I've happened upon a small frame, which I need, Lotus Unique. I haven't seen it in person yet and want to get some educated opinions before I do. There have obviously been some mods and the tires don't match. The forks don't look right according to pictures I have seen. What do ya'll think? Possibly swapped out at some point? The components are Suntour Alpha 5000 so they should be original, correct? What do ya'll think about the value? Asking $140. First attempt at attaching pics so hope it works.

What about the fork makes it seem not original? Maybe I cant see the difference in the pictures.

Its most likely an 87, based on info here --->Unique

Looking at the bottom of that website page, that's a really nice bike for $150, assuming the condition is good and original.
The pictures you posted have bullhorn bars and what looks like MTB brake levers. That's pretty lame, unless the seller still has the originals.

Drop bars plus tape plus brake levers plus new cables and housing will cost $30-140 depending on where you source the components and their condition.

If I were wanting to keep this for myself, I would want to stick to $250 max for a total. Take that for what its worth. Some may say that's too much since it wouldn't sell for $250 so its not worth it to put that into the bike. I say if its something you like and want to keep, having $250 in it and selling it however many years later for $180 is still worth it. Its the same thing as a new bike and most everything else bought new- sells for less than purchased.

As you have pointed out, replacement alloy (?) fork. Also non-matching tires, interruptor levers, etc. I would pass.

How tall are you?

mstateglfr,
Thanks for the quick reply. I question the forks because the website (same one you linked) says the forks have an engraved crown. In the website pictures, I can see the shape of the crown but I can't see the engraving. There is a picture with engraving on the chrome crowns. The fork on this Lotus doesn't appear to have the crown shape or engraving. What do you think?

By the way, I'm looking for a bike to keep and ride without going all in right now. I like the bike as far as appeal.

oddjob2,
I'm 5'4"ish. 29.5" standover measurement.

Below is obviously not a 54" frame, more like a 52cm which should fit. As long as you can stand over with one foot on the ground, you don't need both.

As long as it is not an Accordo or DLX, but a Lemans or Ironman, go give it a test ride.

Centurion

centurion looks like a lemans not an ironman. good bike, I had one just like it in the same color. the fork on the lotus looks like a giant cadex aluminum fork. still price is decent enough if it rides well.

oddjob2,
Sent the guy a text and email. Thanks.

Just curious, why not a DLX? I saw a Sport DLX I thought about checking on.

Ah, yes I see the fork issue.

A Sport DLX is neither sporting nor deluxe. I think it is a high tensile frame rather than chromoly steel.

It was sold anyway. The guy with the Lemans is supposed to get back to me tomorrow morning.

What year do you think it is? Where is a good place to get the specs?

This is what the fork of my Lotus looked like.... just say'in

its probably around 1987 (just from the paintjob and the Biopace) or so- probably a Lemans RS with Tange 2 frame which is pretty nice. Not sure what components it would have.

Now that is sweet! Thanks Dave.