Sold 1970 Vintage / Classic 10 speed bicycle, made in Japan - head turner

sfphoto · Mar 29, 2022

[SOLD] $265/obo - pick up in SF Bay Area

c.1970 Centurion LeMans 10 speed vintage bicycle.

Own a piece of history, this is the model which introduced the Centurion brand to the US.
Made in Japan w/ top Suntour components including bar end shifters & Dia-Compe brakes.

The high-tensile light weight steel frame is size 56-58cm, perhaps for riders +/- 30″ to 34″ inseam.
At 50 years old, this is a survivor - the original very well functioning Japanese Suntour gearing & new tires are ready for the road. These bikes were built to last!

The original 27 x 1.25" gum wall tires have been replaced with brand new models. Wheels are Japanese Araya 27".
Sturdy, very well built and such really feels pronounced when you climb on. The new owner will enjoy the ride on this classic 10 speed that is a head turner as well with it's vintage look.

Roger Thoms · Mar 29, 2022

My first job was at Marin Sport Cyclery in Novato, Ca., which was a Centurion dealer, brings back some good memories. Good luck with your sale.

Roger

mshchem · Mar 30, 2022

Very nice, I remember these. That's an awesome frame and fork. I rode bikes like that. Fancy lugs, Cr-Mo steel sweeet!

I'm too old and fat for a beautiful road bike like that, used to ride 20-30 miles a day after work.

Disappointed_Horse · Apr 7, 2022

That's a beautiful bike. If I wasn't on the other side of the country, I'd buy it in a heartbeat!

Cholentpot · Apr 7, 2022

I ride a Colombia Blaze (utter piece of trash) from the same era. I'd jump on this in a second if I wasn't 2k miles away. I love this era of bikes.

gone · Apr 7, 2022

The steel frame bikes ride much nicer. Whoever the lucky new owner will be, for goodness sake, put some safe tires on it. The narrow tires will kill you on city streets, it only takes one little groove to cause a crash and throw you under a car's wheels. 10 speed bikes look like racers but of course they're not, the usual tires people have on them are totally inappropriate for safe riding in today's traffic and roads.

The first thing I do on any new bike is to get the skinny tires off and put the widest tires I can fit on it. Much, much safer ride, much more comfortable. You won't lose any speed, those S.F. hills will keep you in low gears anyway. I've been riding bikes and eBikes for 30-40 years as my sole form of transportation, it only takes a nano second to take you out of this world.

Cholentpot · Apr 7, 2022

momus said:
The steel frame bikes ride much nicer. Whoever the lucky new owner will be, for goodness sake, put some safe tires on it. The narrow tires will kill you on city streets, it only takes one little groove to cause a crash and throw you under a car's wheels. 10 speed bikes look like racers but of course they're not, the usual tires people have on them are totally inappropriate for safe riding in today's traffic and roads.

The first thing I do on any new bike is to get the skinny tires off and put the widest tires I can fit on it. Much, much safer ride, much more comfortable. You won't lose any speed, those S.F. hills will keep you in low gears anyway. I've been riding bikes and eBikes for 30-40 years as my sole form of transportation, it only takes a nano second to take you out of this world.

But...I like the skinny tires and the look.

You seem to know though. I'm a novice biker. I started a year ago biking 2.5 miles every day down a steep hill, round a park back up hill and home. 10 min a day every day except Saturday. My bike is trash but it got the job done. I need an upgrade, I want to buy second hand I don't need bells and whistles. I do this to keep in shape. Got any recommendations to look out for? I like the 70's 80's racer/street bike style.

sfphoto · Apr 21, 2022

Sold locally via CraigsList to someone whom wanted to re-live his first bike, also a 10 speed.

These steel frame are solid and help absorb pavement irregularities.
Simple components make it easy to service if needed - truth is they rarely need nothing other than cleaning and occasional lube.

The rims dictate the tire width (1 1/4 in this case), as do the brakes. I did put new tires on it and was informed that 60psi was good (max 85). So.. there is some compression giving a bit more contact than skinny 1 inch 100psi racer tires.

Hybrid type bikes like the Kona Dr. Dew [made since the mid 2000's] would be something to consider & has slightly wider tires as do all hybrids.

Assuming Cholantpot is in the Cleveland area here is a 70's 10 speed I found using searchtempest dot com

1970's Schwinn LeTour Japanese 10 speed - bicycles - by owner - bike...

Garage find, 1970's vintage, Schwinn LeTour Bike. It's all there, all original. It's a Japanese bike made for Schwinn, only several models were made in Japan or them back in the day. Please see the...

cleveland.craigslist.org

Cholentpot · Apr 21, 2022

sfphoto said:
Sold locally via CraigsList to someone whom wanted to re-live his first bike, also a 10 speed.

These steel frame are solid and help absorb pavement irregularities.
Simple components make it easy to service if needed - truth is they rarely need nothing other than cleaning and occasional lube.

The rims dictate the tire width (1 1/8 in this case), as do the brakes. I did put new tires on it and was informed that 60psi was good (max 85). So.. there is some compression giving a bit more contact than skinny 1 inch 100psi racer tires.

Hybrid type bikes like the Kona Dr. Dew - made since the mid 2000's would be something to consider & has slightly wider tires as do all hybrids.

Assuming Cholantpot is in the Cleveland area here is a 70's 10 speed I found using searchtempest dot com

1970's Schwinn LeTour Japanese 10 speed - bicycles - by owner - bike...

Garage find, 1970's vintage, Schwinn LeTour Bike. It's all there, all original. It's a Japanese bike made for Schwinn, only several models were made in Japan or them back in the day. Please see the...

cleveland.craigslist.org

Ooh. Thanks.

A bit of a fixer upper but it looks serviceable.

hap · Apr 21, 2022

I also have Japanese bike bought in 1970... A Nishiki with high grade steel frame and double butted welding and chrome lugs. Also, a 10 speed and sewup tires. Ferrari red. It's time for me to sell it....but conundrum. Here we go. Should I buy new sew up tires for the original wheels or pay a lot of money to get new wheels and high grade clinchers?

runswithsizzers · Apr 21, 2022

hap said:
I also have Japanese bike bought in 1970... A Nishiki with high grade steel frame and double butted welding and chrome lugs. Also, a 10 speed and sewup tires. Ferrari red. It's time for me to sell it....but conundrum. Here we go. Should I buy new sew up tires for the original wheels or pay a lot of money to get new wheels and high grade clinchers?

If it was me, I would have new set of 700C clincher rims (with new spokes) built onto the existing hubs. I was a bicycle mechanic for 20 years, and building wheels was my favorite part of it. There is a certain amount of skill to wheel building, so ask around to find out who does a good job in your area.

I was working in a Schwinn shop in the early 1970s and we picked up the Centurion brand. I got one of their hi-end touring models for my personal ride, and one for my wife. In 1977 we rode those Centurions 3500 miles in the western US and Canada. I carried two Pentax bodies and three lenses (slide film). If you want to see the pictures, I have them posted online <here> If you want to skip the "slideshow" (I know), and you just want to see the bikes, you can kinda see my Centurion in <this shot>. I can't believe I don't have any good detail shots of that bicycle; it was beautiful.

hap · Apr 21, 2022

OK....one vote for clinchers and new spokes built on existing hubs. I will keep that in mind.
thanks

albada · Apr 22, 2022

That bike is identical to mine, purchased in 1979 on sale for about $110 because it was being replaced by a newer model. Good bike and good memories. I still have mine, and it's in great condition, but haven't ridden it in years.

Mark Overton

Disappointed_Horse · Apr 22, 2022

runswithsizzers said:
If it was me, I would have new set of 700C clincher rims (with new spokes) built onto the existing hubs. I was a bicycle mechanic for 20 years, and building wheels was my favorite part of it. There is a certain amount of skill to wheel building, so ask around to find out who does a good job in your area.

I was working in a Schwinn shop in the early 1970s and we picked up the Centurian brand. I got one of their hi-end touring models for my personal ride, and one for my wife. In 1977 we rode those Centurians 3500 miles in the western US and Canada. I carried two Pentax bodies and three lenses (slide film). If you want to see the pictures, I have them posted online <here> If you want to skip the "slideshow" (I know), and you just want to see the bikes, you can kinda see my Centurian in <this shot>. I can't believe I don't have any good detail shots of that bicycle; it was beautiful.

Great photos in that album Gary. Looking forward to exploring more of your work!

sfphoto · Apr 22, 2022

Cholentpot said:
Ooh. Thanks.

A bit of a fixer upper but it looks serviceable.

I think most under $200 [quality] bikes will be projects.

FB is something I rarely use but there are classic bike groups:

The Classic & Antique Bicycle Exchange

www.facebook.com

CABE is also here:

2022 Bike Swaps - Eastern US - Updated 07/29/22 | Swap Meets, Events, Rides

Hi everyone, A few notes about the 2022 swap list: Swaps only, no rides This is for the Eastern US only (east of the Mississippi River) Keep your eye on the thread title – it changes! – the date of the most recent update will be listed there The list will always remain as post #1 Show flyers...

thecabe.com

Log into Facebook

Log into Facebook to start sharing and connecting with your friends, family, and people you know.

www.facebook.com

https://m.facebook.com/groups/1687042898182868/

Also saw posts regarding bike shows in Ohio
Aug - Grand Rapids, another in Pittsburg
Sept- Bowling Green, another in Hartville, plus the Versailles show in Coolsville

Ohio Wheelmen (March, sorry) event in New Breman

sfphoto · Apr 22, 2022

hap said:
I also have Japanese bike bought in 1970... A Nishiki with high grade steel frame and double butted welding and chrome lugs. Also, a 10 speed and sewup tires. Ferrari red. It's time for me to sell it....but conundrum. Here we go. Should I buy new sew up tires for the original wheels or pay a lot of money to get new wheels and high grade clinchers?

Since the LeMans had std. 27in wheels, I purchased (Amz ASIN B00BMFJ7ZQ):
Made by Kenda, the reviews were very good, they are comfortable and have the period look.

I would look for used wheels for the Nishiki and current tires if I was to keep/ride it.
Since you plan to sell you should check the bikes value and perhaps let the new owner choose wheel/tire options.
[https://www.localbiketrader.com/1970snishiki.htm]

However I should note that most all the interested parties I found for the LeMans were pleased the bike had new tires and a tune-up so such was ready to hop on.

runswithsizzers · Apr 22, 2022

hap said:
I also have Japanese bike bought in 1970... A Nishiki with high grade steel frame and double butted welding and chrome lugs. Also, a 10 speed and sewup tires. Ferrari red. It's time for me to sell it....but conundrum. Here we go. Should I buy new sew up tires for the original wheels or pay a lot of money to get new wheels and high grade clinchers?

My previous recommendation to switch from sewups to clinchers was based on the assumption that you want to keep the bike and and ride it. Yes? No?

And also, based on the assumption that any bicycle that is made from double butted high alloy steel and came with sewups probably also has pretty good hubs, worth keeping.

Another option for someone who wants to ride the bicycle but prefers the practicality of clinchers might be to buy a second set of wheels with clincher rims. You could use the clinchers for everyday durability, and then easily swap them for the sewup wheels for fast club rides. For convenience when swapping, you would probably want a new gear cluster on the clincher wheels, too. Be aware that the way rear gear clusters attach to the hub has changed over the years, so some research may be necessary.

However, if you plan to sell the bike, my advice would be to not spend any money on it. Probably safer to try to find someone who wants the bike "as is" because a dollar spent on upgrades will probably not increase the value of a used bike by a dollar.

runswithsizzers · Apr 22, 2022

sfphoto said:
[...]

I would look for used rims for the Nishiki and current tires if I was to keep/ride it.
[...]

To avoid confusion, I think you mean "used wheels" ?

The word "rims" means just rims, no spokes and no hubs. There are no good used rims because the only reason to take off a rim is if it is bent.

sfphoto · Apr 22, 2022

runswithsizzers said:
My previous recommendation to switch from sewups to clinchers was based on the assumption that you want to keep the bike and and ride it. Yes? No?

And also, based on the assumption that any bicycle that is made from double butted high alloy steel and came with sewups probably also has pretty good hubs, worth keeping.

Another option for someone who wants to ride the bicycle but prefers the practicality of clinchers might be to buy a second set of wheels with clincher rims. You could use the clinchers for everyday durability, and then easily swap them for the sewup wheels for fast club rides. For convenience when swapping, you would probably want a new gear cluster on the clincher wheels, too. Be aware that the way rear gear clusters attach to the hub has changed over the years, so some research may be necessary.

However, if you plan to sell the bike, my advice would be to not spend any money on it. Probably safer to try to find someone who wants the bike "as is" because a dollar spent on upgrades will probably not increase the value of a used bike by a dollar.

The Nishiki owner said he wants to sell however did not mention if tires needed replacement in order for potential buyer to test ride. If so perhaps used tires to facilitate the sale could be an option?

sfphoto · Apr 22, 2022

runswithsizzers said:
To avoid confusion, I think you mean "used wheels" ?

The word "rims" means just rims, no spokes and no hubs. There are no good used rims because the only reason to take off a rim is if it is bent.

Wheels yes

hap · Apr 22, 2022

I"m probably too old to ride like I used to. I've taken to zone 2 aerobic "runs" ( I call them "trots"). For the 200$ I might get for the bike, I'll probably keep it and let grandchildren think about retro rides. Otherwise, I'd buy another pair of wheels/clinchers.

sfphoto · Apr 23, 2022

"I"m probably too old to ride like I used to"

Returning to my childhood, here is my 'pensioners' trike [below]. 27 speed Shimano mechanicals, bar end shifters, turns on a dime, goes as slow (or fast) as you like - all in comfort, with feet in line w/ your heart.

hap · Apr 23, 2022

I have a similar or early version delta trike

KETTWIESEL ALLROUND Recumbent Bike

The Kettwiesel Allround 9 or 27 speed recumbent trike is engineered for cornering fun. Experience all the perks and practicality of triking!

www.hasebikesusa.com

StanMac · Apr 25, 2022

Looks a lot like my Raleigh Rapide, which is still gathering dust in my garage. I should clean it up and sell to an antique bicycle enthusiast.

stan

mgb74 · Apr 26, 2022

albada said:
That bike is identical to mine, purchased in 1979 on sale for about $110 because it was being replaced by a newer model. Good bike and good memories. I still have mine, and it's in great condition, but haven't ridden it in years.

Mark Overton

Over $400 in today's dollars. I have a few of these 70s-80s 10 speeds. Fine for the paved bike path near us. When I find a Chicago made Schwinn at garage/estate sale, I can usually pick it up cheap.

Sold 1970 Vintage / Classic 10 speed bicycle, made in Japan - head turner

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