frantik

someone had their terry IM stolen https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/bik/3971870751.html

RobbieTunes

Should be a bit easier to spot and recover.

ctmpkmlec4

I purchased a used stationary training stand from a local seller. For $20 she included the Ironman, too. I had never heard of this model/brand of bike, so I did some research and found myself here. Aside from the bar tape, tubes, and tires, I believe this bike is all stock. It has the full Suntour GPX group, so I'm fairly certain it's an '89. It's in great shape for its age. I counted 8 cogs on the rear cassette; I thought these were 7 speed bikes. The frame needs a little touch-up in a few places, and the bike needs tuned overall. I adjusted the rear derailleur myself and I'm surprised at how well it shifts. My mother's '90 Fuji Ace with Suntour Blaze is finicky at best. I would like to replace the white hoods with black ones. Can anyone suggest hoods that fit the GPX levers?

revchuck 

If you think it shifts well, wait until you take it for a ride. Mine's a magic carpet.

tom25

A hard to find Black Ironman for $20, ride it like you stole it! (You did!)
Have fun they are great bikes.

ctmpkmlec4

I took it around the block. I don't want to ride it far without having my LBS service it. You're right; must be something to do with the Cr-Mo frame. It rides like a dream. Gonna have to get used to the downtube shifters, though. I have considered new Shimano components, but the bike is too cool (in my opinion) to deviate from the stock setup.

ctmpkmlec4

Like I said, I had no idea what I was getting when I bought it. I was mainly in it for the stand. After doing some research, I've found these bikes have a bit of a cult following, so I know I lucked out. Lol, I kinda feel like a thief; evidently the seller didn't know what she had (she said it was her husband's old road bike, maybe she was just mad at him?). As they say: "One man's trash is another's treasure."

Thumpic

I sold a black one last month for 3 bills......original hoods needed a significant cleaning but were usable....toothbrush and "awesome" brand cleaner........I never found replacements except attached to levers.....fairly pricey.......GPX group performed flawlessly.....

ctmpkmlec4

Wow. For the $20 asking price, I was expecting something junky. Looks like I could flip it for an insane profit without really putting much work into it. I am strongly leaning toward keeping the bike, though. I did get the original hoods to clean up well, but it won't be long before they get dirty again. And, I don't really like the look of white tape and white hoods on an otherwise black bike. Maybe it'll grow on me. I ordered some white/black "camo-looking" tape to replace the yellow/black tape. Next item of business is to remove the stickers on the seat tube. It still has a sticker from the original retailer; someplace called "The Spoke" in Boulder, CO. If bikes could talk, I wonder what story it would tell.

RobbieTunes

Now you're talkin' Ironman.

I saw a 48cm '88 Expert on CL, and he referenced "the Centurion guru" on Bike Forums. I sent him a nice note, corrected the year and model. He replied with thanks........he thought I was T-Mar.

revchuck 

A lot of us, myself included, have done just that. I recycled a nine speed Tiagra group from another bike onto my '87. I had to have the rear wheel rebuilt with a hub that accepts cassettes rather than freewheels, but the modern bottom bracket spun right on. The frame is worth investing some money. You end up with the best of both worlds - the convenience of modern shifting and the ride of a high quality steel bike.

RobbieTunes

+1.

You're in high cotton either way.

cehowardGS

Dam, a rare black Ironman!!

shoota 

And be sure to get rid of the blue tires and that awful bartape. The bike deserves it

ctmpkmlec4

Lol! Will do. I've ordered new bar tape (white/black camo-like) and if I don't like it, I'll replace it with white. The seller included some old Continental tires. They were in terrible shape, so I just threw them away.

jimmuller 

Took this pic on my return commute today, the bike (an '87 Centurion Ironman) and an MBTA commuter train. Whodathunkit?

realestvin7

I see what you did there.

oddjob2

Man-oh-man, $20 for a black Ironman, Chapel's $50 Ironman Master from western Beantown suburbs......... I think I overpaid at $275, sans a saddle and tires.


Never had a bike depreciate so fast!!

peaches123

Can I play? Mine is not technically an Ironman. It is a Centurion Expert TG. I'm super excited, though, because it's my first bike since childhood!

Thumpic

Man!! Something about red bikes!!! That's gorgeous....

ctmpkmlec4

I'm sure it was a once-in-a-lifetime find. The seller lived in a town eight miles away, and I just happened to be at the right place at the right time. I currently have the Ironman attached to the training stand down in my basement. It was taken for a 22-mile ride several weeks ago; sadly, I'm not the one who rode it. Instead, I rode my Trek 2.1 and let my friend ride the Ironman. I would have been less upset at him possibly wrecking and ruining that bike vs. my Trek simply because of the money invested in each bike. Anyway, I got the Ironman all cleaned up. The blue tires are still on it. I'll replace them when they're completely worn. I rewrapped the bars with Cinelli cork, and I think I have found a set of Dia Compe brake hoods that might work with the GPX levers. For sure, it's an awesome vintage bike.

peaches123

Watch out for the mummy!

allysdad531

the japanese marques from 80s(fuji,centurion,nishiki,diamondback,panasonic et al)_ were great bikes ! in particular,i am speaking of mid range on up........the bike shop decal(the spoke" from colo. only adds to high cool factor of your bike........keep it on........nice bike

ctmpkmlec4

I agree, which is why that's the only sticker that stayed on the bike aside from the decals...

rccardr 

Recent re-build, '88 frame, all Shimano 600 except for the DT shifters- those are more robust 105's:



Anybody seen Robbie lately?