Eroica CA Bike Bought & Paid For!
08-09-17, 04:09 PM
#1
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Eroica CA Bike Bought & Paid For!
I have made many mistakes in this life (Producing John McEnroe's attempt at a late night talk-variety show? Yes.), but joining this site was certainly not one of them. You've all been a great help in understanding many of the finer points of this sport/hobby/addiction, and I'm happy to say that I made it to the San Diego area and picked my Centurion Super Elite (Serial Number M0J09554...April/May of 1980?). I believe it looks even cleaner in person than it did from its CL pics. The seller's name was Dave Taitano out of Lemon Grove, and he was a swell guy with a home shop full of killer bikes (he's an ex-racer, now 70). If you're in that area and want his contact info, I'd be happy to share it as he's a reputable seller with an enviable collection/shop/tool set-up...he may have or can find whatever you're looking for.
My pics are below...I believe she's all original, but you tell me. So...now what? I'll be joining my local bike co-op in the next couple of weeks, and am making a list of what needs to be done as I prep her for Eroica CA. Clean and regrease all the bearings (headset and BB)? New tubes and tires (will it take 28s?), chain? A new saddle and bar tape is on my to-do list (Honey B17 and cloth...likely black or brown unless I can find the same shade of red/brown as the Centurion name). The bottle cage (Planet Bike) needs to be something more original, and I'm thinking of a new Zefal balck/chrome frame pump. I love the pedals, but they won't take a clip strap so I'll need some that will...suggestions?
Lastly, after I log a few hundred miles, I'll decide if I want to outfit her with a triple, but I'd like to think I can muscle through with the gearing she's got. Am I dreaming the dreams of a less 48-year old guy than I?
8CFF37F3-9D2C-4F54-84D0-1C88D1BCF644 by John Bobey, on Flickr
EFF922F3-0213-4D24-8314-CC52955D6289 by John Bobey, on Flickr
E57A546C-3665-41FF-8156-4BB8894CA0FE by John Bobey, on Flickr
CB7906D9-60E2-4916-8F5B-3FC1F3DEEC9D by John Bobey, on Flickr
BAF62E76-498D-48AE-9E57-A8A8DFAE4A44 by John Bobey, on Flickr
651BA2C8-C6EC-49D5-A3EF-E11FCDE92D6B by John Bobey, on Flickr
5D5F7C5F-C8E5-4AFA-9E02-71A19A909D7E by John Bobey, on Flickr
3238674D-578E-4958-AB37-2D4443641119 by John Bobey, on Flickr
1AB6AA02-346E-420F-8DD7-313BB6413410 by John Bobey, on Flickr
0D36C012-8301-4833-A603-7F76D3065E3B by John Bobey, on Flickr
My pics are below...I believe she's all original, but you tell me. So...now what? I'll be joining my local bike co-op in the next couple of weeks, and am making a list of what needs to be done as I prep her for Eroica CA. Clean and regrease all the bearings (headset and BB)? New tubes and tires (will it take 28s?), chain? A new saddle and bar tape is on my to-do list (Honey B17 and cloth...likely black or brown unless I can find the same shade of red/brown as the Centurion name). The bottle cage (Planet Bike) needs to be something more original, and I'm thinking of a new Zefal balck/chrome frame pump. I love the pedals, but they won't take a clip strap so I'll need some that will...suggestions?
Lastly, after I log a few hundred miles, I'll decide if I want to outfit her with a triple, but I'd like to think I can muscle through with the gearing she's got. Am I dreaming the dreams of a less 48-year old guy than I?
8CFF37F3-9D2C-4F54-84D0-1C88D1BCF644 by John Bobey, on FlickrEFF922F3-0213-4D24-8314-CC52955D6289 by John Bobey, on FlickrE57A546C-3665-41FF-8156-4BB8894CA0FE by John Bobey, on FlickrCB7906D9-60E2-4916-8F5B-3FC1F3DEEC9D by John Bobey, on FlickrBAF62E76-498D-48AE-9E57-A8A8DFAE4A44 by John Bobey, on Flickr651BA2C8-C6EC-49D5-A3EF-E11FCDE92D6B by John Bobey, on Flickr5D5F7C5F-C8E5-4AFA-9E02-71A19A909D7E by John Bobey, on Flickr3238674D-578E-4958-AB37-2D4443641119 by John Bobey, on Flickr1AB6AA02-346E-420F-8DD7-313BB6413410 by John Bobey, on Flickr0D36C012-8301-4833-A603-7F76D3065E3B by John Bobey, on Flickr
08-09-17, 04:28 PM
#2
wizard
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That's a nice, clean, very original looking bike. You could ask the guy you bought it from what services, if any, he's already done to it. Maybe he overhauled the front hub and that's it, or maybe he did everything? When in doubt, I'd service it. It looks to be in fantastic shape, so right now, ride the hell out of it =)
08-09-17, 05:24 PM
#3
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nice, congrats
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Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
08-09-17, 05:35 PM
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That is a really good looking, clean bike. The quick release on the front brake is up and you will want to push it down and adjust the cable if need be.
This is easy. Overhaul the bike (all of it, hubs, bottom bracket, and headset) and replace all the consumables (cables, cable housing, chain). Start by stripping apart the bike. That will allow you to clean off the frame and deal with any rust/paint scratches. You'll need to track down a bit of touch up paint. Model paints aren't terrible and you can look for something close to the frame color.
I wouldn't sweat changing the gearing at this point. You may need to do that before eroica but first you want to ride the bike. Find some hills that will mimic the ride you want to do and then you can think about whether you want to change the gearing. Nothing wrong with a triple but that RD can handle a pretty big freewheel (up to 32 teeth, SunTour Cyclone GT derailleur (5905 2nd style)).
This is easy. Overhaul the bike (all of it, hubs, bottom bracket, and headset) and replace all the consumables (cables, cable housing, chain). Start by stripping apart the bike. That will allow you to clean off the frame and deal with any rust/paint scratches. You'll need to track down a bit of touch up paint. Model paints aren't terrible and you can look for something close to the frame color.
I wouldn't sweat changing the gearing at this point. You may need to do that before eroica but first you want to ride the bike. Find some hills that will mimic the ride you want to do and then you can think about whether you want to change the gearing. Nothing wrong with a triple but that RD can handle a pretty big freewheel (up to 32 teeth, SunTour Cyclone GT derailleur (5905 2nd style)).
08-09-17, 05:50 PM
#6
Bike Butcher of Portland
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Those old Centurions look more modern than many frames made a decade later.
And I agree, ride it with the gearing it has until you determine otherwise. Takeit up some big hills and see how she goes.
I'm pretty sure that frame has room for 28's, the better to take the gravel portions of Eroica.
And I agree, ride it with the gearing it has until you determine otherwise. Takeit up some big hills and see how she goes.
I'm pretty sure that frame has room for 28's, the better to take the gravel portions of Eroica.
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If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
08-09-17, 06:00 PM
#7
Semper Fi
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Excellent choice, you made a great decision in getting the Centurion. The above advice is first rate, as is usual for our Forum. Glad you are enjoying and benefiting from the great information and mentoring here too. Its what got me started visiting the place, and now they cannot get rid of me.
Starting a thread of your preparations is in order. Also, good move on joining the local co-op, remember to use the knowledge there also. you'll find yourself standing a few watches to help others as you progress. it will be neat to read the post when you let us know how your Eroica went.
Now, Where is that jealous with envy smilie I keep asking for?
Bill
Starting a thread of your preparations is in order. Also, good move on joining the local co-op, remember to use the knowledge there also. you'll find yourself standing a few watches to help others as you progress. it will be neat to read the post when you let us know how your Eroica went.
Now, Where is that jealous with envy smilie I keep asking for?
Bill
__________________
Semper Fi, USMC, 1975-1977
I Can Do All Things Through Him, Who Gives Me Strength. Philippians 4:13
Semper Fi, USMC, 1975-1977
I Can Do All Things Through Him, Who Gives Me Strength. Philippians 4:13
08-09-17, 06:06 PM
#8
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Nice -- looks like you've got a great start there. A couple of thousand miles on that will give you a much better idea of what you want in your next bike(s). Like Bikemig recommended, strip it down, clean / wax the frame / touchup any chips or rust spots. That will give you a good opportunity to repack all the bearings as you reassemble it, and get you intimately familiar with how all this stuff works.
That crank appears to be the SR Super Apex-5, which has a somewhat unique bolt circle diameter of 118mm. That's kind of good and bad. It's good, in that it can take as small as a 36T inner ring, probably negating the need for a triple, especially if paired with a fairly wide range rear freewheel. The bad news is that only SR, and I think Zeus used that size chainring, so finding replacements means haunting Ebay, and prices will probably be higher than the more common 144, 130, or 110 BCD offerings.
You probably don't need to swap the pedals, unless they are too narrow to fit your shoes. Those MKS Sylvan are very nice, and have two holes on the front and rear edges of the cages to mount toe clips.
That crank appears to be the SR Super Apex-5, which has a somewhat unique bolt circle diameter of 118mm. That's kind of good and bad. It's good, in that it can take as small as a 36T inner ring, probably negating the need for a triple, especially if paired with a fairly wide range rear freewheel. The bad news is that only SR, and I think Zeus used that size chainring, so finding replacements means haunting Ebay, and prices will probably be higher than the more common 144, 130, or 110 BCD offerings.
You probably don't need to swap the pedals, unless they are too narrow to fit your shoes. Those MKS Sylvan are very nice, and have two holes on the front and rear edges of the cages to mount toe clips.
08-09-17, 06:10 PM
#9
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...there are several histories of the Centurion brand and WSI on the internet. This is one of the better ones. Tom Marshall posts here as T-Mar.
...there are several histories of the Centurion brand and WSI on the internet. This is one of the better ones. Tom Marshall posts here as T-Mar.
Last edited by 3alarmer; 08-09-17 at 06:15 PM.
08-09-17, 06:12 PM
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I forgot to mention the tires. It was originally specced with 27x1 1/4" tires, which are ~32mm in diameter. If you eventually swap out the rims to 700c, you might even be able to run 35 or 38mm tires. I would recommend leaving the wheelset alone, and just getting a pair of the Panaracer Pasela 27x1 1/4" tires. (The wired, non-tourguard version. The folding versions all have puncture protection belts that stiffen them up.) I can't see any labels in your photos, but it's probably running cheap Kenda tires for the flip, and those are kind of like riding on frozen garden hoses.
New brake pads would probably be a good idea too. If those are the original Dia Compe holders, you can get Kool Stop refills for the Suntour Superbe brakes which are an almost perfect fit. I was just about to post about refills for some of the major Japanese brake pad holders. Keep an eye out for that later this evening.
New brake pads would probably be a good idea too. If those are the original Dia Compe holders, you can get Kool Stop refills for the Suntour Superbe brakes which are an almost perfect fit. I was just about to post about refills for some of the major Japanese brake pad holders. Keep an eye out for that later this evening.
Last edited by cdmurphy; 08-09-17 at 06:33 PM.
08-09-17, 06:17 PM
#11
Senior Member
Black bar tape to match the black Brooks saddle. ;-)
MKS pedals
Use the water bottle cage you have. The problem will be finding a retro water bottle.
MKS pedals
Use the water bottle cage you have. The problem will be finding a retro water bottle.
Last edited by Bad Lag; 08-09-17 at 08:27 PM.
08-09-17, 06:32 PM
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08-09-17, 07:23 PM
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Looks good! You need to either flip the front wheel around or the front QR skewer. Put your QR's on the the non drive side.
08-09-17, 08:10 PM
#14
Senior Member
I'm interested in your progress so please keep us up to date.
Soooo much is personal preference. Do what you want - your bike, your build.
Can't resist saying that I'd lose the chainguard. A Brooks honey would be wonderful and if you want to swap out that long stem, I'll be ready.
Best of luck - buy tools - ride ride ride - make no decisions on gearing, etc. until a month goes by; you'll be amazed at how much stronger you get.
And when done with the Eroica ride, move on to that Bottecchia!
Soooo much is personal preference. Do what you want - your bike, your build.
Can't resist saying that I'd lose the chainguard. A Brooks honey would be wonderful and if you want to swap out that long stem, I'll be ready.
Best of luck - buy tools - ride ride ride - make no decisions on gearing, etc. until a month goes by; you'll be amazed at how much stronger you get.
And when done with the Eroica ride, move on to that Bottecchia!
08-09-17, 08:26 PM
#15
Senior Member
Both of these are good quality and inexpensive (~$30). I own a pair of the Touring Pedals but either would be fine.
MKS Touring Pedal
MKS Road Pedal
MKS Touring Pedal
MKS Road Pedal
Last edited by Bad Lag; 08-09-17 at 08:30 PM.
08-09-17, 08:34 PM
#16
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snip . . .
New brake pads would probably be a good idea too. If those are the original Dia Compe holders, you can get Kool Stop refills for the Suntour Superbe brakes which are an almost perfect fit. I was just about to post about refills for some of the major Japanese brake pad holders. Keep an eye out for that later this evening.
New brake pads would probably be a good idea too. If those are the original Dia Compe holders, you can get Kool Stop refills for the Suntour Superbe brakes which are an almost perfect fit. I was just about to post about refills for some of the major Japanese brake pad holders. Keep an eye out for that later this evening.
Kool Stop International - High Performance Bicycle Brake Pads Since 1977
08-09-17, 09:14 PM
#17
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That's a beautiful bike!! Being a Centurion nut I'm even a little jealous lol. I've always admired that model in that color. I think it's just begging for a honey colored Brooks and some similar colored brown bar tape, but that's me. Whatever you decide to do I'm definitely looking forward to seeing more of this bike!
08-09-17, 10:07 PM
#18
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I forgot to mention the tires. It was originally specced with 27x1 1/4" tires, which are ~32mm in diameter. If you eventually swap out the rims to 700c, you might even be able to run 35 or 38mm tires. I would recommend leaving the wheelset alone, and just getting a pair of the Panaracer Pasela 27x1 1/4" tires. (The wired, non-tourguard version. The folding versions all have puncture protection belts that stiffen them up.) I can't see any labels in your photos, but it's probably running cheap Kenda tires for the flip, and those are kind of like riding on frozen garden hoses.
New brake pads would probably be a good idea too. If those are the original Dia Compe holders, you can get Kool Stop refills for the Suntour Superbe brakes which are an almost perfect fit. I was just about to post about refills for some of the major Japanese brake pad holders. Keep an eye out for that later this evening.
New brake pads would probably be a good idea too. If those are the original Dia Compe holders, you can get Kool Stop refills for the Suntour Superbe brakes which are an almost perfect fit. I was just about to post about refills for some of the major Japanese brake pad holders. Keep an eye out for that later this evening.
ride it allot crowd, before changing stuff you'll soon figure out what works and what you want to change.
08-09-17, 11:10 PM
#19
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Beautiful bike! I especially like the Suntour Cyclone GT 1st generation rear derailleur, one of the best derailleurs ever made. Shimano copied the design but their copies were all heavier and uglier.
08-10-17, 12:42 PM
#20
Senior Member
All great advice and worthwhile opinions so far !
With that frame colour I would go with honey coloured saddle and tape also, MHO.
I have those Suntour DRs and the shifters as well. Be aware that you tighten the shifter band before you put the shift arm back on the bike. I usually just take one side off which allows you to remove the part if you are going to clean the frame. If you don't need to clean, and they seem tight enough not to slip, I would leave them where they are.
Here's a diagram I came across on BF( of course!)
With that frame colour I would go with honey coloured saddle and tape also, MHO.
I have those Suntour DRs and the shifters as well. Be aware that you tighten the shifter band before you put the shift arm back on the bike. I usually just take one side off which allows you to remove the part if you are going to clean the frame. If you don't need to clean, and they seem tight enough not to slip, I would leave them where they are.
Here's a diagram I came across on BF( of course!)
08-10-17, 12:49 PM
#21
Senior Member
also a big centurion fan here: make sure to register your bike with @tmar 's database - so many great bikes out of Japan in those years, but centurion really kicked the (US) market into high gear and they all had to follow.
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...-database.html
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...-database.html
08-10-17, 01:05 PM
#22
Shifting is fun!
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1980 Miki build, by the looks of it. Nice find! The only drawback is that it'll not be easy to find a reason to buy another bike after this one. 
08-11-17, 04:53 PM
#23
Junior Member
Thread Starter
That's a nice, clean, very original looking bike. You could ask the guy you bought it from what services, if any, he's already done to it. Maybe he overhauled the front hub and that's it, or maybe he did everything? When in doubt, I'd service it. It looks to be in fantastic shape, so right now, ride the hell out of it =)
08-11-17, 05:04 PM
#24
Junior Member
Thread Starter
I wouldn't sweat changing the gearing at this point. You may need to do that before eroica but first you want to ride the bike. Find some hills that will mimic the ride you want to do and then you can think about whether you want to change the gearing. Nothing wrong with a triple but that RD can handle a pretty big freewheel (up to 32 teeth, SunTour Cyclone GT derailleur (5905 2nd style)).
08-11-17, 05:06 PM
#25
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Excellent choice, you made a great decision in getting the Centurion. The above advice is first rate, as is usual for our Forum. Glad you are enjoying and benefiting from the great information and mentoring here too. Its what got me started visiting the place, and now they cannot get rid of me.
Starting a thread of your preparations is in order. Also, good move on joining the local co-op, remember to use the knowledge there also. you'll find yourself standing a few watches to help others as you progress. it will be neat to read the post when you let us know how your Eroica went.
Now, Where is that jealous with envy smilie I keep asking for?
Bill
Starting a thread of your preparations is in order. Also, good move on joining the local co-op, remember to use the knowledge there also. you'll find yourself standing a few watches to help others as you progress. it will be neat to read the post when you let us know how your Eroica went.
Now, Where is that jealous with envy smilie I keep asking for?
Bill