Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Lotus 3000r

On Detroit CL here (http://detroit.craigslist.org/bik/1265742561.html). Guy is asking $200 & it's the 2nd time he posted it so negotiation might be possible. Fair price?

I'd like to try it if only to see if a slightly larger frame than the usual 49-50cm that I've been riding would suit me better. Also looks like it has Biopace crankset & I like Biopace.

My gut tells me it's a bit high, but your market might be a bit higher.
The rear brake cable housing looks like it has a kink near the center of the top tube.

I've got a similar bike out in the garage currently in need of fairly major work (sat outside for several years with a previous owner). Once I get it overhauled and cleaned up I think I'd be hardpressed to get $150 for it in my market, and that would be with new tires, cables/housings, brake pads, and anything else it was in need of.

Show up and do a test fit on it, if it fits then pull out your wallet and offer the seller $130 if it has good tires on it. When he says "NO!" then rummage around your pants pockets and shirt pocket and find another $20 or so in 5's and 1's, and also pull out 37cents in change from your pocket and say that's all you've got and ask if that will do.

ps, whenever a seller uses words like "rare" I tend to start feeling like they are trying to pump up the value.

Bike looks like a 21 inch frame to me (about 53cm).

Price is a tad high, given some of the blowout deals I have seen in Detroit. Also, bike does not look like it is totally sorted out. For $200, I would expect to be!

It's just been reposted, still asking $200. Persistent son of a gun! Health issue has kept me from following up but I'm better. While I'm here - where did this fit in the Lotus line? Info is scant on the Interwebs.

This and a Nishiki Triathlon are under consideration.

Treebound: I like your strategy!