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Search: Posts Made By: Snydermann
Showing results 1 to 50 of 1000
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Forum: Classic & Vintage
08-25-14, 05:40 PM
Replies: 20
Views: 2,411
Posted By Snydermann

An Excelle is not an Elite 600 :). Excelle was...

An Excelle is not an Elite 600 :). Excelle was made for a good 8-10 years, Elite 600 was made for only 2 years, 1987 being the most commonly found and a watered down version offered in 1988, which...
Forum: Classic and Vintage Bicycles: Whats it Worth? Appraisals.
08-04-14, 06:19 AM
Replies: 4
Views: 1,134
Posted By Snydermann

The Lotus is a 1984 Unique. The photographs...

The Lotus is a 1984 Unique.

The photographs don't show much detail, but there are a few clues there to know for sure. The chrome fork crown in particular, which is probably engraved with a Lotus...
Forum: Classic & Vintage
07-17-14, 06:44 PM
Replies: 13
Views: 1,672
Posted By Snydermann

I'm guessing it's a 1984 Lotus Classique? If...

I'm guessing it's a 1984 Lotus Classique?

If so, that's a super-nice bike and worth saving.

I've seen a few Lotus models with cracked paint around the lugs that seem perfectly fine. The paint...
Forum: General Cycling Discussion
06-06-14, 09:23 PM
Replies: 139
Views: 7,335
Posted By Snydermann

I won't quote the post again, but I agree with...

I won't quote the post again, but I agree with Synchro87.

I ran an auto repair business for 20 years. It was great in the 1980s and 1990s, but when the internet hit and everyone became an expert...
Forum: Classic and Vintage Bicycles: Whats it Worth? Appraisals.
06-06-14, 08:08 PM
Replies: 22
Views: 2,482
Posted By Snydermann

Yes, that's an OGK plug. I've attached a photo...

Yes, that's an OGK plug. I've attached a photo of my NOS plugs. When taking it apart I noticed that it is marked OGK (in lettering smaller than my eyesight can comprehend) on the back of the...
Forum: Road Cycling
06-05-14, 08:06 AM
Replies: 5
Views: 735
Posted By Snydermann

I think the handlebar on some of the Challenger...

I think the handlebar on some of the Challenger SX models were engraved with the Lotus logo? That would look cool on your other bike, even if not completely original.

Given the two bikes I'd...
Forum: Classic and Vintage Bicycles: Whats it Worth? Appraisals.
06-05-14, 07:28 AM
Replies: 22
Views: 2,482
Posted By Snydermann

The expander type OGK plugs aren't all marked. I...

The expander type OGK plugs aren't all marked. I have some NOS OGK plugs in the package and if it wasn't for the package you'd never know they were OGK. If you remove one and get a better photo I...
Forum: Classic and Vintage Bicycles: Whats it Worth? Appraisals.
06-04-14, 11:53 AM
Replies: 22
Views: 2,482
Posted By Snydermann

I'm glad to hear that, originality in 1980s bikes...

I'm glad to hear that, originality in 1980s bikes still seems under-appreciated. I've been recommending to folks that they stay ahead of the curve and keep their bikes original. Collector demand is...
Forum: Classic and Vintage Bicycles: Whats it Worth? Appraisals.
06-04-14, 09:24 AM
Replies: 22
Views: 2,482
Posted By Snydermann

I know if it were my bike I'd try to bring her...

I know if it were my bike I'd try to bring her back to 100% original, the correct saddle and water bottle aren't easy to find, but they are out there.

In general, the average Lotus bike may not...
Forum: Classic and Vintage Bicycles: Whats it Worth? Appraisals.
06-04-14, 06:02 AM
Replies: 22
Views: 2,482
Posted By Snydermann

That's a beauty, a 1984 model. Actually, the...

That's a beauty, a 1984 model. Actually, the 1984 Lotus catalog doesn't say "1984" on it, we believe the 1984 style bikes were made for two years 1984-1985. The only way to tell so far is to date...
Forum: Road Cycling
06-03-14, 02:03 PM
Replies: 20
Views: 2,530
Posted By Snydermann

It's a Lotus . . . of course it's worth fixing! ...

It's a Lotus . . . of course it's worth fixing!

The vintage street cred is worth the price of admission alone. Just LOOK at the COLOR!

A beautiful vintage Lotus in an awesome color. What more...
Forum: Commuting
05-07-14, 06:07 AM
Replies: 53
Views: 3,832
Posted By Snydermann

I'll admit to old and sour, but not bitter . . ....

I'll admit to old and sour, but not bitter . . . yet.

Maybe it's just my bad luck, but advancements in technology and "making a profit" seem to have come at the cost of durability and longevity.
...
Forum: Commuting
05-07-14, 04:53 AM
Replies: 53
Views: 3,832
Posted By Snydermann

What's the depreciation on a new bike these days?...

What's the depreciation on a new bike these days?

I've never sold a vintage vintage bike (Lotus) for less than I paid for it, even the Lotus Legend that I bought in 1980 is still worth what it...
Forum: Commuting
05-06-14, 07:08 PM
Replies: 53
Views: 3,832
Posted By Snydermann

I wish the photos were larger, but that Lotus...

I wish the photos were larger, but that Lotus Unique looks like a beautiful bike for $300.00.

Lotus called that color Violet-Blue, it does appear to change color depending on the light. It looks...
Forum: Commuting
05-06-14, 03:00 PM
Replies: 53
Views: 3,832
Posted By Snydermann

The 1984 Lotus Unique is a great bike. It's a...

The 1984 Lotus Unique is a great bike. It's a sportier version of the Excelle.

The 1984 Unique has great vintage details, lots of chrome and some cool Lotus pantographing/engraving on the fork...
Forum: Classic and Vintage Bicycles: Whats it Worth? Appraisals.
05-01-14, 07:36 AM
Replies: 6
Views: 2,513
Posted By Snydermann

That's an interesting Lotus model that pops up...

That's an interesting Lotus model that pops up from time to time. It's a quality machine with some interesting vintage details and of-the-period parts.

My website needs an update, there was an...
Forum: Classic & Vintage
04-28-14, 07:49 AM
Replies: 5
Views: 1,315
Posted By Snydermann

Nice job and a nice write up. If you want to...

Nice job and a nice write up.

If you want to contact me through the Vintage Lotus Bicycles website, I'll contribute a pair of blue Eclair decals for the top tube.

Thanks for saving a beautiful...
Forum: Classic & Vintage
04-26-14, 06:16 AM
Replies: 9
Views: 1,610
Posted By Snydermann

That's a beautiful vintage Lotus that's survived...

That's a beautiful vintage Lotus that's survived for 30 years. It's already cool just the way she sits. Why not just ride it as is and find some other candidate for your resto/mod . . .

Original...
Forum: Classic & Vintage
04-18-14, 07:20 AM
Replies: 38
Views: 9,578
Posted By Snydermann

I think a lot of the admiration for the Miyata...

I think a lot of the admiration for the Miyata 1000 stems from the Sheldon Brown endorsement:

"The mid-80s Miyata 1000 was possibly the finest off-the-shelf touring bike available at the time."
...
Forum: Classic & Vintage
04-04-14, 08:56 AM
Replies: 43
Views: 2,934
Posted By Snydermann

I try to mark, or only purchase tools for bicycle...

I try to mark, or only purchase tools for bicycle use that have the color blue on them, if the handles or parts of the tools aren't blue, I'll mark them with a band of blue electrical tape. Bike...
Forum: Classic and Vintage Bicycles: Whats it Worth? Appraisals.
04-01-14, 12:57 PM
Replies: 16
Views: 7,017
Posted By Snydermann

Lotus introduced the Pegasus around 1982, but...

Lotus introduced the Pegasus around 1982, but hasn't been found in a catalog until 1983. We've found a few early bikes and dated the components. The decals are very unique on the first editions of...
Forum: Touring
04-01-14, 12:38 PM
Replies: 2
Views: 821
Posted By Snydermann

The decal style on that bike makes it a post-1987...

The decal style on that bike makes it a post-1987 model. So far, a 1988 Lotus catalog hasn't surfaced, but component dating of similar bikes (with the same decal style) makes that a 1988 or 1989...
Forum: Classic & Vintage
03-24-14, 06:09 AM
Replies: 11
Views: 2,050
Posted By Snydermann

I've been researching and collecting information...

I've been researching and collecting information about Lotus for a long time and I've never seen or heard of any Super Pro frame problems. I've seen quite a few abused and beat to hell Super Pros...
Forum: Classic & Vintage
03-11-14, 11:05 AM
Replies: 36
Views: 5,986
Posted By Snydermann

You are welcome. It's been a long (as well...

You are welcome.

It's been a long (as well as disappointing, frustrating, and sometimes even expensive) avenue of discovery with Lotus bikes, so it's actually quite a thrill and even a joy when I...
Forum: Classic & Vintage
03-10-14, 03:44 PM
Replies: 4
Views: 2,517
Posted By Snydermann

That's an early version (if not THE FIRST...

That's an early version (if not THE FIRST version), of Lotus' most popular model.

What makes that bike early (1980?) is the exposed rear brake cable on the top tube (among other details). I've...
Forum: Classic & Vintage
03-08-14, 11:12 PM
Replies: 36
Views: 5,986
Posted By Snydermann

Just to finally clear this up . . . That's...

Just to finally clear this up . . .

That's most probably a 1980 Lotus Odyssey. The Odyssey and Legend frames are virtually identical for 1980. The wrap seat stay caps are a dead giveaway for...
Forum: Classic & Vintage
03-04-14, 05:14 PM
Replies: 25
Views: 1,326
Posted By Snydermann

I'm interested. The Parkerford entrance to...

I'm interested.

The Parkerford entrance to the trail is only a short ride from my house.

Vintage Lotus Bicycles, represent!
Forum: Folding Bikes
03-03-14, 09:35 AM
Replies: 60
Views: 4,408
Posted By Snydermann

I took some business management classes and they...

I took some business management classes and they taught us that:

80% of your customers are great and will never be a problem.

18% of your customers will require some effort to keep happy, but...
Forum: Classic & Vintage
03-02-14, 10:04 PM
Replies: 40
Views: 6,700
Posted By Snydermann

When I say I know of four Elan 75 bikes that...

When I say I know of four Elan 75 bikes that exist, unfortunately this is one of them . . .

366890

Elan 75 #2 (http://www.bikeforums.net/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=2) was a photo...
Forum: Classic & Vintage
03-02-14, 08:52 PM
Replies: 7
Views: 1,706
Posted By Snydermann

Really? ...

Really?

http://vintagelotusbicycles.com/Odyssey.html

What would you like to know?

That's an early first-generation Odyssey, probably what I'd consider 1980 1/2. A head tube badge and water...
Forum: Classic & Vintage
03-02-14, 04:46 PM
Replies: 40
Views: 6,700
Posted By Snydermann

I just have to chime in again about the...

I just have to chime in again about the awesomeness and super-rarity this bicycle.

Made only for 1987 the Elan 75 was one of three top-of-the-line Lotus racing models (with tubular tires) for the...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
02-22-14, 12:28 PM
Replies: 113
Views: 6,495
Posted By Snydermann

There is a lot more to wrenching on a bike or...

There is a lot more to wrenching on a bike or automobile than just the mechanics of the job.

It's the knowledge of your craft and the depth of that knowledge.

I doubt anyone would consider...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
02-22-14, 12:14 PM
Replies: 113
Views: 6,495
Posted By Snydermann

Everything. But then again, I was a German...

Everything.

But then again, I was a German car mechanic for 20 years. Bicycles aren't quite as difficult (well, maybe the French ones).

I'm also of the mindset that it's a better value to buy...
Forum: Classic & Vintage
02-22-14, 11:27 AM
Replies: 37
Views: 8,979
Posted By Snydermann

In 1980 I was 16 years old and had just bought a...

In 1980 I was 16 years old and had just bought a 1980 Lotus Legend. The bike was so newly introduced I didn't even get to see a photo before I ordered the bike.

I was working as a grocery store...
Forum: Classic & Vintage
02-17-14, 05:17 PM
Replies: 113
Views: 13,923
Posted By Snydermann

You have awesome taste in bikes. One of...

You have awesome taste in bikes.

One of these rare Elan 75 beauties just sold on eBay for the mere sum of $460.00. It didn't have the original wheels, but still had Campy hubs and Mavic clincher...
Forum: Classic & Vintage
02-17-14, 12:24 PM
Replies: 113
Views: 13,923
Posted By Snydermann

1987 Lotus Prestige Dura-Ace. Top-of-the-line...

1987 Lotus Prestige Dura-Ace. Top-of-the-line for 1987 along with the Super Record equipped Lotus Cinelli Supreme.

So far, the rarest of the rare Lotus bikes. I know of none that exist, haven't...
Forum: Classic & Vintage
02-10-14, 01:22 PM
Replies: 129
Views: 10,688
Posted By Snydermann

I'm so glad to hear someone say something...

I'm so glad to hear someone say something positive about Positron. I have a 1983 Lotus America with factory upright bars and factory fenders (only Lotus to have this combination of factory...
Forum: Classic & Vintage
02-10-14, 12:38 PM
Replies: 129
Views: 10,688
Posted By Snydermann

Thank you. I think it's okay to spend more...

Thank you.

I think it's okay to spend more than the bike is "worth" as long as the owner is fully aware that's what is happening. I've done it plenty of times and it's okay because it's worth it...
Forum: Classic & Vintage
02-10-14, 11:14 AM
Replies: 129
Views: 10,688
Posted By Snydermann

My boss at the body/restoration shop where I...

My boss at the body/restoration shop where I worked had an expression he used quite frequently,

"The easiest way to make your classic car worth 50 grand . . . is to spend 100 grand restoring it."
Forum: Classic & Vintage
02-10-14, 10:03 AM
Replies: 129
Views: 10,688
Posted By Snydermann

Bikes for riding and bikes for collecting and...

Bikes for riding and bikes for collecting and preserving are two different things. My daily rider (1981 Lotus Odyssey) has been modified for comfort and practicality. But, the bikes I collect I want...
Forum: Classic and Vintage Bicycles: Whats it Worth? Appraisals.
02-07-14, 08:01 PM
Replies: 11
Views: 4,998
Posted By Snydermann

I'm sorry, but that information is just not...

I'm sorry, but that information is just not correct.

Lotus bragged in their sales literature for 1987 that all of their bikes were made in Japan or Italy. Even the cheapest models. There was never...
Forum: Classic & Vintage
12-08-13, 07:48 AM
Replies: 83,260
Views: 14,151,836
Posted By Snydermann

Of course, I tried too but I was about 8 hours...

Of course, I tried too but I was about 8 hours late to the game.

Just for the heck of it, then I checked with Google Analytics to see if VintageLOTUSbicycles was getting any activity on the Lotus...
Forum: Classic & Vintage
11-15-13, 07:31 AM
Replies: 32
Views: 3,755
Posted By Snydermann

I think that rear wheel isn't original to the...

I think that rear wheel isn't original to the bike (too wide, no eyelets for the spokes, and the hub looks different).

The front wheel/hub looks correct, though.
Forum: Classic & Vintage
11-11-13, 07:40 AM
Replies: 3
Views: 1,978
Posted By Snydermann

A 1984 Unique with Tange Mangaloy should use a...

A 1984 Unique with Tange Mangaloy should use a 26.6mm post, at least from what I have seen on similar bikes.
Forum: Classic & Vintage
11-11-13, 07:19 AM
Replies: 34
Views: 3,603
Posted By Snydermann

That Unique is a quality bike and $100.00 was a...

That Unique is a quality bike and $100.00 was a great deal, even if it does have some issues.

Don't be so quick to ditch those wheels. The original rims were Ukai alloy 27 x 1 with Suntour sealed...
Forum: Classic and Vintage Bicycles: Whats it Worth? Appraisals.
11-05-13, 08:06 AM
Replies: 20
Views: 14,075
Posted By Snydermann

Yes, I knew someone would bring up that point and...

Yes, I knew someone would bring up that point and you are correct. A bike is a bike and they can all be compared to each other.

One can compare an apple to an orange because they are both fruit,...
Forum: Classic and Vintage Bicycles: Whats it Worth? Appraisals.
11-04-13, 08:15 PM
Replies: 20
Views: 14,075
Posted By Snydermann

You are in the ideal situation to tell us which...

You are in the ideal situation to tell us which bike you like better, and why. :thumb:

I don't think there is a hands down winner here, and I'm obviously biased toward the Lotus. I don't know...
Forum: Classic and Vintage Bicycles: Whats it Worth? Appraisals.
11-04-13, 03:27 PM
Replies: 20
Views: 14,075
Posted By Snydermann

That's a sweet Lotus Excelle, and quite possibly...

That's a sweet Lotus Excelle, and quite possibly the best one they ever made. The Excelle existed from 1980 to 1988-ish and Lotus liked to brag that it was their best selling model.

By 1987 Lotus...
Forum: Classic and Vintage Bicycles: Whats it Worth? Appraisals.
11-03-13, 08:19 AM
Replies: 11
Views: 1,917
Posted By Snydermann

If that Lotus Excelle Mixte was closer I'd have...

If that Lotus Excelle Mixte was closer I'd have bought it the day it was listed. It looks totally original and it's a popular color.

In my eyes, tan sidewalls look better on vintage bikes. All...
Forum: Classic and Vintage Bicycles: Whats it Worth? Appraisals.
10-17-13, 09:51 AM
Replies: 32
Views: 5,146
Posted By Snydermann

Be advised that this frame was designed to be an...

Be advised that this frame was designed to be an all-out professional racing bike. Not only did it originally have sew-up tires, it has a short wheelbase and 74 degree seat and head tube angles. It...
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