Show Us your Lotus
09-25-20, 06:49 AM
#151
lurking nightrider
Gorgeous bike! Nice score!
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"If there hadn't been women we'd still be squatting in a cave eating raw meat, because we made civilization in order to impress our girl friends. And they tolerated it and let us go ahead and play with our toys." Orson Welles
"If there hadn't been women we'd still be squatting in a cave eating raw meat, because we made civilization in order to impress our girl friends. And they tolerated it and let us go ahead and play with our toys." Orson Welles
09-28-20, 11:41 AM
#152
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A Great Bike!
Here's my lotus Classique. I had been casually looking for one for the last few years and finally found a nice local example in my size. It's a little rough around the edges but passes the 3 foot eye test with flying colors.
I am really surprised at how nice it rides with the stock componentry and even the choice of a Tange 1 frame. The team at Lotus really knew how to put together a bike.
The classique fills no real niche in my stable other than putting a smile on my face when I ride, but that is good enough a reason for me
I am really surprised at how nice it rides with the stock componentry and even the choice of a Tange 1 frame. The team at Lotus really knew how to put together a bike.
The classique fills no real niche in my stable other than putting a smile on my face when I ride, but that is good enough a reason for me
I think you will find a new niche in your stable for a great riding bike. Back in 1984 I test rode every model in my local Lotus bike shop and bought the best riding model - a 1983 Lotus Classique in "Ice Blue", even though I was prepared to spend more. Riding it always makes me smile too. I still have it as my #1 ride. Back when I first bought it I rode it over to a friend's house and after he rode it around a few neighborhood blocks he jumped off, asked where I got it and if they had any more, jumped in his car and raced over to buy one. He came back with a 1984 version in the same "Electric Blue" as yours. Enjoy!
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02-14-21, 09:30 PM
#153
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Bikes: 1972 Schwinn Continental in burgundy, 1965 Schwinn Varsity Tourist in coppertone, 1967 Schwinn Varsity Tourist (ladies) in coppertone, 1984 Schwinn Tornado, 1987 Lotus Excelle in white
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Bought this at the end of last year. Looking for a Lotus water bottle to go with it.
02-14-21, 09:35 PM
#154
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Bikes: 1972 Schwinn Continental in burgundy, 1965 Schwinn Varsity Tourist in coppertone, 1967 Schwinn Varsity Tourist (ladies) in coppertone, 1984 Schwinn Tornado, 1987 Lotus Excelle in white
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Where did you get the water bottle?
02-15-21, 01:29 PM
#155
Pedal On
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Before:
After:
This bike was purchased from the original owner, and was 100% stock, down to the tires. I know some may balk at the removing of useful gears, but I just happened to have the spare single speed freewheel, and the chainring bolts, and the chain line and gear ratio worked out perfectly - plus I just enjoy the simplicity of single speed riding. Of course, I have all the original equipment set aside, which I will surely include with the bike if I ever move it along.
These old Lotus bikes just feel well made, and give a great ride. I just did a 10 mile blast around the neighborhood and loved it!
After:
This bike was purchased from the original owner, and was 100% stock, down to the tires. I know some may balk at the removing of useful gears, but I just happened to have the spare single speed freewheel, and the chainring bolts, and the chain line and gear ratio worked out perfectly - plus I just enjoy the simplicity of single speed riding. Of course, I have all the original equipment set aside, which I will surely include with the bike if I ever move it along.
These old Lotus bikes just feel well made, and give a great ride. I just did a 10 mile blast around the neighborhood and loved it!
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02-16-21, 11:36 AM
#157
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Bikes: Wow, where to start? A collection of 1980's and early 90's road, touring, and MTBs from the likes of Trek, Schwinn, Cannondale, Fuji, Miyata, Univega, Panasonic, and GT. It has gotten rather out of control.
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02-16-21, 02:17 PM
#158
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Site is still available when I go to it... Vintage Lotus Bicycles Home Page
02-16-21, 05:09 PM
#159
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From Illinois. Collector of many fine bicycles from all over the world. Subscribe to my Youtube channel. Just search John's vintage road bike garage
From Illinois. Collector of many fine bicycles from all over the world. Subscribe to my Youtube channel. Just search John's vintage road bike garage
02-17-21, 07:53 AM
#160
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Bikes: Wow, where to start? A collection of 1980's and early 90's road, touring, and MTBs from the likes of Trek, Schwinn, Cannondale, Fuji, Miyata, Univega, Panasonic, and GT. It has gotten rather out of control.
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Last edited by casanewt; 02-17-21 at 07:58 AM.
02-17-21, 08:16 AM
#161
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User Snydermann , who has posted in this thread, appears to be the guy behind the site. His last activity date on bikeforums was early 2016 https://www.bikeforums.net/members/s...nn-223113.html
02-17-21, 10:04 AM
#162
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Bikes: Wow, where to start? A collection of 1980's and early 90's road, touring, and MTBs from the likes of Trek, Schwinn, Cannondale, Fuji, Miyata, Univega, Panasonic, and GT. It has gotten rather out of control.
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02-17-21, 11:06 AM
#163
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@tsenyuta - you may have a really rare stem. VeloBase.com - Component: Sakae/Ringyo (SR) Super Light The Extra Super Light has TI bolts and was also branded as Superbe Pro.
I have one that is 130, way too long! Check the bolts with a magnet.
I have one that is 130, way too long! Check the bolts with a magnet.
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Bikes don't stand alone. They are two tired.
Bikes don't stand alone. They are two tired.
02-17-21, 03:11 PM
#164
Senior Member
This is gorgeous frame! I like the color.
02-17-21, 03:16 PM
#165
Senior Member
Yes, you are correct. I need to measure it, probably 100 or less. This bike was in storage for more than 35 years, all components are original.
It took me a while to bring the bike to drivable conditions, as grease has solidified in all parts. Everything was disassembled, washed, lubed and assembled back. Even wheels were not true. Honestly, i was surprised that tubes were absolutely in tip-top shape after 30+ years in storage.
It took me a while to bring the bike to drivable conditions, as grease has solidified in all parts. Everything was disassembled, washed, lubed and assembled back. Even wheels were not true. Honestly, i was surprised that tubes were absolutely in tip-top shape after 30+ years in storage.
02-18-21, 08:51 AM
#166
Member
Didn't realise at all that Lotus made bikes, as a fanboy of their cars, I'm overjoyed. I only know of Peugeot as a car manufacturer that made and raced decent bikes, any other brands?
Or have I completely missed the point and it's not even the same company?
Or have I completely missed the point and it's not even the same company?
02-18-21, 09:04 AM
#167
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Bikes: Wow, where to start? A collection of 1980's and early 90's road, touring, and MTBs from the likes of Trek, Schwinn, Cannondale, Fuji, Miyata, Univega, Panasonic, and GT. It has gotten rather out of control.
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Different company that was not associated with the automaker. The crazy thing is that Lotus (the automaker) has made some super high end bikes for the Olympics and for design studies.
02-18-21, 12:20 PM
#169
Member
Here's my lotus Classique. I had been casually looking for one for the last few years and finally found a nice local example in my size. It's a little rough around the edges but passes the 3 foot eye test with flying colors.
I am really surprised at how nice it rides with the stock componentry and even the choice of a Tange 1 frame. The team at Lotus really knew how to put together a bike.
The classique fills no real niche in my stable other than putting a smile on my face when I ride, but that is good enough a reason for me
I am really surprised at how nice it rides with the stock componentry and even the choice of a Tange 1 frame. The team at Lotus really knew how to put together a bike.
The classique fills no real niche in my stable other than putting a smile on my face when I ride, but that is good enough a reason for me
02-18-21, 12:42 PM
#170
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02-18-21, 06:01 PM
#171
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Nice
[QUOTE=Barrynof;21924424]Bought this at the end of last year. Looking for a Lotus water bottle to go with it.
[/QUOTE
Very tasteful. Being old school, I would prefer a single toned handlebar tape. It also looks like some wider tires could fit. Pretty bike any way you go though.
[/QUOTEVery tasteful. Being old school, I would prefer a single toned handlebar tape. It also looks like some wider tires could fit. Pretty bike any way you go though.
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02-21-21, 09:03 PM
#172
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Bikes: 1972 Schwinn Continental in burgundy, 1965 Schwinn Varsity Tourist in coppertone, 1967 Schwinn Varsity Tourist (ladies) in coppertone, 1984 Schwinn Tornado, 1987 Lotus Excelle in white
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[QUOTE=sd5782;21930565]Thanks. Yeah, I bought the bike at the end of last year and that was the handlebar tape that was on it. It won't be on there long, that's for sure.
02-21-21, 09:06 PM
#173
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Site is still available when I go to it... Vintage Lotus Bicycles Home Page
02-22-21, 07:31 AM
#174
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Bikes: 1966 Dawes Double Blue, 1976 Raleigh Gran Sport, 1975 Raleigh Sprite 27, 1980 Univega Viva Sport, 1971 Gitane Tour de France, 1984 Lotus Classique, 1976 Motobecane Grand Record
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A few years ago I was on an overnight tour with a friend and we ran into a group of Lotus car enthusiasts at a Dunkin' Donuts somewhere around Stow, Mass. I rode over to them on my Classique and asked if I could join their club. They were delighted by the bike, though slightly disappointed when I admitted that it wasn't "their" company's product. Still, I got my picture in their online newsletter.
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