Lotus Classique Fork Material?
03-24-24, 06:53 PM
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Lotus Classique Fork Material?
Hi everyone,
I have a 1981 Lotus Classique that I've identified based on the serial number, which a few numbers off from one sold a couple years ago on the forum, though the tube set decals are missing on mine.
I'm trying to figure out what the fork and stays are made of just out of curiosity. Does anyone know? Does the "Tange Champion #1 Butted Tubes" decal indicate that only the main tubes are chromoly? There's currently a 1980 Lotus Classique on eBay with some dealer scans that seem to indicate the fork and stays are 2040 Hi-Ten.
I have a 1981 Lotus Classique that I've identified based on the serial number, which a few numbers off from one sold a couple years ago on the forum, though the tube set decals are missing on mine.
I'm trying to figure out what the fork and stays are made of just out of curiosity. Does anyone know? Does the "Tange Champion #1 Butted Tubes" decal indicate that only the main tubes are chromoly? There's currently a 1980 Lotus Classique on eBay with some dealer scans that seem to indicate the fork and stays are 2040 Hi-Ten.
03-24-24, 07:32 PM
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03-24-24, 08:10 PM
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Here's a link to the Wayback Machine's capture of the now-defunct VintageLotusBicycles.com page for the Classique. I see no mention of Hi-Ten being used for the fork, and it can help you identify the year.
Mine says Hi...
Mine says Hi...
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03-25-24, 12:40 AM
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Champion fork on the 84 that passed through my hands, but this would’ve been more common by 84 so not sure the data point helps your 81. Gorgeous bike though, more photos here.
03-25-24, 10:17 AM
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Thanks all for the links, and gorgeous bikes genejockey and polymorphself ! Yeah, none of those links has anything definitive on the forks from the early years. I'm too new to post images and links yet, let me paste the text from the dealer scan:
The info is suggestive, but not definitive given it's the 1980 models.
1980 LOTUS SPECIFICATION CHANGES
ECLAIR-12 SPEED VS- 4
ECLAIR-12 SPEED VS- 4
FRAME: Changed to Chrome-Moly 3 Main Tubes
FORK: Remains Butted 2040 Hi-Tension Steel Tubing
STAYS: Remains Butted 2040 Hi-Tension Steel Tubing
CLASSIQUE -12 SPEED VS -5FORK: Remains Butted 2040 Hi-Tension Steel Tubing
STAYS: Remains Butted 2040 Hi-Tension Steel Tubing
FRAME: Changed to Double Butted Chrome-Moly 3 Main Tubes
FORK: Remains Double Butted 2040 Hi-Tension Steel Tubing
STAYS: Remains Double Butted 2040 Hi-Tension Steel Tubing
Derailleurs Changed from Cyclone to 600EX
LEGENDFORK: Remains Double Butted 2040 Hi-Tension Steel Tubing
STAYS: Remains Double Butted 2040 Hi-Tension Steel Tubing
Derailleurs Changed from Cyclone to 600EX
Derailleurs Changed from Cyclone to 600EX
Hubs Changed from Shimano 600 to 600EX
Hubs Changed from Shimano 600 to 600EX
03-25-24, 10:39 AM
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Looking back at the Classique page, I note that the 1982 version is supposed to have a Shimano 600 headset (which would be the one with the scalloped top cup and locknut wrench faces, while the 1981 had a Tange chrome headset - that's the one I have, along with a brass headbadge, which makes mine a 1981.
I bought it from the original owner, who said he bought it in 1982, but it was apparently last year's model. He also didn't seen to have ridden it far, because it still had the IRC Roadlite tires shown in the specs!
I bought it from the original owner, who said he bought it in 1982, but it was apparently last year's model. He also didn't seen to have ridden it far, because it still had the IRC Roadlite tires shown in the specs!
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03-25-24, 11:44 AM
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A Champion #1 steer tube will have internal rifling like Columbus steer tubes, but six ribs instead of five, and wound in the opposite direction. E.g.
