Ironman Information Thread
#451
Senior Member
If the small sample of the pictures is any indication, I would find a friend or a coop. Rear derailleur needs a little attention too. Without seeing other pictures, I think the safe assumption is all the general maintenance, consumables, bearings, need attention. Not a huge endeavor, unless you can't do it yourself. Hence, finding a friend
Also I don’t think those are tubular rims. Assume new tires and tubes will be needed. I have been very happy with Continental Grand Prix. I would go with 25mm width. There are more expensive tires and maybe marginally better, but those are very good value.
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/...e/rp-prod78421
(edit) It looks like there is a coop in Keene. Is that close?
https://www.bikecollectives.org/wiki..._Bicycle_Co-op
Last edited by due ruote; 09-26-19 at 08:59 AM.
#452
Just call me Carrie
This is good advice.
Also I don’t think those are tubular rims. Assume new tires and tubes will be needed. I have been very happy with Continental Grand Prix. I would go with 25mm width. There are more expensive tires and maybe marginally better, but those are very good value.
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/...e/rp-prod78421
(edit) It looks like there is a coop in Keene. Is that close?
https://www.bikecollectives.org/wiki..._Bicycle_Co-op
Also I don’t think those are tubular rims. Assume new tires and tubes will be needed. I have been very happy with Continental Grand Prix. I would go with 25mm width. There are more expensive tires and maybe marginally better, but those are very good value.
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/...e/rp-prod78421
(edit) It looks like there is a coop in Keene. Is that close?
https://www.bikecollectives.org/wiki..._Bicycle_Co-op
I have a set of Panaracer Catalyst Sport tires for it and new tubes that I ordered a couple weeks ago.
#453
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I just picked up an ‘87 Expert MV for a pretty decent price. It’s mostly stock but needs a couple things to bring it to fully original. I will have to decide whether to do the original thing or whether to make it more rider friendly. But I need to do a bit of cosmetic touch-up on the finish. I’ve read all the posts on this thread, and a few if you have hinted at some paint possibilities. Have any of you found some accurate color sources for the magenta/gold paint job. If there’s nothing out there, I’ll just start doing the nail polish dance until I get the right combo. Looking forward to working on this gem this winter!
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#454
Senior Member
I just picked up an ‘87 Expert MV for a pretty decent price. It’s mostly stock but needs a couple things to bring it to fully original. I will have to decide whether to do the original thing or whether to make it more rider friendly. But I need to do a bit of cosmetic touch-up on the finish. I’ve read all the posts on this thread, and a few if you have hinted at some paint possibilities. Have any of you found some accurate color sources for the magenta/gold paint job. If there’s nothing out there, I’ll just start doing the nail polish dance until I get the right combo. Looking forward to working on this gem this winter!
#455
Just call me Carrie
I went to my local auto body shop and asked them to color-match the paint on mine before I started anything. That was when I thought I'd be doing work on it.
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#456
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Do I need to replace this chain or how can I get it to better condition? And is there anything I need to do with the cassette besides cleaning it? I was planning on swapping the tires from the tubeless (at least that's what I think they are) to presta stem tubes with new tires--will that cause issues?
#458
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Does anyone know what kind of carbon weave they used on the carbon bike?
Don't have any reference to be able to tell. One of the chain stays on mine has been rubbed by the (too big) chain ring, I might try my hand at fixing it, seeing as this looks like it will turn into an all winter project.
Don't have any reference to be able to tell. One of the chain stays on mine has been rubbed by the (too big) chain ring, I might try my hand at fixing it, seeing as this looks like it will turn into an all winter project.
#459
Just call me Carrie
It's still an issue, but it's not going to be *my* issue... It'll be going to someone who knows vast amounts more than I.
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Last edited by TriBiker19; 10-02-19 at 05:39 PM. Reason: grammar
#460
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Thanks for all the information in this post. I have an 87 “Miami vice” Ironman and didn’t realize how many of the parts have been upgraded. I got it second hand around 1996. I’ll need to post in the valuation forum to get some help figuring out how much the parts are worth.
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#461
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Picked up a red/white '86 (?) this weekend. Serial number begins N5M, but it's definitely an '86 bike, by the livery and build. Edit - remainder of post moved to the "Love of '80s colors" thread.
Last edited by madpogue; 10-14-19 at 12:30 PM.
#462
Just call me Carrie
Just the accountant rambling...
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#464
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Funny, I looked at a 88 with an 87 Serial (N7L), oddly, also red and white. Maybe they were the first ones off the line in the new year? I wonder if certain colors sold better at certain times of the year or when the production releases were.
Just the accountant rambling...
Just the accountant rambling...
We only let accountants in if they promise to ride Ironman bikes.
By the way, it's boxed, and curing (to make sure the tape holds).
#465
Just call me Carrie
Thanks for the update. I'm being patient.
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#466
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I found an 87 IM expert on CL for $250. I think it's a little high. A few rough paint spots, rusted chain and cassette looks beat up. Needs tires, hoods and bar tape. Red/white color scheme. Looks like a fun restoration project. Any helpful nuggets of wisdom before I go and try to negotiate? I've been wanting an IM since they came out. Never could afford one but always wanted one.
#467
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I found an 87 IM expert on CL for $250. I think it's a little high. A few rough paint spots, rusted chain and cassette looks beat up. Needs tires, hoods and bar tape. Red/white color scheme. Looks like a fun restoration project. Any helpful nuggets of wisdom before I go and try to negotiate? I've been wanting an IM since they came out. Never could afford one but always wanted one.
Here in Texas I paid something like $200-$220 for an '89 Expert in excellent condition with, as far as I could tell, all original Suntour GPX group components including the Suntour chain. Original white hoods are still in great shape. Only the tires were non-original -- new and decent not great Vittoria Zaffiros. The bike was ride-worthy as-is and I did so for months before replacing the tires. A little at a time I've replaced or swapped parts around -- cables and housings, brake pads (the original Suntour pads were still good after decades), freewheel (I like SunRace chromed 13-25 and 13-28, I think it's the MFR30 and MFM30), and Vuelta chainrings, 50/39 and 38, just for easier climbing without sacrificing much top end speed other than on downhills.
BTW, the Suntour chain was definitely not one of their highlights and I quickly replaced it. But I cleaned and waxed the Suntour chain for posterity. It's in a ziplock bag for ... whatever. Might give it to a friend or collector who happens to want it. I mostly use KMC chains.
And a year later the same fellow I bought it from had another identical Ironman in even better shape for only $200. I hemmed and hawed and hesitated and it was gone by the time I made up my mind to buy it. Kicking myself over letting that one go.
When I see an Ironman for sale in Dallas to our east they sometimes ask higher prices, but I'd be surprised if anyone actually pays $300-$500. There's no shortage of good 1980s steel road bikes here and Centurion isn't in as much demand as Trek and other more familiar names. I also see some Diamondback road bikes from the early 1990s, nearly identical to the Centurions although the frames reportedly weren't quite as nice. Those Diamondbacks usually sell for $200 or less even in top notch condition. I've considered getting one just to dedicate to indoor trainer use.
#468
Junior Member
Thanks Cankle...The hoods and bar tape are mainly just dirty. I also like KMC chains so that won't be a big deal to replace. There aren't too many IM's around the PNW right now. I think the bike mainly just needs a thorough cleaning and some general maintenance other than the tires. I'll put on my own pedals. This is a bike I wanted so bad when it first came out but couldn't afford it. I was thinking of offering about $185 and see how far his jaw drops.
Update:
Went and looked at the bike today. Ended up taking it home for $200. It was actually cleaner in person than the pictures I received. It just needs a thorough cleaning. My wife says to keep it the way it is because it's a 32 year old vintage bike. I am leaning towards putting on new white tape and hoods.
Last edited by Hackman61; 11-03-19 at 10:49 PM.
#469
Junior Member
Say...the chain on my 87 IM Expert has a link that is super stiff. If I want to just replace the chain which one do I go with? It's 6 speed Shimano 105. KMC or Shimano? I'm thinking the KMC Z51/Z8 chain. That should work shouldn't it?
#470
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The KMC chain is a good replacement. They make several different chains for 6-7-8 speed drivetrains.
The SRAM 830-850-870 chains are also very good.
Both brands come with quick release connectors.
The SRAM 830-850-870 chains are also very good.
Both brands come with quick release connectors.
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#472
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#473
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Ditto, KMC chains, although I reuse the Missing Links so often they can be taken apart with just my fingers. I've probably popped 'em apart and reused 'em a dozen or more times each. So far, so good, haven't had a quick link pop open unexpectedly. Only problem with the original Missing Link design was you needed a tool of some kind until the metal wore just a little on the Missing Links. I supposed it could be "tuned" by filing the engagement surfaces just a tiny bit.
I'm sure KMC wouldn't approve but that's the only hitch with the original Missing Links. They aren't "quick links" until they're worn a bit or unless you tote a tool to get 'em apart.
I'm sure KMC wouldn't approve but that's the only hitch with the original Missing Links. They aren't "quick links" until they're worn a bit or unless you tote a tool to get 'em apart.
#474
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^^^^^ Isn't there a thread here on how to use the wire part of a spring-y office binder clip as a "plier" to unlock one of those KMC not-so-quick links? Or is it an RJ youtube video?
#475
Junior Member
Hey fellas...I have a question. What color is the red on the 1987 Ironman Expert? (Don't say red.) I'm kind of color blind and different shades of color give me a hard time. I'm thinking kind of a fire engine red. I'm looking for red water bottle cages that would match the Ironman Red. I ordered some and when it arrived it was more like a candy apple red. Didn't match at all. I know this is a really small problem, but it bugs me if the reds don't match. Thanks for any help.
So I tried Testors Gloss red and it's a little brighter than the Ironman red. Any other ideas on matching the color? I'm stumped.
So I tried Testors Gloss red and it's a little brighter than the Ironman red. Any other ideas on matching the color? I'm stumped.
Last edited by Hackman61; 11-24-19 at 05:51 PM.