Late 1970's to Early 1980's Amateur Racing Bikes
07-31-22, 07:26 PM
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Late 1970's to Early 1980's Amateur Racing Bikes
I'm looking to add another sport bike to the collection. I have several longer wheel based bikes, they seem to be much easier to come by but I prefer the responsiveness of a tighter geometry frame and skinny tires. Quality-wise, I'm thinking on the level of a Miyata 912 or Raleigh Super Course, both of the late 70's, early 80's.
Any suggestions for a brand and model of the time?
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Any suggestions for a brand and model of the time?
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Last edited by branko_76; 07-31-22 at 07:42 PM.
07-31-22, 07:59 PM
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Check out Ironman Centurions , they came in many different flavors . If you are after non aero , Centurion offered the Turbo and the Comp TA .This is my Centurion IM 86' . The fork is an add on .
IMG_0599 by mark westi, on Flickr
My ex Comp TA
IMG_0142 by mark westi, on Flickr
IMG_0599 by mark westi, on FlickrMy ex Comp TA
IMG_0142 by mark westi, on Flickr
Last edited by markwesti; 07-31-22 at 08:06 PM.
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07-31-22, 10:01 PM
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Do you know any of the specs? Tubing, head and seat angles, etc.?
EDIT: https://www.vintage-centurion.com/models/competition/comp-ta.shtml
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Last edited by branko_76; 07-31-22 at 10:04 PM.
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08-01-22, 04:46 AM
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My opinion is you’ll do better getting into the mid 80s where you’ll have a greater choice of quality entry-to-mid level Japanese offerings. I’d start with the Schwinn Tenax-tubed Tempo or Super Sport. Then there’s the Ironman mentioned above and all kinds of goodies from Raleigh, Fuji, Bridgestone, Panasonic, and so on. Trek is a good brand to check out if you’re set on late 70s to early 80s.
08-01-22, 07:51 AM
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I got to test ride both of these back in the day. Been a fan of the old AD bikes of this era ever since. They are beautiful bikes with the tight and responsive ride mentioned in the OP.
https://bulgier.net/pics/bike/Catalo...;79_spread.jpg
https://bulgier.net/pics/bike/Catalo...;79_spread.jpg
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08-01-22, 11:26 AM
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I have a clean 85 Ironman posted in sales forum. I see you are somewhere in Michigan. Yours for $325.
08-01-22, 12:40 PM
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Big changes between the later 70's and early 80's.
I would vote Super Course Mk II AND a Centurion Comp TA or Ironman.
I would vote Super Course Mk II AND a Centurion Comp TA or Ironman.
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08-01-22, 12:44 PM
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You want a Specialized Allez.
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08-01-22, 09:09 PM
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Trek really expanded its line-up in that time period. Bianchi had a nice assortment of bikes. And Peugeot made some nice bikes in early 8o's.
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08-01-22, 09:55 PM
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I don't know what differentiates an 'amateur' racer from other racers, but there are loads of good racing bikes from that era to choose from. Don't automatically discount the fancier, higher-end models, they can often be found for not much more than the more pedestrian types.
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08-02-22, 07:23 AM
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I would not consider the Raleigh Super Course amateur race, to me that's a club bike at most. I would consider the Competition model as Raleigh's amateur level racer.
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08-02-22, 08:22 AM
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I want to use this bike as an inner city commuter, I wouldn't hesitate locking a Super Course or equivalent to a parking meter but would think twice about do so with a Competition.
08-02-22, 08:25 AM
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I can't really explain it, but having a race number hanger brazed onto a bike puts it at the top of my list.
08-02-22, 08:49 AM
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I just picked up a Pro Miyata from a forumite. Ovalized seatstays and fork so sllghtly aero but the bike is pure race. Haven't completely debugged it yet so no real rides but the one fast downhill close to home it felt rock solid on the turn. Memories of the '76 Fuji Pro I raced and loved but stiffer, better tubing, less radical design (lower BB but still full race; the Fuji was the highest BB I've ever ridden and had super quick steering)
I haven't gone online yet but I'm guessing this bike is ~'86. Top mounted SunTour DT shifters, horizontal dropouts, chain peg, no pump peg or ST WB bosses.
I haven't gone online yet but I'm guessing this bike is ~'86. Top mounted SunTour DT shifters, horizontal dropouts, chain peg, no pump peg or ST WB bosses.
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08-02-22, 08:55 AM
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My Miyata was left outside. Plenty of rust, especially where very visible. Middle TT brake guide is gone, the others in tough shape. The bike is heavily decaled and they are in tough shape. Lots of paint chips. The bike would get passed up by a thief if there were any other options. (He'd miss "the ride"!)
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