View Single Post
Old 10-17-13 | 08:27 AM
  #25  
Snydermann's Avatar
Snydermann
Lotus Monomaniac
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,032
Likes: 4
From: Pennsylvania
What you have there is a 1986 or 1987 Lotus Design Cinelli Supreme frame that would have originally came with a Campagnolo Super Record group, Cinelli bars and stem, Cinelli Volare SLX saddle and Ambrosio Durex Synthesis rims. The stem and crank were engraved "Lotus". This bike was originally made in Italy under some association with Cinelli.

This was an attempt by Lotus to break into the high-end Italian bicycle market, given how few of these bicycles you see, it wasn't very successful.

In 1986 Lotus made the Design Cinelli Record, Supreme, and Triomphe. A Victory model is rumored to exist, but I have never seen one in real life or in print. The Supreme was only available in Pastel Blue.

Since the Pastel Blue Supreme was available for two years, I have seen a few more of them than the Record or Triomphe.

In my active pursuit of Lotus bikes over the last 5 years I have only seen 3 Lotus Cinelli Supreme bikes, yours makes it 4. I only know of one that's completely original (well, 98%) and it's in my collection, I paid $590.00 for it a few years ago with all the correct Campy, Cinelli and Ambrosio bits. I also have another Cinelli Supreme that's about 80% original that cost me about $400.00. I'd think the bikes should be worth twice that easily, but Lotus bikes aren't known for pulling in big prices. Unfortunately, many Lotus bikes get parted out or stripped of their valuable bits, which looks to be the case for this Supreme. I know just the Cinelli Volare SLX saddles sell for hundreds of dollars on eBay.

I think the high-dollar collector value in this bike is pretty much gone, but it's still an interesting and high-quality frame. I'd probably pay a few hundred for just the frame, the guys on the forum would probably have a better idea what it's worth as a complete "customized" bike.
Snydermann is offline  
Reply