RileyG

Just picked up a Lotus 3000R. Needs some deep cleaning, rear wheel work, new grips, and maybe new tires but overall it’s in good shape. Frame is in really good shape and for $60 I couldn’t pass it up. Got it to try to match a Lotus Triomphe that my Dad has that we restored years ago. Not quite as nice as his but I love the design and look of older road bikes. Can’t believe there is a relatively active forum for Lotus bikes.

Barrynof

Love the hand grips! Looks great!

bamboobike4

Sold long ago, after a century. It was time.

Platy33

Can anyone help in sharing what might be the monetary value of a Lotus Classique (in good considition) with original components. I'm happy to share pictures.

genejockey 

Dunno. I paid $175 for an '82 with all original bits (except NDS crank arm) that had been ridden s little the tires were probably original. Full Shimano 600 "Arabesque".

madpogue 

@Platy33 , You might want to post a separate thread in the "Classic & Vintage What's it Worth" section. That said, I just sold an '87 Elite 600, wee little 44cm WSD, all Shimano New 600EX (incl SIS), functionally excellet, cosmetically a little rough, for $280.

romanlotus

what crank and rear derailleur is on it? I could narrow down the year for you

romanlotus

That's a 1984 Classique

brixxton

I thought this was an '83 America but it has to much chrome it had drop bars and Altus gearset. The Dia Compe 500's and Miyata forks were on it and I assume they're origional. Changing to stem shifters and high bars made the cabling an eyesore; any suggestions?

madpogue 

According to the way-back machine / vintage Lotus site - https://web.archive.org/web/20190514...m/America.html - it originally had Positron rear shifting with the stem shifters. And I think that required that double cabling with full housing down the downtube. With the driveline you have now, you should be able to go to conventional downtube indexed levers and then go back to the drop bar; that would pretty it up. But that 200GS derailleur is made for top-bar trigger shifters; something tells me they may not be compatible with downtube shifters, and if that's the case, it's a surprise they work with the stem shifters you have. Finally, it looks like the housing at the rear mech is just a bit (1-2 cm) short.

'Course, if you choose friction shifting, just about any shifter mounted anywhere would work.

mkeller234

My 84 Lotus sprint track bike…. Well, for a couple more days at least! Soon to go to a new home.

mgopack42 

just found this one. 198
Legend with upgraded brakes and hubs, but downgraded drive train (I am sure the newfangled 8 speed French stuff was sold as an upgrade though!)

EVlove

Joining the fun with this early Classique I just liberated from my local bike coop today. As found, saddle and wheels are not original but the rest of the Shimano 600 goodness is all there.

sh00k

back with an update on my ~1984 lotus classique. loving the bike and take it around locally. my area is super hilly so i wish i had a third chainring but it's fine. the upright handle bars i put on it are amazing - all my weight is on the seat as i ride and it's still such a super fast bike. doing daddy duty as below. love filling up the trailer with snacks + cooler with water + kids scooters, basketballs, etc etc and just riding to local parks.

sharing and hoping you guys are all doing well!!

Platy33

Thank you for your posting. I have the 84 Lotus Classique, as well (all original parts). I've had it posted for sale on this forum, but have not heard from anyone.
Wondering if it can be seen.

sh00k

where are you located? can you link me to the post? and what size is the bike...? Thanks!!

as for my bike, i also have the original drop handle bar and shift levers. i also have the metal water bottle cage that came with the bike. i took everything including reflectors off to give the bike a nice clean look. i never ride at night so i never need them. i've taken the reflectors off all 4 of my bikes. only issue with my lotus above is that i havent been able to remove that last reflector by the handle bars. im not handy enough and feel liek if i open up the steering tube, im going to break something lol

mgopack42 

sh00k I have a 1983 Lotus Legend advertised in the sale thread in case you need an upgrade from your Classique (or it needs a friend)... just sayin'...and I can deliver it to you!

mgopack42 

Platy33 If you only have 3 posts, it might not work. You need an upgraded membership to post an item for sale here. Did you pay for one? I searched the C&V for sale, and did not see one for sale from you.

Classiq 

I have had or rebuilt several '83-4ish Classiques and love them. Still holding on to two for my personal use, one converted to upright bars. I think this was by far the best bike Lotus ever built. I have a Legend too but I don't at all care for the shorter wheelbase - just makes for toe/front tire overlap and annoyance. The legend might be a couple irrelevant ounces lighter but the Classique just rides so much smoother. Back in 1984 when I bought my first Classique I had tested the Legend and even then found the Classique a much better rider. Enjoy your Classique and don't bother "trading up".

Platy33

thanks I did not know I had posted a detailed description with many pictures

sh00k

so happy to hear from another person that loves these bikes! and agreed 100% - this bike is super smooth despite it's age and still relatively light, IMO. the wheels i have on mine are original and i think the bearings might be shot as the wheel has a little play in them horizontally. i have been looking for a "cheap" marketplace / craigslist wheelset to replace it with while i have the originals rebuilt. this bike would be incredible with a newer / lighter wheelset, 1500g or so To your point, i wasnt looking to trade up, rather, wanted another lotus in my stable at the risk of making this bike into an abomination, i have even debated putting on a set of amazon super cheap "carbon" wheels on them since they're about $350 or so... hahaha

jdawginsc 

Wish I could find a pink Lotus Supreme with the chrome head lugs. Sort of a grail for me.

lostlotus

My roomate gave me what I believe is a blue Lotus Special. The frame number is P3186…. I’m struggling to find any info about this model. Any details would be appreciated. I was looking for rarity, possible value, etc… plan is to clean it up and then decide what to do with it. Has a Suntour Seven derailer.

machinist42

Picture Assistance



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Special and Special Mixte

" A basic value 10-Speed that gives you Japanese technology and quality at the lowest possible price."
~~ 1987 Catalog Quote ~~

The steel-rimmed Lotus Special (Pacific Cycles) was a Lotus entry-level value bicycle. It was introduced circa 1982 and was only available in Blue. Up until then, the entry-level bicycle was the Lotus America, which received a promotion when the Special became available. The Lotus America was made by Tsunoda in Japan and the first-generation Lotus Special was made in Taiwan. Later models of the Lotus Special would resume production in Japan.

The bicycle on the right is a first-generation, circa 1982, Lotus Special in Blue. Note the double seat tube decals to coordinate with the style of the first-generation Tsunoda models. For more background information on the first generation Lotus Special and Pacific Cycles please visit the Lotus Elite page.

Lotus would discontinue the Special during the mid 1980's when it was replaced by the Lotus International. The Special returned again in 1987 as the entry level model in the Lotus Sport Seriesnext to the then upgraded International.

Early Lotus Special models were also available in a mixte style frame and the later models, circa 1987, models were available in a double downtube style women's frame.

So far, the award for the smallest of the Lotus road bicycles goes to the 1983 Lotus Special shown below. This bicycle sports 24-inch wheels on it's 18-inch Blue frame. As far as we know, the Special was the only Junior-size road bike with 24-inch wheels that Lotus ever offered. The 44-48cm Elite 600 and 18-inch Unique models in 1987 were available with a 24-inch front wheel paired with a 700c rear wheel. The 1987 Lotus Special is listed in the 1987 catalog as being available in a 17-inch "Boys and Girls" frame with 24-inch wheels. We'd love to see one.



"My son rode this Lotus Special for a year or two until it was too small.
In 1996 or 1997 I bought it from the "junk" pile of a bike shop that was going out of business.
I saved it from being sold for scrap, it needed alot of work but I brought it a 2nd life.
Its been hanging on a hook for the last 8 years."
~~ J. Thomas ~~


In order to offer a completely lugged frame at a budget price the lugs found on the 1987 Lotus Special are very basic in design. The head tube and head tube lugs were even formed in one piece.

The 1987 Special used steel rims, chainrings, handlebar, seat post, and pedals. Moving up through 3 models to the Challenger SX would gradually get you a bicycle with all those components in aluminum alloy, saving three pounds and costing over twice the price.

The MSRP of a 1987 Lotus Special was $169.95 and it was available in the colors shown, Scarlet Red and Electric Blue. It weighed 29 pounds, that's 9 pounds heavier than the Lightest Lotus that year, the carbon fiber equipped 1987 Racing Series Lotus Elan 75.

The next improved model from the Special in 1987, featuring alloy wheels, was the Lotus International.

1983 Lotus Special (Pacific Cycles)

Frame Details Top tube cable guides Frame Tubing Carbon Steel Headset VST-66 Chrome Steel Fork Carbon Steel Handlebar Chrome Steel Colors Blue Stem Alloy Frame Sizes 18, 19, 21, 23, 25 inches Brakes Alloy Sidepull C. Star w/ Extension Levers Crank Tracer Alloy 42-52, Steel Chainrings Seatpost Steel Pedals Steel Rattrap Saddle Viscount 272 Black Shift Levers Stem Mount Rims Steel 27 inch Front Derailleur DNP Steel Hubs Steel Rear Derailleur DNP Steel Spokes
Freewheel 14-28 6-Speed Tires 27 x 1 1/8 Gumwall Chain yes Weight 29 lbs. for 21 inch frame Notes 18 inch frame had 24 inch wheels. 1987 Lotus Special
Sport Series Frame Details Fully lugged with top tube cable guides. Frame Tubing Chromalite Headset Chrome Plated Fork Chromalite Handlebar Steel Colors Scarlet Red, Electric Blue Stem Delta Alloy Frame Sizes 19, 21, 23, 24.5 inches
17, 19 inches Ladies, Boys and Girls Brakes 630 Alloy Sidepull, 730 on Small Sizes
Alloy Levers with Extensions Crank SR CTC-5SG Alloy 42-52 Seatpost Chrome Plated Steel Pedals NH-610 Rattrap Saddle Velo VL-123 Black and JR Sizes Shift Levers Shimano QS, Stem Mount Rims Araya 5-H 27" x 1 1/4" Steel 36 Holes Front Derailleur Shimano AX-50 Hubs Suzue Small Flange, Nutted Rear Derailleur Shimano Skylark Spokes 14 Guage Chrome Plated Freewheel Shimano Z012, 14-28, 5 cogs Tires 27"x 1 1/4 Gum Wall 90psi Chain DID Black Weight 29.5 lbs. for 21" Mens NotesAvailable in a women's staggered (double down tube) frame.
Content copyright 2016. TDS. All rights reserved.

Insidious C. 

I have not not heard of this model, but looking at the pic you uploaded I see some features that point to this being a lower end bike (stem shifters, swaged crank, claw mounted RD). I would try riding it before putting any money into it. It could be a good rider for you, but you will not recover costs when you sell it.