1988 Lotus Excelle?
08-14-17, 09:55 AM
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1988 Lotus Excelle?
I spotted this Lotus on my local Craigslist:
https://newjersey.craigslist.org/bik...258901203.html
that looks very similar to a 1988 Excelle on the Lotus bike site (last image at bottom of page):
Vintage Lotus Excelle Bicycle Page
What do you guys think its worth? If it could be had for a little under the $100 asking price, then it might make a good bike for flipping. I also think the size is more 22.5 inches (or 56cm) and not 21.5.
https://newjersey.craigslist.org/bik...258901203.html
that looks very similar to a 1988 Excelle on the Lotus bike site (last image at bottom of page):
Vintage Lotus Excelle Bicycle Page
What do you guys think its worth? If it could be had for a little under the $100 asking price, then it might make a good bike for flipping. I also think the size is more 22.5 inches (or 56cm) and not 21.5.
08-14-17, 10:27 AM
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$100 is about fmv for a keeper, about $25 too rich to flip.
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08-14-17, 11:06 AM
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Late 80's Lotus Excelles are attractive bikes. It should sport a nice durable Tange 900 or better frame and decent Shimano bits.(Looks like Exage from the CL ad). If the frame & the wheels are in good shape it's definitely worth $100. Worth much more refurbished. I wouldn't wait too long to go & check that out.
08-14-17, 11:07 AM
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Oh, ok. I thought FMV was worth a little more. Granted, its the lower end of the lineup so I shouldn't be all that surprised. This is also an example of a pretty bad ad. 1) Its not a triathlon/TT bike, 2) the size looks wrong and 3) the year looks wrong. Makes me wonder what else is wrong? 
Edit: I gather that Shimano Exage was about Sora level compoments back then? Last I looked them up, I recall them being at least two tiers lower than 105.
Edit: I gather that Shimano Exage was about Sora level compoments back then? Last I looked them up, I recall them being at least two tiers lower than 105.
Last edited by ptempel; 08-14-17 at 11:16 AM.
08-15-17, 08:09 AM
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There were two or three Exage road groups and few off road as well but yes they would be around Sora level
The bike in question needs brake lever hoods/covers so don't forget to add $25+ yo your calculations. I would count on it needing a complete overhaul and cable or two as well.
The bike in question needs brake lever hoods/covers so don't forget to add $25+ yo your calculations. I would count on it needing a complete overhaul and cable or two as well.
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08-15-17, 09:52 AM
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As for for the value seeming a bit low that is because the members here are taking into account condition. From what I can see it will need new brake levers, cables, tires plus likely seat, pedals and chain to be a good rider. So figure on spending another $100-150 which makes still makes a good deal as keeper just not much room to flip.
08-15-17, 12:02 PM
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As for for the value seeming a bit low that is because the members here are taking into account condition. From what I can see it will need new brake levers, cables, tires plus likely seat, pedals and chain to be a good rider. So figure on spending another $100-150 which makes still makes a good deal as keeper just not much room to flip.
Well yes but I am cheap too!
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08-17-17, 11:01 AM
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It has the triathlon swim-bike-run decal on the top tube and SLR brakes, so it should be a circa 1988-1989 model. During this era, the component group was Exage Sport, which was the highest of the three Exage groups. Tubing was an unspecified Tange triple butted CrMo with CMn forks and presumably stays. Original price was $499 US. Assuming the typical labour, consumables and brake hoods, I don't see much margin on a flip. However, it may be OK if it's in near ready to ride condition.
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