Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Lotus Legend with Shimano Arabesque

Seller asking $300 on local CL.

What's fair?

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj174/Velohund/LotusLegend.jpg

I would pay that if 1st gen Arabesque...maybe more

For me, I would look around $250. If you're really attached to it, $300 is pretty fair for a mid-upper level bike with solid Japanese craftsmanship. Also depends how much work you need to put into it.

In my opinion, that's upper-high end price for that particular bike, although I have seen minty original examples sell for much more.

It's difficult to tell from that photo, but I can see for sure that the saddle, chainrings, seatpost, cables and possibly the handlebars are not original to the bike. It's also obviously missing the pedals, reflectors, spoke guard and some of the decals. I'd also check that the rims are the original Ukai 700 x 25c as their profile looks odd to me in that photo, but it might just be the photo. Minus more value points if it's missing the gold uniglide chain.

On the good side, the Sky Yellow is the most difficult to find of the three available colors and was ony used on the 1980-82 Legend. If the paint is in great shape that's where a lot of the collector value will be in that bike.

Forgive the photo quality--these are from the ad.

I hacve no special attachment to the bike--just like the brand, way it looks, and the Arabesue.

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj174/Velohund/LotusLegenddrivetrain.jpg

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj174/Velohund/LotusLegendshifters.jpg

Fwiw, I got my black legend for $150. I also felt like I got an amazing deal at that price. Pictures in the linked album of the bike without brake hoods reflect its condition at time of purchase.

http://imgur.com/a/8LIjT

Fwiw, I got my black legend for $150. I also felt like I got an amazing deal at that price. Pictures in the linked album of the bike without brake hoods reflect its condition at time of purchase.

http://imgur.com/a/8LIjT

That's a nice one! And it has the chainguard and other stuff this one does not.

Fwiw, I got my black legend for $150. I also felt like I got an amazing deal at that price. Pictures in the linked album of the bike without brake hoods reflect its condition at time of purchase.
http://imgur.com/a/8LIjT

Dan stole that bike! It does have all of the parts commonly missing on the average Lotus Legend bike, which can be hard to find and expensive for what they are. It's all in the details, in my opinion.

I'm going to differ a little here - $300 is reasonable for a good quality Japanese bike like that and, at least in my area, prices on the Japanese bikes are moving up quickly. I don't think it's a collector piece, but $300 for a good quality frame with solid parts is a solid buy - especially with such a beautiful paint job. My personal view is that Lotus had the nicest touches and flourishes of the Japanese bikes.

I feel I could get over $300 for that in my area marketed well. Maybe close to $400, certainly $350.

Thanks everyone. I'm going to look at it in about an hour. I'll report back.

Thanks everyone. I'm going to look at it in about an hour. I'll report back.

I didn't notice the size - that limits market. I think he may have a tough time getting $300 actually.

It really depends on the market. If it is high, it might be $50 too high. As a keeper, so what, as long as it fits within your budget, is the right size, etc. All about condition.

You could do a lot worse for $300.

I think it's a great looking bike, I really like the paint and the chrome stays and fork ends. Mid-upper end bike with Arabesque, I'd pay that if I wanted it. I think the price is reasonable if maybe a bit high.

$200

It's 23in. c-t

It's in nice shape, rides well, but is far from pristine--I'd say well used but not abused. I'm already having fun riding it.

For the database, serial # MHO 1301

Thanks for all your help!

Awesome. I need to catch up with snydermann, I see these from time to time and could easily record the serials.

$200

It's 23in. c-t

It's in nice shape, rides well, but is far from pristine--I'd say well used but not abused. I'm already having fun riding it.

For the database, serial # MHO 1301

Thanks for all your help!

You did well! And the rare color is a nice plus.