Post your Centurion Ironman.. For the love of 80s paint jobs!
#7876
Me duelen las nalgas
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Texas
Posts: 13,513
Bikes: Centurion Ironman, Trek 5900, Univega Via Carisma, Globe Carmel
Mentioned: 199 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4560 Post(s)
Liked 2,802 Times
in
1,800 Posts
Well a new year and new decade coming yet same old me. But wait, actually my plans for the coming fitness year have changed some. Initially I was gonna concentrate on winning a trophy in the grand masters category of our local triathlon in July. However, I've decided instead to get into Fight Fit shape. And I'll let the cards play out as they may in our local triathlon. For me fight shape means being able to go three 5 minute rounds grappling, three 5 minute rounds boxing, and three 5 minute rounds kickboxing consecutively. Basically just getting back in shape for wherever the fight goes. I basically just teach more of that than apply it and I want to apply it more. It's just what's more important to me personally right now. Not only is it my livelihood but it's my passion.
I'll still continue running/roadwork and biking. But my cycling will be at a higher intensity. Making each ride count, do less junk miles. Honestly I enjoy the work. Tempo ride, endurance ride , and interval/speed work will be all I'm doing. I think my interval work will be with group rides. I seem to do intervals with group rides whether I want to or not.
What are your plans Ironkids?
Happy New Year....and don't forget to grease your seatpost.
I'll still continue running/roadwork and biking. But my cycling will be at a higher intensity. Making each ride count, do less junk miles. Honestly I enjoy the work. Tempo ride, endurance ride , and interval/speed work will be all I'm doing. I think my interval work will be with group rides. I seem to do intervals with group rides whether I want to or not.
What are your plans Ironkids?
Happy New Year....and don't forget to grease your seatpost.
In cycling I've modified my training approach. For a couple of years I focused on spinning, mostly out of concern for my knees. I've avoided the knee injuries and joint deterioration that plagued most of my family. My few knee injuries healed quickly without surgery.
But I finally realized I was plateaued in conditioning. Even doing HIIT on the trainer with cadence up to 160 rpm I wasn't improving. I'd hit my aerobic capacity, which is never gonna improve (too many bouts with respiratory illnesses as a kid).
So in late summer 2019 I switched to more low cadence drills, mashing the biggest gears I could push. I started carefully to ensure I maintained good ergonomic form. I gradually worked up to standing to pedal for longer distances. At first I struggled to stand and pedal for longer than 15 seconds at a time. By now on good days I can stand to pedal at a moderate effort for up to a half-mile 2% grade (plenty of those in my immediate neighborhood). By early December I was doing entire 90 minute, 25 mile rides averaging 60 rpm and mashing bigger gears.
That finally got me past that plateau. I've gone from averaging 15-16 mph overall on longer rides to 17-18 mph. Mashing bigger gears at lower cadence keeps my heart rate well below threshold. I'm recovering quicker between hard efforts, not getting gassed out and gasping for breath, and on good days keeping up with younger riders.
And now I know why Merckx and old school cyclists did the rock 'n' roll, with plenty of body English and torso movement to keep up that momentum, especially on climbs. It's almost impossible to mash big gears at slower cadence and not rock around a bit, especially if you weigh less than around 175 lbs.
#7878
Full Member
Any love for the 84 turbo I picked up tonight for a cool 100?
It's really clean and in original condition sans tires and seat.
just the ad pic now. It's in my trunk at work.
It's really clean and in original condition sans tires and seat.
just the ad pic now. It's in my trunk at work.
Likes For norcalmike:
#7879
Senior Member
Looks great and I'll bet it rides the same. I'd have jumped on that deal too!
#7880
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,515
Mentioned: 69 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3241 Post(s)
Liked 2,512 Times
in
1,510 Posts
Sweet! Extra sweetness for only having to part with a single Benjamin. I am shocked just like Benjamin was.
#7881
Full Member
I spend an unnatural amount of time searching for 100 dollar classics. Honest ones too. I avoid the sketchy ones. He was a real nice guy with unfortunate medical issues. He couldn't ride it anymore. I promised it would be preserved and cared for just like he did.
#7882
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 4,704
Bikes: 82 Medici, 2011 Richard Sachs, 2011 Milwaukee Road
Mentioned: 55 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1949 Post(s)
Liked 2,010 Times
in
1,109 Posts
Nice score. I luv my '84 Turbo even though the paint is a bit beat up. Mine is a 24" with a 57cm CTC top tube. Yours looks like a 22" measured in the Centurion fashion CTT. When you get a chance, I'd like to know your top tube measure. Got to love that bronze treatment on the components and I wonder why they didn't use bronze colored Arayas.
__________________
I don't do: disks, tubeless, e-shifting, or bead head nymphs.
I don't do: disks, tubeless, e-shifting, or bead head nymphs.
#7883
Full Member
Nice score. I luv my '84 Turbo even though the paint is a bit beat up. Mine is a 24" with a 57cm CTC top tube. Yours looks like a 22" measured in the Centurion fashion CTT. When you get a chance, I'd like to know your top tube measure. Got to love that bronze treatment on the components and I wonder why they didn't use bronze colored Arayas.
Its definitely a bit small for me as I prefer 23s or 58s but maybe wider bars and longer stem will make it work.
I really love the anodized hubs
#7884
Senior Member
When I get home in the morning I will take measurements and better pics. this one has some scuffs and scratches here and there. the levers have some good rash.
Its definitely a bit small for me as I prefer 23s or 58s but maybe wider bars and longer stem will make it work.
I really love the anodized hubs
Its definitely a bit small for me as I prefer 23s or 58s but maybe wider bars and longer stem will make it work.
I really love the anodized hubs
#7885
Full Member
I have a couple of bigger bikes. I love the long reach. It feels good. I just had to get over the higher stand over.
Likes For RobbieTunes:
#7887
Full Member
Pulled a spare Rolls off the shelf and made a height adjustment.
there are some loose spokes and wheels are out of true. As soon as I find my spoke wrench I'll remedy that.
I don't want to test ride until then.
I wish it was a 23 but it's so cool I'm gonna tough it out.
there are some loose spokes and wheels are out of true. As soon as I find my spoke wrench I'll remedy that.
I don't want to test ride until then.
I wish it was a 23 but it's so cool I'm gonna tough it out.
#7888
Senior Member
Pulled a spare Rolls off the shelf and made a height adjustment.
there are some loose spokes and wheels are out of true. As soon as I find my spoke wrench I'll remedy that.
I don't want to test ride until then.
I wish it was a 23 but it's so cool I'm gonna tough it out.
there are some loose spokes and wheels are out of true. As soon as I find my spoke wrench I'll remedy that.
I don't want to test ride until then.
I wish it was a 23 but it's so cool I'm gonna tough it out.
#7889
Just call me Carrie
I'm seeing several Centurion Elite RS and Cavaletto bikes show up in my local listings for what I would consider a decent price (~$150). Where do those fall in the Centurion hierarchy?
Not that I need another bike, but there are empty spots in the rack...and I haven't come across a Bridgestone or Panasonic for my husband. He doesn't know I'm getting a road bike for him.
Not that I need another bike, but there are empty spots in the rack...and I haven't come across a Bridgestone or Panasonic for my husband. He doesn't know I'm getting a road bike for him.
__________________
I was going to have a good signature but apparently I'm too verbose.
I was going to have a good signature but apparently I'm too verbose.
Last edited by TriBiker19; 01-04-20 at 09:45 AM.
#7890
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Seattle WA
Posts: 2,841
Bikes: 2009 Handsome Devil, 1987 Trek 520 Cirrus, 1978 Motobecane Grand Touring, 1987 Nishiki Cresta GT, 1989 Specialized Allez Former bikes; 1986 Miyata Trail Runner, 1979 Miyata 912, 2011 VO Rando, 1999 Cannondale R800, 1986 Schwinn Passage
Mentioned: 72 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 796 Post(s)
Liked 522 Times
in
367 Posts
I'm seeing several Centurion Elite RS bikes show up in my local listings for what I would consider a decent price (~$150). Where do those fall in the Centurion hierarchy?
Not that I need another bike, but there are empty spots in the rack...and I haven't come across a Bridgestone or Panasonic for my husband. He doesn't know I'm getting a road bike for him.
Not that I need another bike, but there are empty spots in the rack...and I haven't come across a Bridgestone or Panasonic for my husband. He doesn't know I'm getting a road bike for him.
#7891
Just call me Carrie
I am no expert but according to the 86 catalog The Elite RS comes after the IM with Tange 2 tubing and Shimano 600 components. If you are considering Japanese Steel for the Hubs then Miyata, Nishiki and Specialized also made some great steel bikes BITD as well.
https://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/bi...048892256.html
__________________
I was going to have a good signature but apparently I'm too verbose.
I was going to have a good signature but apparently I'm too verbose.
#7892
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 2,321
Mentioned: 35 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 767 Post(s)
Liked 1,898 Times
in
889 Posts
Here is the EliteRS/Super page from Vintage Centurion:
Centurion Elite RS/Super
Seem like pretty decent bikes. I'd be glad to give one a go.
The Cavaletto was lower end.
Centurion Elite RS/Super
Seem like pretty decent bikes. I'd be glad to give one a go.
The Cavaletto was lower end.
#7893
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Madison, WI USA
Posts: 6,154
Mentioned: 50 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2363 Post(s)
Liked 1,749 Times
in
1,191 Posts
This is the one that I'm looking at. I hate that there are no closer pictures, though.
https://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/bi...048892256.html
https://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/bi...048892256.html
Likes For madpogue:
#7894
Full Member
#7895
Just call me Carrie
Here is the EliteRS/Super page from Vintage Centurion:
Centurion Elite RS/Super
Seem like pretty decent bikes. I'd be glad to give one a go.
The Cavaletto was lower end.
Centurion Elite RS/Super
Seem like pretty decent bikes. I'd be glad to give one a go.
The Cavaletto was lower end.
__________________
I was going to have a good signature but apparently I'm too verbose.
I was going to have a good signature but apparently I'm too verbose.
#7896
Full Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Worcester, Massachusetts
Posts: 308
Bikes: Fuji Sportif 1.7C, Shogun Metro AT, Jamis Durango SX, Miyata Alumicross, Fuji Special Road Racer, Mongoose ATB, Fuji SST 1.0 Team, Gitane (?), Specialized Rockhopper SS, Univega Gran Turismo, Univega Supra Sport Mixte, Nishiki Tri-A, Diamondback Coil
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 82 Post(s)
Liked 141 Times
in
78 Posts
Picked up this Ironman yesterday for $30. I'm not usually one to haggle, he was initially asking for $50 but the more I looked the more issues I noticed. It's my first Centurion. It seems to be all-original, and has a full Shimano 600 6-speed group save for a pair of Dia-Compe brake levers. There are no dents or cracks but the paint is really not in great shape, and the seatpost was stuck (I was able to get it going with some moderate effort without damaging the post). The 600 pedals must have been neat at some point but these look like they are too far gone. I am loving the Araya gold rims but there are some rusted spoke nipples that will need to be addressed. The hubs and bottom bracket are in decent enough shape; I've seen a lot worse with other projects. The (I'm guessing) original chain passed both sides of the Park Tool chain checker test, so the freewheel and crankset are probably good to go; they certainly present well. The Turbo saddle is a little scruffy but again, not the worst I've seen.
My gut is telling me it needs a strip and repaint, but I kinda just want to get it sorted and ride it for a bit before making that decision. If I did I probably wouldn't recreate the original paint/decal setup, which would make me feel weird, given the Ironman's iconic color schemes. I have no problem with a little patina, though, and I'll probably do some touch up and maybe a spray of clearcoat to get it back on the road. It's a 56, I think. From what I've read about Ironman sizing, they sold them in even increments, and this one measures 55.8 cm from center to top-of-seatpost.
It's currently stripped down to the frame, which was sprayed on the inside with WD-40 and coated on the outside in a Barkeeper's Friend paste to get going on those rust spots. I'm looking forward to a winter project, and I'm looking forward to riding it--I read all the Ironman posts around here with interest. They seem very highly regarded. I haven't really been out looking for an Ironman, but I was happy to have this rough-around-the-edges example fall in my lap.
Centurion Ironman by Eat More Plants1, on Flickr
Centurion Ironman by Eat More Plants1, on Flickr
Centurion Ironman by Eat More Plants1, on Flickr
Centurion Ironman by Eat More Plants1, on Flickr
My gut is telling me it needs a strip and repaint, but I kinda just want to get it sorted and ride it for a bit before making that decision. If I did I probably wouldn't recreate the original paint/decal setup, which would make me feel weird, given the Ironman's iconic color schemes. I have no problem with a little patina, though, and I'll probably do some touch up and maybe a spray of clearcoat to get it back on the road. It's a 56, I think. From what I've read about Ironman sizing, they sold them in even increments, and this one measures 55.8 cm from center to top-of-seatpost.
It's currently stripped down to the frame, which was sprayed on the inside with WD-40 and coated on the outside in a Barkeeper's Friend paste to get going on those rust spots. I'm looking forward to a winter project, and I'm looking forward to riding it--I read all the Ironman posts around here with interest. They seem very highly regarded. I haven't really been out looking for an Ironman, but I was happy to have this rough-around-the-edges example fall in my lap.
Centurion Ironman by Eat More Plants1, on Flickr
Centurion Ironman by Eat More Plants1, on Flickr
Centurion Ironman by Eat More Plants1, on Flickr
Centurion Ironman by Eat More Plants1, on Flickr
Last edited by PugRider; 01-12-20 at 07:40 PM. Reason: Grammar
Likes For PugRider:
#7897
Just call me Carrie
I'm jealous, if your bike had been a little smaller, I'd be asking you if you'd be willing to part with it for a multiple of the price you paid. I love my Centurions! The folks here are fabulous. Truly.
I think that's an '86?
__________________
I was going to have a good signature but apparently I'm too verbose.
I was going to have a good signature but apparently I'm too verbose.
Likes For TriBiker19:
#7898
Full Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Worcester, Massachusetts
Posts: 308
Bikes: Fuji Sportif 1.7C, Shogun Metro AT, Jamis Durango SX, Miyata Alumicross, Fuji Special Road Racer, Mongoose ATB, Fuji SST 1.0 Team, Gitane (?), Specialized Rockhopper SS, Univega Gran Turismo, Univega Supra Sport Mixte, Nishiki Tri-A, Diamondback Coil
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 82 Post(s)
Liked 141 Times
in
78 Posts
Welcome to the group! I'm just north of you in the Gardner area.
I'm jealous, if your bike had been a little smaller, I'd be asking you if you'd be willing to part with it for a multiple of the price you paid. I love my Centurions! The folks here are fabulous. Truly.
I think that's an '86?
I'm jealous, if your bike had been a little smaller, I'd be asking you if you'd be willing to part with it for a multiple of the price you paid. I love my Centurions! The folks here are fabulous. Truly.
I think that's an '86?
being a 6 speed I figured 85. Can’t wait to ride it!
#7899
aka: Dr. Cannondale
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 7,733
Mentioned: 234 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2155 Post(s)
Liked 3,404 Times
in
1,205 Posts
Yep, it's an 86. 85's were friction shifting 600. Has the much prettier fork crown, too.
The DC levers were OEM, guess the Shimano levers were either unavailable or too 'spensive to include. BTW, I have excellent examples of both the 6208 (non aero) and 6209 (aero, in same bronze finish) levers, either of which could have been spec'd with that 6208 group if Centurion had been willing to pony up. Excellent hoods on 'em, too.
If you like those pedals, I can send you a nice pair, prolly with toe clips and straps. Might be 105's instead of 600's but they look and work the same.
The DC levers were OEM, guess the Shimano levers were either unavailable or too 'spensive to include. BTW, I have excellent examples of both the 6208 (non aero) and 6209 (aero, in same bronze finish) levers, either of which could have been spec'd with that 6208 group if Centurion had been willing to pony up. Excellent hoods on 'em, too.
If you like those pedals, I can send you a nice pair, prolly with toe clips and straps. Might be 105's instead of 600's but they look and work the same.
__________________
Hard at work in the Secret Underground Laboratory...
Hard at work in the Secret Underground Laboratory...
#7900
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Madison, WI USA
Posts: 6,154
Mentioned: 50 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2363 Post(s)
Liked 1,749 Times
in
1,191 Posts
+1 on the '86, good catch on TriBiker19's part. The specs match my '86, right down to the Aero Gran Compe brake levers. I think it was mentioned somewhere way up-thread that the Shimano 600 aero levers weren't quite ready for the '86 model year rollout.
Also, I think it's a 54cm. Mine's a 56, and it has a finger-width or so more head tube. RobbieTunes has one or two (or ten or...) 54s, so he might have a better sense visually.
Tough call on the finish. Yeah, it's one of the rougher ones seen here. OTOH, those graphics may not be much fun to match.
And yes, without poring over the >8000 posts in this thread, I'd be willing to bet a nickel you win the award for the best effing deal on one of these yet.
Also, I think it's a 54cm. Mine's a 56, and it has a finger-width or so more head tube. RobbieTunes has one or two (or ten or...) 54s, so he might have a better sense visually.
Tough call on the finish. Yeah, it's one of the rougher ones seen here. OTOH, those graphics may not be much fun to match.
And yes, without poring over the >8000 posts in this thread, I'd be willing to bet a nickel you win the award for the best effing deal on one of these yet.
Last edited by madpogue; 01-12-20 at 11:06 PM.