Jabronie

The bike bug struck again! I found this guy on craigslist last night and after a bit of contemplation I jumped on it, despite my better judgement. It's not even funny how badly I couldn't afford it at the moment, but oh well! Ill survive.

So i seem to like rarities because I have a super hard time finding information about bikes I buy (last time it was a 1987 Tri-A Equipe). So far I've ascertained that this guy is a 1989 Centurion Prestige with Tange Prestige tubing. Apparently there was also a 1985 Centurion Prestige that came with Dura Ace and then they re-issued the model in 1989 with downgraded Shimano 600 Tricolor.

FD, RD, hubs, shifters, crank, brake levers, brakes, and headset are all 600. As far as I can tell, the only non-original parts are the rear wheel ("Fir" brand, made in Italy, a brand I'm not really familiar with), the stem (Ritchey, ugly), bars (Modolos), seatpost (?) and saddle (Specialized). I put a little bit of work into dialing in the derailleurs and brakes and took a ride and it's pretty smooth and surprisingly light. Here are some photos.

There's very minimal rust inside of some paint chips but no structural damage. It's in pretty great shape!

What do you guys think it's worth? I'm still deciding if I should sell it. I feel bad just buying a bike to make some money off of it but at least I put some love into it, right?

Please ignore the shoe-pile.
Thanks!

digger531

Cool looking bike (ugly stem). Could use a better cleaning and probably some new grease. Probably $300-$350 depending on market. That tri color stuff has some followers, might be financially wise to part it (I shiver when I say it)

elboGreaze

Yes, hurry and ditch that stem and might as well send the bars packing too !

T-Mar

Yes, that's definitely a 1989 model. I'd appreciate the serial number for my database. TIA.

The items mentioned by the OP, including the post, are indeed replacements. Additionally, the OEM bar tape was white and the OEM pedals were Sampson clipless. With the expception of the rear wheel and post all the changes are resonable for a person tailoring a bicycle for better fot and personal preference.

If you decide to sell. I may be interested, though this one looks one size larger than my optimum. The Centurions owners on the forum owe me a Centurion.

Jabronie

Thanks for the response T-Mar. The serial number is 88K3814.

There's a good chance I will be selling it so if you decide you are interested let me know so we can work out the details and see if it's possible.

T-Mar

Thxs, the serial confirms a 1989 model manufactured in Novemebr 1988. What exactly are the seat tube and top size, measured center to center?

Jabronie

Both measurements appear to be about 58 cm. I think I measured right (C-C) but if it sounds fishy I can try again with your advice.

T-Mar

No, it sounds correct. As I suspected, that is one size up from my preferred. Since other forum members would be paying for this, I'd best hold out for a 56cm. However, if it had been a 56cm we probably could have shamed Robbie and the other Centurion owners into paying whatever you wanted. Thank-you for taking the time to measure and good luck! Oh, a belated welcome too!

Jabronie

Of course! No problem. Do you happen to have some sort of ballpark estimate of what I should hold out for on Bay Area Craigslist if I do post it up? At least like a 'do not sell below $x'?

and thank you for the welcome.

mcoovelis

Did you sell the Prestige? I have a 1989 Prestige 56cm restored with NOS components and new paint. The original paint on yours looks great. If you still have it, Jabronie, I'm interested.

Jabronie

Hey mcoovelis,

Im sorry, I did sell the Prestige to a guy in San Francisco what seems like ages ago. Its kind of funny because that bike actually got me started on buying/restoring/flipping like 10 more bikes since then.

Anyway, enjoy your prestige and or good luck finding an original, if that's what you choose to do.

avhed

What is the top tube on the 56cm? Is that 56 cm seat tube center to top?

henryb

That's a pretty bike.

ramzilla

What kind of Voodoo Zombie $#&^@! Centurion thread is this? Buy the damn thing already. It's equal to modern bikes that currently sell for well over $1000. Be good. Have fun.

avhed

How long is the top tube on this?

xiaoman1 

avhed,
This is an 8-year old frame that I assume is long gone...or hope it is.
Best, Ben

ramzilla

I'm kinda wondering what this particular bike looks like after about eight years since the OP. Whoever used to ride it must have had a long torso with that big long stem on that thing. And, Tange Prestige is a Unicorn brand type of tubing. (I've never actually seen one myself). In fine condition, the bare frame is probably worth about $300. (Complete bike well over $600). This bike represents a big turning point in steel bike history. It's when the Japanese finally conquered the industry and took control of the international bike market. (Bye bye Italy . England . France . USA. ). That's it. That's all. Done deal. Be good. Have fun.

ramzilla

Late 1980's Japanese bikes rule!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

avhed

What are the head and seat angles on this?