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1981 Centurion Semi Pro Custom SS

My very first custom build! Started by biting off more than I could chew when I bought the frame and fork alone, knowing VERY little about bikes. But I dove in headfirst, and thankfully now have a bit of bike knowledge, a lot of bike love/obsession and one beautiful ride!

Frame:
25.5", Tange #2 Champion double butted chromoly throughout. Full chrome under what is now powdercoat. Chrome forged dropouts, chrome lugs.

Fork/Headset:
Tange Levin NJS (not pictured)

Crankset/Bottom Bracket:
Campagnolo Strada 48T Crank w/ 170mm arms Campagnolo Veloce Bottom Bracket

Pedals:
Random NOS vintage pedals w/ VO half clips

Drivetrain/Cog/Chainring/Chain:
Shimano SF-MX30 17T

Handlebars/Stem:
Nitto Jitensha - Nitto Technomic 80mm

Saddle/Seatpost:
Brooks B-17 Standard, Dura Ace Aero 26.6

Brakes:
Tektro R539 Calipers with Kool Stop Dura Pads and Tektro FL750 Levers

Front Wheel/Hub/Tire:
H Plus Son TB-14 + 1976 Sunshine Professional High Flange Hubs + Panaracer Ruffy Tuffy 700 x28c (just added)

Rear Wheel/Hub/Tire:
H Plus Son TB-14 + 1976 Sunshine Professional High Flange Hubs + Panaracer Ruffy Tuffy 700 x28c (just added)

Accessories:
Head Pro Tour Leather Wrap, Velo Orange Half Clips, Wald shorty fenders

More Info:
After becoming obsessed and acquiring several more bikes, AND really vibing the single speed setup, I decided to switch my original baby over. Although it was quite stellar in it's first setup, I REALLY love it now. So smooth, quiet, fast, nimble and classy!

Bike History

Click a link below to see past stages of this bike.

  1. Initial
  2. Collegiate Single Speed

Current Stage Info:

The Collegiate gets a fresh new look.

Added by heathmusic. Last updated over 9 years ago.

28 Comments

Nathap470

Nathap470 says:

The best conversion I have ever seen

Posted about 8 years ago

heathmusic

heathmusic says:

Thanks Nathan!

Posted about 8 years ago

vqstaphbeard

vqstaphbeard says:

This looks fun. I like the geared setup with the rack.

Posted over 10 years ago

heathmusic

heathmusic says:

I'm going to leave this one single, and make another all arounder setup on an early 80's Bianchi Rando frame I just picked up. The journey continues.....

Posted over 10 years ago

vqstaphbeard

vqstaphbeard says:

Sounds like s plan.

Posted over 10 years ago

kean_oscar_619

kean_oscar_619 says:

I love the whole setup on this one! Such a classy SS to look at. One for the faves man!

Posted almost 11 years ago

heathmusic

heathmusic says:

Thanks mate! It continues to hold the #1 spot in my fleet :-)

Posted almost 11 years ago

Kevin_R

Kevin_R says:

looks amazing! super jealous!

Posted over 11 years ago

heathmusic

heathmusic says:

thanks! inspiration for the dawes.... ;-)

Posted over 11 years ago

Kevin_R

Kevin_R says:

haha, true..

Posted over 11 years ago

DoctorLarch

DoctorLarch says:

fantastic !

Posted over 11 years ago

heathmusic

heathmusic says:

thanks! just about to post a new stage

Posted over 11 years ago

SillyGooseCookie

SillyGooseCookie says:

I knew those gumwalls would look great!

Posted almost 12 years ago

heathmusic

heathmusic says:

they do! I just took down the pics cause I'm going to change up the bars and post a new set.

Posted almost 12 years ago

MustangWolf

MustangWolf says:

Best overall bike I've seen on here in a long time!!! Great build and awesome that you had a great experience while doing it!!!

Posted over 12 years ago

heathmusic

heathmusic says:

thank you!! I'm just about to take some new pics with the skin wall tires.

Posted over 12 years ago

SillyGooseCookie

SillyGooseCookie says:

Yes!! I can't wait to see it with gumwalls!

Posted over 12 years ago

MustangWolf

MustangWolf says:

Awesome! Is this posted on Velospace? (I couldn't find it). If not, they would def'ly love to see this!

Posted over 12 years ago

heathmusic

heathmusic says:

I don't have it on velospace. I remember opening a profile there, but they had some super small photo size limit, so I stuck with Pedal Room.

Posted over 12 years ago

rapide

rapide says:

Man, this baby is beautiful! And it looks very comfortable!

Posted over 12 years ago

dcondankz68

dcondankz68 says:

pure classy.. :)

Posted over 12 years ago

Velogarden

Velogarden says:

Very Very nice job.Your hooked now.I know your wife will feel the same way as you gaze upon your 15th and 16th builds that are yet to come.

Posted over 12 years ago

heathmusic

heathmusic says:

thank you! your semi pro was probably what got me hooked on the bike in the first place....and you're right, I'm already thinkin bout the next project

Posted over 12 years ago

Kinetic-UK

Kinetic-UK says:

Absolutley stunning.

Posted over 12 years ago

heathmusic

heathmusic says:

thank you!!

Posted over 12 years ago

max5480

max5480 says:

beautiful!!! thanks for the novel!

Posted over 12 years ago

SillyGooseCookie

SillyGooseCookie says:

Well, I read everything :) It really looks stellar! The chrome lugs look incredible against the blue powdercoating. Have you thought about hammered fenders at all? http://cdn1.media.cyclingnews.futurecdn... I think they would look really, really good on this bike. I do think that downtube shifters would look a little cleaner than stem shifters, but that's just me. The one other thing I would do differently is get gumwalls! I think they would go perfectly with this bike. Overall you have a truly fantastic bike that you should be very proud of.

Posted over 12 years ago

heathmusic

heathmusic says:

Thank You! I did actually consider some chrome hammered fenders. I don't really ride when it's wet, so I just decided to leave it till later. If the time comes, I agree on the look 100%.
Regarding downtube shifters, I hate them. ;-)
Really though, they don't make much sense if you're not hunched over a drop bar, ya know? I also considered a gum or skin wall tire, but the Gatorskins woven orange wall looked so damn good with the other orange accents, the deal was sealed. Thanks again for your kind words, I really am proud of it!

Posted over 12 years ago