#8140
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I had to stay home with the kids. A senior and a sophomore. Both had conflicting activities, so I was a chauffer.
#8141
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These Centurion Ironman are pretty awesome, were there years that were more desirable than others (Paint scheme aside)? the Miami Vice is my favorite!
#8142
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On the bike front, I built the Turbo with Suntour barcons. I had acquired a couple of sets and the Shimanos are on other bikes. I've been riding I around without bar tape until I decided if the Suntour barcons were keepers on that particular bike. I decided this weekend and also got a vision for the finished look. Since the beloved Sun ME14A rims only come in black, I need suggestions for decent silver rims. I already have some CR18s. I was going to order some Mavic Open Elites, but some reviewers said they are soft and flimsy. What say IM Nation?
#8143
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I'm not getting any closer to an 86 Lavender Prestige, but I did pick up another bike with a color that is kind of close. I need suggestions for cable/bar tape color. I think gold metal cable would look good but not bar tape. What say the IM Nation again? I would post the bike, but it's not a Centurion. Here's a little bit of the frame. The brand decals are black with a gold/yellow outline.
Last edited by seypat; 03-01-20 at 07:57 PM.
#8144
Senior Member
I think it just comes down to personal taste as far as desirability. I think that's why I have my favorite one of each year offered....well except for '85. But someday I'll have it too.
Last edited by texaspandj; 03-01-20 at 07:15 PM.
#8145
Just call me Carrie
Nice looking business cards you got there.
If it wasn't Texas and I hadn't convinced my husband to go to Disney last week (we took the kids, of course), I might just load up Bandit and race ya.
Amazing build. I'm so thrilled. What's the status on that seat post?
If it wasn't Texas and I hadn't convinced my husband to go to Disney last week (we took the kids, of course), I might just load up Bandit and race ya.
Amazing build. I'm so thrilled. What's the status on that seat post?
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I was going to have a good signature but apparently I'm too verbose.
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#8146
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Seat post and frame are mates. It will not be an amicable break up. Time will tell. They are both doing drugs....so there is hope.
I may switch wheels to red spoked Bontager Race XXX Lites. I mean, red spokes...they are coming in on a different bike, an Italian carbon, and Do Not Belong On That.
Time heals wounds and re-organizes bike builds.
I may switch wheels to red spoked Bontager Race XXX Lites. I mean, red spokes...they are coming in on a different bike, an Italian carbon, and Do Not Belong On That.
Time heals wounds and re-organizes bike builds.
Last edited by RobbieTunes; 03-02-20 at 08:36 PM.
#8147
Just call me Carrie
Is it horrible of me to say, “thank goodness it wasn’t just my inexperience that led me to believe that post was truly *stuck*”?
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I was going to have a good signature but apparently I'm too verbose.
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#8149
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Bumping this one so the Triple IM OP can introduce himself.
#8150
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Looks like Hotter'n'Hell is a go. I have registered and have a room and a bike in the works, inspired by TXSailor's 'Haze.
Red wrap will suffice. Black housing, but red RD housing.
Innicycle headset/steerer.
Now THAT's a unicrown.... (UniCROWN, Pat ...don't get excited...)
Red wrap will suffice. Black housing, but red RD housing.
Innicycle headset/steerer.
Now THAT's a unicrown.... (UniCROWN, Pat ...don't get excited...)