Lotus Classique - what should I do with it?
04-01-21, 09:49 AM
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Lotus Classique - what should I do with it?
Hi all,
I just bought this Lotus Classique for $200. I haven't tried putting a date to it, but based on a few pictures I've seen, it seems like an 82-83 model. They guy that sold it to me seemed to have been the sole owner since he rode it sometime in the 90s for a triathlon.
The bike is mostly in good shape and I guess it has some of the original components (e.g. the shimano 600 derailleur and shifters), but it has 700c wheels so definitely not original. Not really sure about the other parts.
I have two potential uses in mind for this bike:
1. I could use it as a commuter. I currently have a 1985 Miyata ninety that I really like, but it's much heavier than the Classique. My commute was just 2 miles with the Miyata, but I just moved and is now 6 miles, so the lighter weight of the Classique might make it a better option.
2. I could use it as a touring bike as I would love to get into longer rides.
So my question is: what would you change/add/remove to this bike for each of these use cases?
Pics here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/vNHzKfyGwpbax9k98
I just bought this Lotus Classique for $200. I haven't tried putting a date to it, but based on a few pictures I've seen, it seems like an 82-83 model. They guy that sold it to me seemed to have been the sole owner since he rode it sometime in the 90s for a triathlon.
The bike is mostly in good shape and I guess it has some of the original components (e.g. the shimano 600 derailleur and shifters), but it has 700c wheels so definitely not original. Not really sure about the other parts.
I have two potential uses in mind for this bike:
1. I could use it as a commuter. I currently have a 1985 Miyata ninety that I really like, but it's much heavier than the Classique. My commute was just 2 miles with the Miyata, but I just moved and is now 6 miles, so the lighter weight of the Classique might make it a better option.
2. I could use it as a touring bike as I would love to get into longer rides.
So my question is: what would you change/add/remove to this bike for each of these use cases?
Pics here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/vNHzKfyGwpbax9k98
Last edited by sebcast; 04-01-21 at 10:07 AM.
04-01-21, 10:34 AM
#3
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Answer: both. Commuting with panniers is nice if you don't already, and they're not bad for touring, either. Mixing up your commuting route with a couple of different bikes also combats boredom. Nice bike!
04-01-21, 06:01 PM
#4
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Those brake pads appear centered on the caliper arms, so I would surmise that the bike came with 700c wheels.. unless you have read otherwise.
04-01-21, 06:07 PM
#5
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Agreed. There's not a lot of room for 27's", certainly not with mudguards.
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04-01-21, 06:19 PM
#6
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interesting! Yes, I did notice that the calipers are short-reach and the pads were well centered. I just assumed since it was an 80s bike it had to be a 27" ! But thanks for pointing that out!
04-01-21, 06:28 PM
#7
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A great $200 bike BTW. The eyelets give you the flexibility to do what you want with it. I'd ride that any day of the week.
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10-25-23, 05:51 PM
#9
Fogey
Hi all,
I just bought this Lotus Classique for $200. I haven't tried putting a date to it, but based on a few pictures I've seen, it seems like an 82-83 model. They guy that sold it to me seemed to have been the sole owner since he rode it sometime in the 90s for a triathlon.
The bike is mostly in good shape and I guess it has some of the original components (e.g. the shimano 600 derailleur and shifters), but it has 700c wheels so definitely not original. Not really sure about the other parts.
I have two potential uses in mind for this bike:
1. I could use it as a commuter. I currently have a 1985 Miyata ninety that I really like, but it's much heavier than the Classique. My commute was just 2 miles with the Miyata, but I just moved and is now 6 miles, so the lighter weight of the Classique might make it a better option.
2. I could use it as a touring bike as I would love to get into longer rides.
So my question is: what would you change/add/remove to this bike for each of these use cases?
Pics here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/vNHzKfyGwpbax9k98
I just bought this Lotus Classique for $200. I haven't tried putting a date to it, but based on a few pictures I've seen, it seems like an 82-83 model. They guy that sold it to me seemed to have been the sole owner since he rode it sometime in the 90s for a triathlon.
The bike is mostly in good shape and I guess it has some of the original components (e.g. the shimano 600 derailleur and shifters), but it has 700c wheels so definitely not original. Not really sure about the other parts.
I have two potential uses in mind for this bike:
1. I could use it as a commuter. I currently have a 1985 Miyata ninety that I really like, but it's much heavier than the Classique. My commute was just 2 miles with the Miyata, but I just moved and is now 6 miles, so the lighter weight of the Classique might make it a better option.
2. I could use it as a touring bike as I would love to get into longer rides.
So my question is: what would you change/add/remove to this bike for each of these use cases?
Pics here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/vNHzKfyGwpbax9k98
Your bike is a 1986
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