Shifting gears a bit here...
Just so my blog doesn't turn into a Schwinn/Sante shrine, here's a bike that I've been looking for off and on for a while.
As far as I can recall, the Ironman came in two models, "Expert" and "Master". The Expert, pictured here, featured Shimano 105 components, while the "Master" was a step above and had Shimano 600 goodies hung on it. I thought at one point the Expert frame was Tange #2 and the Master frame was Tange #1, but this advertisement shows that at least for the 1987 model year, everyone got the Tange #1 tubes. I'll have to look back through my Buyer's Guide issues again and see what's up. (Update: My '87 Buyer's Guide only lists the Expert model, which indeed used Tange #1 tubing and my '88 Buyer's Guide lists both the Expert and Master, also with Tange #1 tubing for both.)
One of my riding buddies back in the day had one of these, a Master in the aqua/white color scheme. From what I recall, it rode and handled similarly to my Allez, but I thought the Biopace felt a little funky at first. It was a sweet bike all around, however.
I don't see a whole lot of these on ripmeBay or CL, but they do show up every now and then. The Expert being far more common than the Master. And just because I'm such a purist I feel daggers in my heart when I see one of these for sale, converted to a fixie, with all the braze-ons filed off. Sigh.
And yes, the colors. Most people hate them, but I don't mind so much, although the hot pink examples are pushing it a bit even for this classic 80's lover.
Anyway, more thoughts and info on the Ironman later when I have more time to update this.
Iroman Expert! I bought mine in 1987. It was my first bike and I lived in Florida so the Miami Vice influenced color scheme seemed like a cool choice. (Fast forward 22 years). I can't begin to count how many times I've responded "it's magenta NOT pink" when people ask me why I bought a pink bike. I still enjoy the smooth ride but the components are nearing the end of life. I would've replaced it by now had I kept riding regularly. Trying to get back into it again now. Riding the Centurion brings back memories of some great rides.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post, gator.
ReplyDeleteHaha, you are certainly correct, it *is* magenta and not pink. I stand corrected.
You've got a real beaut on your hands there, get on that puppy and ride it some more!
If you do end up restoring it or even if you don't, send some pics and I'll post 'em.
Maui
When I get time I'll take some pictures to send you. Fortunately, there's not much to restore on it. Everything is original and in great shape. Shortly after buying the bike, I replaced the 105 pedals with the very first Sampson clipless pedals (circa 1988). Still have the 105 pedals in a box though. The Sampson cleats are worn out now and they haven't been made since 1990 so replacements are impossible to find. I just ordered some new 105 road pedals to keep this bike rolling. About the only issue I have is a slight lateral wobble in the front chain-rings. Not sure if the bottom bracket is warped or what. Rings seem fine when I put them on a flat surface. I also use my original Cateye Solar cyclocomputer. It bugs me though since it doesn't auto-start/stop.
ReplyDeleteSampson pedals! Cool! If I remember correctly, those were made by SR and had the non-rotation feature after you clipped out.
ReplyDeleteI've seen some 'new product' overviews of these pedals in the old bike mags I have somewhere. I'll post 'em up if you're interested.
Make sure your BB cups aren't loose and causing the wobble. Might be a good time to do a BB overhaul and inspect the parts and swap in some new bearings. Plus, you get extra street cred if you're still riding the original BioPace rings! :-D
Ahem, there's one on a certain auctioning site right now (5/1/2010) for a somewhat decent price in somewhat decent condition. I truly, really wanted to buy it, but my NYC apartment can't fit yet another one into it's cramped quarters.
ReplyDeleteYep, the Sampson pedals were made by SR and the non-rotation feature was what sold me on them back in the day. (http://www.velobase.com/ViewSingleComponent.aspx?ID=3F2BE21D-EEB5-458F-942E-99E71DB950C6&Enum=109&AbsPos=0) I'd be interested in seeing the 'new product' overview if you decide to post it up.
ReplyDeleteI finally borrowed some tools and checked things out. In the end, the crank spider was bent causing the chainring wobble. Easily fixed by bending back into place. I'll tackle to BB overhaul at some point. Dave (aka gator93)
Here ya go, Dave.
ReplyDeletehttp://mauisvintage.blogspot.com/2010/05/by-request-sampson-pedals.html
I was looking for pictures of my Centurion Ironman, which was silver and gray. I think I remember Shimano 600 parts, so it would be a Master. I think it was a 1987 model. I "accordioned" the frame running into the back of a pickup, but I was probably using the components for years after that on a new frame. In fact, I may still be using the brake calipers on my commuter bike. If you have seen pictures of a silver/gray Ironman, can you post it here?
ReplyDeleteOuch! Hope you were okay after that mishap with the pickup.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, here's one I found that matches your description:
http://velospace.org/node/21100
It's identified as a 1986 model with all original components. I haven't seen too many examples of these in the silver/gray color scheme before. Looks like an awesome bike! Wish I had one...
My first good bike wa a 1984 Centurion Elite RS. Later I lusted for the magenta and yellow Expert. Also, within the last year I found one in good shape and it is now a fixie with white saddle, tape & tires and gets lots of good looks and comments. It seems like today's bikes are either black, white or red - very boring.
ReplyDeleteI have a 1987 Centurion Expert IronMan which I ride sporadically. I recently realised that the Saddle Post has corroded inside the frame so I can no longer adjust the saddle height. I have tried applying WD40 to the post over a period of several days, but still cannot move the post. Has anyone any suggestions how to release it? I saw reference on another forum to someone cutting out a seat post!
ReplyDeleteI would try Liquid Wrench or PB Blaster, both of which are stronger solvents than WD40. If those don't work, #15 here might be your last option https://www.sheldonbrown.com/stuck-seatposts.html
ReplyDelete