recumbenttoad

There is a 1983 Lotus Eclair listed locally for $225. The seller says it's all original except it has flat bars installed and he doesn't have the original bars or brake levers. The pictures don't show much as far as condition goes. Is $225 even in the ball park if the condition seems to be decent. I would have to drive to the next city over to look at it in person, so, I'm wondering if it's worth it.

wrk101

Really depends on condition, and who is going to do the work on it (assuming you want to put drops back on it).

Are you seeking a vintage touring bike? If so, they usually bring a premium, so depending on condition, it could be worth it.

balindamood

Could be worth it. The Eclair about that vinatge may have had the Deore Touring group on it which will have non-standard pedals/cranks. Some people may get turned off by this (I like them though). Changinng the bars back to regualr drops with road levers should not be difficult to do if you prefer to restore it.

Snydermann

If it's your size and all original (minus bar), in good condition, I'd say yes. Especially if it comes with the original racks, pump, and bottle cage(s). The original bar (SR Custom) and levers (Dia Compe) shouldn't be all that difficult to find.

You sure it's an '83? They are slightly less common than the '84 models it seems. 1984 models had LOTUS engraving on the seat stay caps and rack bosses on the fork blades for low mount racks.

recumbenttoad

The seller emailed me and sent me a link to the '83 specs when I asked him about the group that it had. It does have the racks, bottle and cages and the pump. I wrench on all of my own bikes, so, working on it doesn't bother me. I'm not a fast mechanic, but I'm pretty thorough.

He listed the size as a 49cm, so, I'm guessing it must be a 19" frame. He said the SO height was 31.5" which has me confused a bit. The SO height is about right for me, but it seems high for a 19" frame. That seems to be more in line with a 21" frame.

If the weather clears up tomorrow I may go look at it and make an offer.

KonAaron Snake 

31.5 SO is usually for a larger frame, as you stated. I'd guess average stand over for 49cm would be 29.5 - 30.0 inches.

As other stated, I think it's a good deal, even with the goofy bars/levers. The Eclaire was Lotus's 2nd tier touring bike in most seasons, but touring bikes are hard to find and usually command a premium. With racks...definitely worth doing IMO.

juls

27" vs 700c wheels make a little difference in the stand over (along with tire profile) It does sound like a fair price. Picture?

recumbenttoad

Well, I've contacted this person two times in order to set up a time to look at the bike, but there doesn't seem to be much interest in showing it to me. Craigslist sellers. What are ya gonna do?