Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - ~83 Lotus Grand Prix Luxe
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mzeffex
07-06-09, 10:35 AM
Picked it up for $15, put new tape on (over original cloth tape), tires and now its cost me around 80. How much is this worth? I think it is from around 1983.
http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj86/dolphinsnats/IMGP0946.jpg
http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj86/dolphinsnats/IMGP0947.jpg
http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj86/dolphinsnats/IMGP0984.jpg
Around $150. Tange 5 frame tubes, turkey levers, stem shifters, no frame rear derailleur hanger, nutted rear axle (I think), swaged crankset, all put this bike at the lower end of the Lotus line. Its a nice bike and a good rebuild, well done!
mzeffex
07-06-09, 05:27 PM
What do you mean no frame derailleur hanger? The built in ones?
Thanks for the compliment :]
You have that metal claw attached to the derailleur that goes under the axle bolt. Higher level bikes have a threaded hole in the drop out (I am sure there is a technical name for it) where the derailleur bolts directly to the frame. Just one of the signs of a higher grade bike.
Here's a close up of the dropout on my 1983 Lotus Classique. Note the quick release rear axle, the derailleur bolting directly to the frame, the chrome stays, and the small axle alignment screw.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3108/3114132404_4f07d8e3a9_o.jpg
mzeffex
07-07-09, 06:30 PM
What is the axle alignment screw for? Obviously alligning the axle.. but hows that work?
What is the axle alignment screw for? Obviously alligning the axle.. but hows that work?
There's one on both sides. Then, anytime you remount the rear wheel, it is aligned properly (saves you the hassle of having to line up the rear wheel). Of course, most people rarely remove their rear wheel, so its not that important for sure.