Post your Centurion Ironman.. For the love of 80s paint jobs!
01-23-19, 05:21 PM
#5952
Senior Member
https://cleveland.craigslist.org/bik...796874099.html for sale in Cleveland. Not mine, thought it looked in great shape.
01-23-19, 05:39 PM
#5953
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mswesti says I'm paranoid , sometimes I get this feeling I'm being stared at .
IMG_0193 by mark westi, on Flickr
IMG_0193 by mark westi, on Flickr
01-23-19, 10:03 PM
#5955
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Should I Leave It Alone?
First time posting a picture, so hopefully it shows.
I
I bought this all original 85/86 Ironman with Shimano 600 last April. I swapped out the handlebars and stem because of my long arms and lowered the gearing due to my affinity for hills. It is serving it's purpose well in helping me get a good workout, but I made the mistake of browsing through this thread and am now suffering from Ironman envy. As a result, I am wondering if there is something else I can do that would keep the low gearing and improve the looks.
It now has a 7 speed Shimano 14-28 freewheel and a Claris 50/34. I couldn't find any other compacts that would work with a 7 speed, but I'm not thrilled with how the Claris looks, which is prompting this post.
Is there a better looking compact crank that would work?
Do you think a triple would look better? (I have a Suntour V-GT Lux long cage derailleur)
What triple could I use without having to cold set the frame?
Or, should I just be happy with what I have as the Claris is an okay crank and doesn't look that bad?
Any suggestions will be appreciated! I wasn't sure if I should have posted this on the other Ironman thread, but since this is primarily about looks, I figured it would fit here.
These pictures have given me some great ideas for the bars, seat, etc. The color of the bike is not as catchy as others, but it is a solid bike and I like how it rides.
Brian
I
I bought this all original 85/86 Ironman with Shimano 600 last April. I swapped out the handlebars and stem because of my long arms and lowered the gearing due to my affinity for hills. It is serving it's purpose well in helping me get a good workout, but I made the mistake of browsing through this thread and am now suffering from Ironman envy. As a result, I am wondering if there is something else I can do that would keep the low gearing and improve the looks.
It now has a 7 speed Shimano 14-28 freewheel and a Claris 50/34. I couldn't find any other compacts that would work with a 7 speed, but I'm not thrilled with how the Claris looks, which is prompting this post.
Is there a better looking compact crank that would work?
Do you think a triple would look better? (I have a Suntour V-GT Lux long cage derailleur)
What triple could I use without having to cold set the frame?
Or, should I just be happy with what I have as the Claris is an okay crank and doesn't look that bad?
Any suggestions will be appreciated! I wasn't sure if I should have posted this on the other Ironman thread, but since this is primarily about looks, I figured it would fit here.
These pictures have given me some great ideas for the bars, seat, etc. The color of the bike is not as catchy as others, but it is a solid bike and I like how it rides.
Brian
01-24-19, 07:09 AM
#5956
Mr. Anachronism
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I bought this all original 85/86 Ironman with Shimano 600 last April. I swapped out the handlebars and stem because of my long arms and lowered the gearing due to my affinity for hills. It is serving it's purpose well in helping me get a good workout, but I made the mistake of browsing through this thread and am now suffering from Ironman envy. As a result, I am wondering if there is something else I can do that would keep the low gearing and improve the looks.
It now has a 7 speed Shimano 14-28 freewheel and a Claris 50/34. I couldn't find any other compacts that would work with a 7 speed, but I'm not thrilled with how the Claris looks, which is prompting this post.
Is there a better looking compact crank that would work?
Do you think a triple would look better? (I have a Suntour V-GT Lux long cage derailleur)
What triple could I use without having to cold set the frame?
Or, should I just be happy with what I have as the Claris is an okay crank and doesn't look that bad?
Any suggestions will be appreciated! I wasn't sure if I should have posted this on the other Ironman thread, but since this is primarily about looks, I figured it would fit here.
These pictures have given me some great ideas for the bars, seat, etc. The color of the bike is not as catchy as others, but it is a solid bike and I like how it rides.
Brian
It now has a 7 speed Shimano 14-28 freewheel and a Claris 50/34. I couldn't find any other compacts that would work with a 7 speed, but I'm not thrilled with how the Claris looks, which is prompting this post.
Is there a better looking compact crank that would work?
Do you think a triple would look better? (I have a Suntour V-GT Lux long cage derailleur)
What triple could I use without having to cold set the frame?
Or, should I just be happy with what I have as the Claris is an okay crank and doesn't look that bad?
Any suggestions will be appreciated! I wasn't sure if I should have posted this on the other Ironman thread, but since this is primarily about looks, I figured it would fit here.
These pictures have given me some great ideas for the bars, seat, etc. The color of the bike is not as catchy as others, but it is a solid bike and I like how it rides.
Brian
If you want something flashier, you could always look for one of the shouty ones. As for this one, ride it til the wheels fall off!
__________________
"My only true wisdom is in knowing I have none" -Socrates
"My only true wisdom is in knowing I have none" -Socrates
01-24-19, 07:36 AM
#5957
aka: Dr. Cannondale
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I am wondering if there is something else I can do that would keep the low gearing and improve the looks. It now has a 7 speed Shimano 14-28 freewheel and a Claris 50/34. I couldn't find any other compacts that would work with a 7 speed, but I'm not thrilled with how the Claris looks, which is prompting this post.
Is there a better looking compact crank that would work? Yes. Look for a Shimano Deore/MT/6206 triple crankset that's 110BCD, strip and polish it, and get a 110BCD 50/34 ring set for it. Much nicer looking, likely will use the original BB, and can be used as a triple (with a longer BB spindle) if you go mountain climbing.
Do you think a triple would look better? (I have a Suntour V-GT Lux long cage derailleur) Not to my eyes, but beauty is in the eye...
What triple could I use without having to cold set the frame? Any. No need to cold set the frame unless you are going larger than a 130 OLD rear hub.
Or, should I just be happy with what I have as the Claris is an okay crank and doesn't look that bad? It's an OK crank, but (to my eye) not attractive.
Any suggestions will be appreciated! While you're at it, you might consider going 9 or 10 speed, A 130 OLD rear wheel will budge in there just fine without cold setting, and 9/10 speed shifters will bolt right on in place of the 6 speed ones. The RD and FD will happily play with 10 speeds, as will the crankset (actually the crank will play nicely with anything from 6-10 speeds). The result is a bike that will easily keep up with most riders on most modern bikes:
I wasn't sure if I should have posted this on the other Ironman thread, but since this is primarily about looks, I figured it would fit here.
These pictures have given me some great ideas for the bars, seat, etc. The color of the bike is not as catchy as others, but it is a solid bike and I like how it rides. Actually, having owned, restored and ridden over a dozen Ironman bikes, that is my favorite year and color combo.
Is there a better looking compact crank that would work? Yes. Look for a Shimano Deore/MT/6206 triple crankset that's 110BCD, strip and polish it, and get a 110BCD 50/34 ring set for it. Much nicer looking, likely will use the original BB, and can be used as a triple (with a longer BB spindle) if you go mountain climbing.
Do you think a triple would look better? (I have a Suntour V-GT Lux long cage derailleur) Not to my eyes, but beauty is in the eye...
What triple could I use without having to cold set the frame? Any. No need to cold set the frame unless you are going larger than a 130 OLD rear hub.
Or, should I just be happy with what I have as the Claris is an okay crank and doesn't look that bad? It's an OK crank, but (to my eye) not attractive.
Any suggestions will be appreciated! While you're at it, you might consider going 9 or 10 speed, A 130 OLD rear wheel will budge in there just fine without cold setting, and 9/10 speed shifters will bolt right on in place of the 6 speed ones. The RD and FD will happily play with 10 speeds, as will the crankset (actually the crank will play nicely with anything from 6-10 speeds). The result is a bike that will easily keep up with most riders on most modern bikes:
I wasn't sure if I should have posted this on the other Ironman thread, but since this is primarily about looks, I figured it would fit here.
These pictures have given me some great ideas for the bars, seat, etc. The color of the bike is not as catchy as others, but it is a solid bike and I like how it rides. Actually, having owned, restored and ridden over a dozen Ironman bikes, that is my favorite year and color combo.
__________________
Hard at work in the Secret Underground Laboratory...
Hard at work in the Secret Underground Laboratory...
01-24-19, 08:16 AM
#5958
Senior Member
First time posting a picture, so hopefully it shows.
I
I bought this all original 85/86 Ironman with Shimano 600 last April. I swapped out the handlebars and stem because of my long arms and lowered the gearing due to my affinity for hills. It is serving it's purpose well in helping me get a good workout, but I made the mistake of browsing through this thread and am now suffering from Ironman envy. As a result, I am wondering if there is something else I can do that would keep the low gearing and improve the looks.
It now has a 7 speed Shimano 14-28 freewheel and a Claris 50/34. I couldn't find any other compacts that would work with a 7 speed, but I'm not thrilled with how the Claris looks, which is prompting this post.
Is there a better looking compact crank that would work?
Do you think a triple would look better? (I have a Suntour V-GT Lux long cage derailleur)
What triple could I use without having to cold set the frame?
Or, should I just be happy with what I have as the Claris is an okay crank and doesn't look that bad?
Any suggestions will be appreciated! I wasn't sure if I should have posted this on the other Ironman thread, but since this is primarily about looks, I figured it would fit here.
These pictures have given me some great ideas for the bars, seat, etc. The color of the bike is not as catchy as others, but it is a solid bike and I like how it rides.
Brian
I
I bought this all original 85/86 Ironman with Shimano 600 last April. I swapped out the handlebars and stem because of my long arms and lowered the gearing due to my affinity for hills. It is serving it's purpose well in helping me get a good workout, but I made the mistake of browsing through this thread and am now suffering from Ironman envy. As a result, I am wondering if there is something else I can do that would keep the low gearing and improve the looks.
It now has a 7 speed Shimano 14-28 freewheel and a Claris 50/34. I couldn't find any other compacts that would work with a 7 speed, but I'm not thrilled with how the Claris looks, which is prompting this post.
Is there a better looking compact crank that would work?
Do you think a triple would look better? (I have a Suntour V-GT Lux long cage derailleur)
What triple could I use without having to cold set the frame?
Or, should I just be happy with what I have as the Claris is an okay crank and doesn't look that bad?
Any suggestions will be appreciated! I wasn't sure if I should have posted this on the other Ironman thread, but since this is primarily about looks, I figured it would fit here.
These pictures have given me some great ideas for the bars, seat, etc. The color of the bike is not as catchy as others, but it is a solid bike and I like how it rides.
Brian
Your Ironman looks good however for me i think (although there are exceptions) generally if you have a black crakset the deraileurs, seatpost, stem should match. But then again "Looks Smooks" performance is where its at.
I heed the advice of the good Doc and look at back pages for inspiration. Personally i have yet to go the compact route as my surrounding terrain doesnt warrant it but it could happen and when it does ill make sure it matches the previous one but then again Looks Smooks.
01-24-19, 10:53 AM
#5959
Me duelen las nalgas
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First time posting a picture, so hopefully it shows.
I
I bought this all original 85/86 Ironman with Shimano 600 last April. I swapped out the handlebars and stem because of my long arms and lowered the gearing due to my affinity for hills. It is serving it's purpose well in helping me get a good workout, but I made the mistake of browsing through this thread and am now suffering from Ironman envy. As a result, I am wondering if there is something else I can do that would keep the low gearing and improve the looks.
It now has a 7 speed Shimano 14-28 freewheel and a Claris 50/34. I couldn't find any other compacts that would work with a 7 speed, but I'm not thrilled with how the Claris looks, which is prompting this post.
Is there a better looking compact crank that would work?
Do you think a triple would look better? (I have a Suntour V-GT Lux long cage derailleur)
What triple could I use without having to cold set the frame?
Or, should I just be happy with what I have as the Claris is an okay crank and doesn't look that bad?
Any suggestions will be appreciated! I wasn't sure if I should have posted this on the other Ironman thread, but since this is primarily about looks, I figured it would fit here.
These pictures have given me some great ideas for the bars, seat, etc. The color of the bike is not as catchy as others, but it is a solid bike and I like how it rides.
Brian
I
I bought this all original 85/86 Ironman with Shimano 600 last April. I swapped out the handlebars and stem because of my long arms and lowered the gearing due to my affinity for hills. It is serving it's purpose well in helping me get a good workout, but I made the mistake of browsing through this thread and am now suffering from Ironman envy. As a result, I am wondering if there is something else I can do that would keep the low gearing and improve the looks.
It now has a 7 speed Shimano 14-28 freewheel and a Claris 50/34. I couldn't find any other compacts that would work with a 7 speed, but I'm not thrilled with how the Claris looks, which is prompting this post.
Is there a better looking compact crank that would work?
Do you think a triple would look better? (I have a Suntour V-GT Lux long cage derailleur)
What triple could I use without having to cold set the frame?
Or, should I just be happy with what I have as the Claris is an okay crank and doesn't look that bad?
Any suggestions will be appreciated! I wasn't sure if I should have posted this on the other Ironman thread, but since this is primarily about looks, I figured it would fit here.
These pictures have given me some great ideas for the bars, seat, etc. The color of the bike is not as catchy as others, but it is a solid bike and I like how it rides.
Brian
I switched my Ironman from the original 52/42 chainrings to 50/39 Vuelta SE Plus; and freewheel from the original Suntour 13-24 to a SunRace 13-25. Easier on hills, but I'm spun out on my favorite fast downhill runs. Not a big deal, for now I'm recovering from injuries and illness so my main focus is improving hill climbs, not my top speed. Your 50/34 and 14-28 seems fine if it suits your terrain and fitness.
What handlebar is that? I like that bend and shorter drop length. That's one of the few remaining tweaks I'd like for my Ironman -- a handlebar with a flatter and shorter reach to the hoods, and shorter drop reach.
And what brake levers/hoods? Those look more comfy than the originals.
01-24-19, 11:38 AM
#5960
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I think it looks great, and a compact with a 28t tall gear works in a lot of places. That color scheme is a very nice bridge between the classy elegance of the early models to the "I'm here to party" brashness of the later 80's.
Super glad you're here, on the forum, and riding an Ironman. Only a few chosen people on this planet will be so lucky, and "know the deal."
Super glad you're here, on the forum, and riding an Ironman. Only a few chosen people on this planet will be so lucky, and "know the deal."
Last edited by RobbieTunes; 01-25-19 at 08:27 AM.
01-24-19, 12:06 PM
#5961
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Hey Brian , welcome to the party . I think your bike looks real good , black / black / black / black . Sometimes I like the tan walls but in your case black works so much better .
01-24-19, 11:41 PM
#5962
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rccardr - I figured I had to have the frame cold set to get the 9 or 10 speeds, thanks for letting me know a 130 old rear hub would work. I like your wheel setup, on the two bikes. What are they?
canklecat - The handlebars are Dajia Cycleworks and the brake levers are Origin8 since the originals didn't fit well on the new bars.
01-25-19, 01:51 AM
#5963
Me duelen las nalgas
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Ah, good to know. Both of those were already on my wish list. Now that I can see 'em on a bike, those bars and brakes are moving up from maybe to definitely someday soon.
01-25-19, 07:04 AM
#5964
aka: Dr. Cannondale
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rccardr - I figured I had to have the frame cold set to get the 9 or 10 speeds, thanks for letting me know a 130 old rear hub would work. I like your wheel setup, on the two bikes. What are they?
Recently finished a handbuilt set of Mavic Open Pro Elite rims laced to Shimano 5600 hubs with Sapim DB stainless spokes.
And ordered an 11-34 cassette.
And a vintage Deore 650 RD.
Anyone else see where this is going, as SOTR approaches?
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Hard at work in the Secret Underground Laboratory...
01-25-19, 07:44 AM
#5965
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If the IM's had came in a blueish/silver combo, like rccardr's 56 appeared to me, that would be my favorite color combo. Please post another pic of the 56. However, knowing it is grey/silver/charcoal, it still might be my favorite anyway. Super purdy!
Last edited by seypat; 01-25-19 at 08:14 AM.
01-25-19, 07:48 AM
#5966
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The 56 has Alex rims laced to Shimano 5600 hubs; the 58 has the original Araya anodized rims laced to 6208 hubs.
Recently finished a handbuilt set of Mavic Open Pro Elite rims laced to Shimano 5600 hubs with Sapim DB stainless spokes.
And ordered an 11-34 cassette.
And a vintage Deore 650 RD.
Anyone else see where this is going, as SOTR approaches?
Recently finished a handbuilt set of Mavic Open Pro Elite rims laced to Shimano 5600 hubs with Sapim DB stainless spokes.
And ordered an 11-34 cassette.
And a vintage Deore 650 RD.
Anyone else see where this is going, as SOTR approaches?
01-25-19, 07:54 AM
#5967
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Getting a lot of talk lately on triples, gearing and long cage RDs. That is great because it means people are keeping old bikes on the road. Let me get some things together, take/post some pictures/info and we can have a good discussion for people needing that info.
01-25-19, 08:16 AM
#5968
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First time posting a picture, so hopefully it shows.
I
I bought this all original 85/86 Ironman with Shimano 600 last April. I swapped out the handlebars and stem because of my long arms and lowered the gearing due to my affinity for hills. It is serving it's purpose well in helping me get a good workout, but I made the mistake of browsing through this thread and am now suffering from Ironman envy. As a result, I am wondering if there is something else I can do that would keep the low gearing and improve the looks.
It now has a 7 speed Shimano 14-28 freewheel and a Claris 50/34. I couldn't find any other compacts that would work with a 7 speed, but I'm not thrilled with how the Claris looks, which is prompting this post.
Is there a better looking compact crank that would work?
Do you think a triple would look better? (I have a Suntour V-GT Lux long cage derailleur)
What triple could I use without having to cold set the frame?
Or, should I just be happy with what I have as the Claris is an okay crank and doesn't look that bad?
Any suggestions will be appreciated! I wasn't sure if I should have posted this on the other Ironman thread, but since this is primarily about looks, I figured it would fit here.
These pictures have given me some great ideas for the bars, seat, etc. The color of the bike is not as catchy as others, but it is a solid bike and I like how it rides.
Brian
I
I bought this all original 85/86 Ironman with Shimano 600 last April. I swapped out the handlebars and stem because of my long arms and lowered the gearing due to my affinity for hills. It is serving it's purpose well in helping me get a good workout, but I made the mistake of browsing through this thread and am now suffering from Ironman envy. As a result, I am wondering if there is something else I can do that would keep the low gearing and improve the looks.
It now has a 7 speed Shimano 14-28 freewheel and a Claris 50/34. I couldn't find any other compacts that would work with a 7 speed, but I'm not thrilled with how the Claris looks, which is prompting this post.
Is there a better looking compact crank that would work?
Do you think a triple would look better? (I have a Suntour V-GT Lux long cage derailleur)
What triple could I use without having to cold set the frame?
Or, should I just be happy with what I have as the Claris is an okay crank and doesn't look that bad?
Any suggestions will be appreciated! I wasn't sure if I should have posted this on the other Ironman thread, but since this is primarily about looks, I figured it would fit here.
These pictures have given me some great ideas for the bars, seat, etc. The color of the bike is not as catchy as others, but it is a solid bike and I like how it rides.
Brian
Looks like an Ironman will be the appropriate ride.....can do.
01-25-19, 09:02 AM
#5970
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01-25-19, 09:31 AM
#5972
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I was having to work out some gearing issues, anyway. How to get enough gearing with the Superbe RD. There is a rare Superbe long cage, but they don't come up very often. So it is either the Superbe Tech RD, or switch cages on the original RD. I was also thinking about the Superbe Comp crank, but those are few and far between also. Most seem to be 175 anyway. It will one of the triples I already have. The Trek 412 and Condor also showed up. Those are in line to be ridden as well.
01-25-19, 09:48 AM
#5974
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01-25-19, 10:18 AM
#5975
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So you acquired your fine vintage steed, but you need more gearing. There are plenty of options/ways you can go. Let's talk about cranks. The best thing you can do is get a 110/74 BCD. Then you can go compact or triple route. All of the companies made them. There are other sizes available, but 110/74 is the best option. Here are some examples.
