Help ID today's yard sale find
#1
Full Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Mid Michigan
Posts: 263
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 66 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 185 Times
in
80 Posts
Help ID today's yard sale find
I got this bike eat a yard sale today, the only decal on it is on the chain stay and says Stay-TuffThe detailers , shifter and brakes are Exage sport. crank and hubs are 105 , 650 C Araya rims. Can anyone tell me what the bike is?
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: PDX
Posts: 13,043
Bikes: Merz x 5 + Specialized Merz Allez x 2, Strawberry/Newlands/DiNucci/Ti x3, Gordon, Fuso/Moulton x2, Bornstein, Paisley,1958-74 Paramounts x3, 3rensho, 74 Moto TC, 73-78 Raleigh Pro's x5, Marinoni x2, 1960 Cinelli SC, 1980 Bianchi SC, PX-10 X 2
Mentioned: 267 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4512 Post(s)
Liked 6,385 Times
in
3,670 Posts
@Oldsledz
Stay-tuff is the clear protector, looks like a repaint, small, nice bike.
No idea on brand, s/n pic?
Stay-tuff is the clear protector, looks like a repaint, small, nice bike.
No idea on brand, s/n pic?
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: PDX
Posts: 13,043
Bikes: Merz x 5 + Specialized Merz Allez x 2, Strawberry/Newlands/DiNucci/Ti x3, Gordon, Fuso/Moulton x2, Bornstein, Paisley,1958-74 Paramounts x3, 3rensho, 74 Moto TC, 73-78 Raleigh Pro's x5, Marinoni x2, 1960 Cinelli SC, 1980 Bianchi SC, PX-10 X 2
Mentioned: 267 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4512 Post(s)
Liked 6,385 Times
in
3,670 Posts
Likes For merziac:
#5
Ride, Wrench, Swap, Race
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Northern California
Posts: 9,194
Bikes: Cheltenham-Pedersen racer, Boulder F/S Paris-Roubaix, Varsity racer, '52 Christophe, '62 Continental, '92 Merckx, '75 Limongi, '76 Presto, '72 Gitane SC, '71 Schwinn SS, etc.
Mentioned: 132 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1565 Post(s)
Liked 1,296 Times
in
866 Posts
The first letter "N" might be an abbreviation of the manufacturer's name, such as Norco.
#6
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
Format seems to match the N(1) format in the Asian Serial Number Guide - https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...ber-guide.html . So possibly Centurion or Shogun, built the 19th fortnight of 1987 (so likely a 1988 model). But who among the Asians built bikes with both 650C wheels at that time?
#7
Senior Member
It looks more than a little “frankenbike”-ish to me. Not an expert but wondering if Exage components would be paired with 105 components? Chrome (steel?) stem looks out step/time with rest of the setup. Saddle and pedals look “low end”. Would have thought the wheelset would would have been 27x1/8”or 700c. Also, the drive side “nuts” of the QR skewers don’t match. Agree that it’s a repaint and think that it looks pretty good! Set up to fit the rider, it’s possible that it could be a nice ride. Might get some “stink eye” looks from bike snobs tho. I have a “frankenbike” build starting from a Raleigh Technium USA 420 frame. Components are total mis-match from stuff in the parts box, EBay & a Co-op. It’s one of my favorite rides!
Would be nice for the OP to determine the origin of the frame. I’d start with the Asian serial number “sticky”, match up the format to see what the frame “isn’t”, then start narrowing things down by features (lugs, dropouts, seat stays, etc.). Nice rainy day project .
Would be nice for the OP to determine the origin of the frame. I’d start with the Asian serial number “sticky”, match up the format to see what the frame “isn’t”, then start narrowing things down by features (lugs, dropouts, seat stays, etc.). Nice rainy day project .
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: The Urban Shores Of Michigami
Posts: 1,749
Bikes: ........................................ .....Holdsworth "Special"..... .......Falcon "Special".......... .........Miyata 912........... ........................................
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 702 Post(s)
Liked 672 Times
in
420 Posts
Are the front and rear dropouts stamped with a manufacturer?
#9
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
I think it's a given that component-wise, it's a frankenbike; indeed, that's a mix of components (and quality levels) that would never appear on a retail built bike.
The frame is built for 650Cs, so 700Cs (and esp. 27s) wouldn't fit.
There might also be a clue on the steerer tube.
The frame is built for 650Cs, so 700Cs (and esp. 27s) wouldn't fit.
There might also be a clue on the steerer tube.
#10
Senior Member
I think it's a given that component-wise, it's a frankenbike; indeed, that's a mix of components (and quality levels) that would never appear on a retail built bike.
The frame is built for 650Cs, so 700Cs (and esp. 27s) wouldn't fit.
There might also be a clue on the steerer tube.
The frame is built for 650Cs, so 700Cs (and esp. 27s) wouldn't fit.
There might also be a clue on the steerer tube.
#11
framebuilder
What specifically designates the frame as being built for 650b wheels? There seems to be quite a bit of space (even with the axle stops in the dropouts) between the tire tread and the back side of the crossmember (fender mount?) just behind the BB . Looks like a 700c could easily fit in there. Brake pads are secured at what looks like max reach and the slots might even have been “filed” to give a bit more reach. Just wonderin’ .
I have built a number of 650C custom frames for small people during my career. They are a great option except for tire availability and the recent trend to go with wider tires. For a small person this is a great bike and will ride better than modern small 700C wheel bikes. A whole lot of compromises have to be made to make big wheels work for smaller people.
Likes For Doug Fattic:
#12
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
^^^^^^ Beat me to it. 650C is a full 25mm smaller in radius than 700C. There isn't anywhere near that between the tire and the brake bridge or fork crown.
Another visual cue of the "scale" of this bike is to notice how fat the frame tubes look, and how big the large chainring looks. That's only because of the scale. Given it has an SR Laprade seat post, I'd bet that tubing is in the same range of diameters of most full-size road bikes; it just appears fatter because the tubes are all pretty short. And that's a 52-tooth chainring, that looks "oversize" on such a small frame.
A shot of the bike next to, or in front of, a small or medium sized 700C-based road bike, would put it in perspective.
Another visual cue of the "scale" of this bike is to notice how fat the frame tubes look, and how big the large chainring looks. That's only because of the scale. Given it has an SR Laprade seat post, I'd bet that tubing is in the same range of diameters of most full-size road bikes; it just appears fatter because the tubes are all pretty short. And that's a 52-tooth chainring, that looks "oversize" on such a small frame.
A shot of the bike next to, or in front of, a small or medium sized 700C-based road bike, would put it in perspective.
#13
vintage motor
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico
Posts: 1,595
Bikes: 48 Automoto, 49 Stallard, 50 Rotrax, 62 Jack Taylor, 67 Atala, 68 Lejeune, 72-74-75 Motobecanes, 73 RIH, 71 Zieleman, 74 Raleigh, 78 Windsor, 83 Messina (Villata), 84 Brazzo (Losa), 85 Davidson, 90 Diamondback, 92 Kestrel
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 164 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 102 Times
in
79 Posts
Well, having 650C wheels must narrow down the possible builders by quite a bit. Custom?
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Kingdom of Hawai'i
Posts: 1,201
Bikes: Peugeot, Legnano, Fuji, Zunow, De Rosa, Miyata, Bianchi, Pinarello, Specialized, Bridgestone, Cinelli, Merckx
Mentioned: 17 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 430 Post(s)
Liked 476 Times
in
219 Posts
Format seems to match the N(1) format in the Asian Serial Number Guide - https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...ber-guide.html . So possibly Centurion or Shogun, built the 19th fortnight of 1987 (so likely a 1988 model). But who among the Asians built bikes with both 650C wheels at that time?
Likes For billytwosheds:
#15
Full Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Mid Michigan
Posts: 263
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 66 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 185 Times
in
80 Posts
Thank you everyone for the help with figuring out what this bike started life as. it is a 1988 Centurion Le Mans , I found this one for sale on line , the serial numbers are 6 apart.
Likes For Oldsledz:
#16
Edumacator
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Goose Creek, SC
Posts: 6,808
Bikes: '87 Crestdale, '87 Basso Gap, '92 Rossin Performance EL-OS, 1990 VanTuyl, 1980s Losa, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 1987 PX10, etc...
Mentioned: 59 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2439 Post(s)
Liked 3,129 Times
in
1,968 Posts
Was this level of Centurion made in Taiwanese factories? Or am I thinking of another marquee (I know KHS is Taiwanese).
__________________
1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 Cannondale M500, 1984 Mercian, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi (model unknown), 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super
1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 Cannondale M500, 1984 Mercian, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi (model unknown), 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super
Last edited by jdawginsc; 08-08-22 at 07:44 AM.
#17
Extraordinary Magnitude
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Waukesha WI
Posts: 13,647
Bikes: 1978 Trek TX700; 1978/79 Trek 736; 1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1984 Schwinn Voyageur SP; 1985 Trek 620; 1985 Trek 720; 1986 Trek 400 Elance; 1987 Schwinn High Sierra; 1990 Miyata 1000LT
Mentioned: 84 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2608 Post(s)
Liked 1,703 Times
in
937 Posts
That's kooky!!!! But awesome!!!
__________________
*Recipient of the 2006 Time Magazine "Person Of The Year" Award*
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
#18
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
It'd be right on the "cusp" of the Japan -> Taiwan transition. I've seen '86s marked Japan, and I faintly recall seeing an '89 on the 'Bay (can't find it now) indicating Taiwan. Unfortunately not enough information of this kind on the vintage-centurion web site.
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Kingdom of Hawai'i
Posts: 1,201
Bikes: Peugeot, Legnano, Fuji, Zunow, De Rosa, Miyata, Bianchi, Pinarello, Specialized, Bridgestone, Cinelli, Merckx
Mentioned: 17 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 430 Post(s)
Liked 476 Times
in
219 Posts
My solid guess was based on having had one in the past. It was a nice, tight little bike that (for a smaller rider) seemed to perform as well as the full sized Le Mans, which aren't far off from an Ironman.
#20
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
^^^^^^^ billytwosheds , do you remember what the "Made in....." decal said?
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Kingdom of Hawai'i
Posts: 1,201
Bikes: Peugeot, Legnano, Fuji, Zunow, De Rosa, Miyata, Bianchi, Pinarello, Specialized, Bridgestone, Cinelli, Merckx
Mentioned: 17 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 430 Post(s)
Liked 476 Times
in
219 Posts
^^^^^^^ billytwosheds , do you remember what the "Made in....." decal said?
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Greenwood SC USA
Posts: 2,252
Bikes: 2002 Mercian Vincitore, 1982 Mercian Colorado, 1976 Puch Royal X, 1973 Raleigh Competition, 1971 Gitane Tour de France and others
Mentioned: 55 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 823 Post(s)
Liked 1,395 Times
in
694 Posts
My 1988 Centurion LeMans is marked "Made in Japan/Designed in the U.S.A." I bought it for $35 as a Clunker Challenge entry last year and fell in love with it. I know it's supposed to be a mid-level bike with parts selection reflecting meeting a price point, AND it has a mismatched rear wheel and lots of scars and rust - but somebody forgot to tell it that, and it rides like a much more expensive machine. I need to take some new pictures now that I have re-wrapped the bars with some salvaged original white bar tape from a contemporary Accordo and fitted it with 25 mm blackwall tires.
Likes For rustystrings61:
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 13,447
Mentioned: 33 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4236 Post(s)
Liked 2,949 Times
in
1,808 Posts
#24
Banned.
Join Date: Jan 2022
Posts: 1,070
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 359 Post(s)
Liked 582 Times
in
336 Posts
^^^^^^^ billytwosheds , do you remember what the "Made in....." decal said?
650C, not sure. I’ve not seen the solid blue except on older Centurions.
#25
Banned.
Join Date: Jan 2022
Posts: 1,070
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 359 Post(s)
Liked 582 Times
in
336 Posts
My 1988 Centurion LeMans is marked "Made in Japan/Designed in the U.S.A." I bought it for $35 as a Clunker Challenge entry last year and fell in love with it. I know it's supposed to be a mid-level bike with parts selection reflecting meeting a price point, AND it has a mismatched rear wheel and lots of scars and rust - but somebody forgot to tell it that, and it rides like a much more expensive machine. I need to take some new pictures now that I have re-wrapped the bars with some salvaged original white bar tape from a contemporary Accordo and fitted it with 25 mm blackwall tires.