Back in ’85 I worked for a bike shop in NYC that was a Centurion/Diamondback (Western States Imports) dealer. I assembled more than my share of Accordos, LeMans and Cavalettos. With my discount I bought a Diamondback Ridge Runner. Great bike, comfortable, long wheelbase, and I mounted a seat (on a rear rack) and footpegs on the rear for passengers. (Best datemobile ever when you’re 21.) But also heavy, in the age when Cannondales were just breaking out and I lusted for one of those too.
But the absolute most amazing bike Centurion had was the Cinelli Equipe. Back then the Italian Lira was skyrocketing so anything Italian was totally out of reach. That Cinelli was alot cheaper, but even with my discount it was more than a month’s salary. Now of course they’re total collector’s items and impossible to find and I wished I had bought one.
Also the next year they came out with the iconic Dave Scott Ironman in magenta and yellow. THAT bike sold alot. Those colors inspired me to build the bikes I build now.
Beautiful collection! Original components or updated?
I have a too large for me craigslist barn find Omega (late 70s i think?) that I rode for years before I knew anything about vintage bicycles. Now I’m working on restoring it. It’s a garish blue with yellow lining on the lug welds and im torn between repainting it in original scheme or going my own way.
ddww123 on
Very nice collection. Love the 1970s bikes. Haven’t seen those double brake levers in a while. Kind of a real 70’s thing.
Ramulysses on
Iron man next
noladutch on
Need the cinelli centurion next.
That sadly was one that I don’t have any my first being doored experience.
Was a sweet ride with ofmega cranks. One of the best looking ever.
5 Comments
Back in ’85 I worked for a bike shop in NYC that was a Centurion/Diamondback (Western States Imports) dealer. I assembled more than my share of Accordos, LeMans and Cavalettos. With my discount I bought a Diamondback Ridge Runner. Great bike, comfortable, long wheelbase, and I mounted a seat (on a rear rack) and footpegs on the rear for passengers. (Best datemobile ever when you’re 21.) But also heavy, in the age when Cannondales were just breaking out and I lusted for one of those too.
But the absolute most amazing bike Centurion had was the Cinelli Equipe. Back then the Italian Lira was skyrocketing so anything Italian was totally out of reach. That Cinelli was alot cheaper, but even with my discount it was more than a month’s salary. Now of course they’re total collector’s items and impossible to find and I wished I had bought one.
Also the next year they came out with the iconic Dave Scott Ironman in magenta and yellow. THAT bike sold alot. Those colors inspired me to build the bikes I build now.
https://imgur.com/YJFSIS0
Beautiful collection! Original components or updated?
I have a too large for me craigslist barn find Omega (late 70s i think?) that I rode for years before I knew anything about vintage bicycles. Now I’m working on restoring it. It’s a garish blue with yellow lining on the lug welds and im torn between repainting it in original scheme or going my own way.
Very nice collection. Love the 1970s bikes. Haven’t seen those double brake levers in a while. Kind of a real 70’s thing.
Iron man next
Need the cinelli centurion next.
That sadly was one that I don’t have any my first being doored experience.
Was a sweet ride with ofmega cranks. One of the best looking ever.