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

Hello All,

Looking to pick up this bike, though would like to get some more opinions on it before I do.

Its a Lotus Pro-Series 3000R from the 80's. According to the ad, it's got a tange triple butted frame and suntour 'blaze' components. 700c wheels, true and 'shifts well'.

Its currently going for $225. What does everyone think?

I've heard that the Suntour Blaze components could wear out quickly and replacing a single part would mean losing index shifting. (Never had index shifting, so I don't think that would be a problem.)

This would be my second. I've been riding a Schwinn conti daily for about 2 years now... looking to get a nicer second bike to have when the other needs work, but still relatively cheap because I do not have the budget.

Thanks for your opinions!

is that on CL for New Hope or somplace near there? I've seen the ad before. it looks OK but I think 225 may be a bit high this time of year. as for the shifting, I don't think blaze wears much faster than anything else, provided you take care of it. as for replacing.. if the RD goes bad chances are an older shimano, like rx100, will work OK. freewheels can be gotten although pricey sometimes.

I think if you can talk him down to 175 or so it would be a better deal

That's the one, thanks for your opinions!

The seller has been posting that bike for a few months. I know because I had a Lotus Classique for sale a few months ago and I saw his bike up at the same time.

I have never seen a 300R so it must be a bit rare. From the components I would guess it was in the middle of the Lotus line up.

If you look at it I would have the seller take the kickstand off so you can check where it was attached. I have seen these over tightened to squash the tubes and also crack the frame.

I think BG was on the money so to speak at $175 for this bike.

I Googled it and came up with this:

Lotus 3000R Pro Series
Cro-Mo fork
Tange Triple Butted Cr-Mo Frame
Bluish - green color....with Lotus logo
Viscount Ultra Gel saddle
Alloy seat post
7-speed cassette
Sun Tour Blaze components:
Accushift Deur
Accushift Shifters, Cranks, Sprockets
Brakes (aero-style)
700 X 25 C wheels and tires
presta valves
Weinmann 2115 alloy wheels
Hshinlung bars
Dia-Compe hoods
K K hubs
QR front and rear

Suntour's Accushift is not considered to be all that great. However - having the triple butted frame and 700c wheels is a definite resale plus, so if it is road ready, $175 would be a very fair price for it.

PS - Since you are already used to friction, don't worry too much about indexed shifting, because there is a good chance you won't like it anyway.

So I checked out the bike. Like everyone said, amazing frame, but the components... they felt weak.

I would have taken it for $180 or $200, but the seller wouldn't budge from $225.

Thanks for all of our opinions!

You're wise to pass on it, at that price It's circa 1989 and originally sold for about $350. The generic label hides an Infinity level frame and the comments about Blaze are spot on. It was one of Lotus' last gasps.

Ah, I sure do miss my Lotus Special!

But yea, $225 is just a bit too much for this time of year.

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c91/cusco-awd/New%20Stuff/DSCI3419.jpg

Hi 8D

I am going to look at this Lotus 2000R Pro Series tomorrow. I haven't been able to find much online about it( spent a few hours on Google) ...any info on this particular model/ were it fit into the Lotus lineup or Lotus in general would be appreciated! thanks

http://dallas.craigslist.org/mdf/bik/2261613166.html

* Never mind ..I found another post about the Lotus 2000R, turns out is was a $150 dollar sears bike from the early 90's.

http://www.bikeforums.net/archive/index.php/t-264905.html