1984 Lotus Supreme refurb is finished
04-28-17, 08:41 PM
#1
lurking nightrider
Thread Starter
1984 Lotus Supreme refurb is finished
This is the follow-up to https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...ighlight=lotus
I have to say this has been my favorite project since joining this forum in April '04.
When showroom new, this Lotus was equipped with Campy Super Record all around. When I received it back in January, the only thing "super" about it was the frame. Almost all of the original components had been replaced with lower tier Campy and Shimano bits, the exceptions being the shift levers and the factory stem and handlebars. So I set about searching for suitable replacement parts that I felt would compliment, once cleaned up, the quality and condition of the frame.
Fast forward three months and here is the final result. I supplied the primary components to within a time frame of about eight years. Some items I had on hand. Others I scored on ebay. One item in particular, the seat post, I acquired from our own Dr. Cannondale (thank you, sir
).
Here's the breakdown for anyone who's interested:
serial number DH19909 frame size 20" tube set Columbus SL headset Super Record front and rear derailleur Super Record(pat '83) shift levers Super Record crank set/chain rings Sugino AS 170mm 144bcd/Specialized 52/42 bottom bracket Sugino 75(cups and bearings) Specialized 120-68(spindle) freewheel Suntour Pro Compe ultra-6 14-24 seat post Super Record chain SRAM PC-68(temporary) pedals Campagnolo Chorus saddle Selle Italia Turbo handlebar/stem Sakae-Ringyo World Custom/Extra Super Light brakes Modolo Superprestige(nutted) levers Modolo Mach 3 Aero w/return spring hubs Campagnolo C Record(1987) rims Campagnolo Omega Strada XL Hardox(clinchers) tires Michelin Hi Lite Comp 700x23(1987)
I have to say this has been my favorite project since joining this forum in April '04.
When showroom new, this Lotus was equipped with Campy Super Record all around. When I received it back in January, the only thing "super" about it was the frame. Almost all of the original components had been replaced with lower tier Campy and Shimano bits, the exceptions being the shift levers and the factory stem and handlebars. So I set about searching for suitable replacement parts that I felt would compliment, once cleaned up, the quality and condition of the frame.
Fast forward three months and here is the final result. I supplied the primary components to within a time frame of about eight years. Some items I had on hand. Others I scored on ebay. One item in particular, the seat post, I acquired from our own Dr. Cannondale (thank you, sir
). Here's the breakdown for anyone who's interested:
serial number DH19909 frame size 20" tube set Columbus SL headset Super Record front and rear derailleur Super Record(pat '83) shift levers Super Record crank set/chain rings Sugino AS 170mm 144bcd/Specialized 52/42 bottom bracket Sugino 75(cups and bearings) Specialized 120-68(spindle) freewheel Suntour Pro Compe ultra-6 14-24 seat post Super Record chain SRAM PC-68(temporary) pedals Campagnolo Chorus saddle Selle Italia Turbo handlebar/stem Sakae-Ringyo World Custom/Extra Super Light brakes Modolo Superprestige(nutted) levers Modolo Mach 3 Aero w/return spring hubs Campagnolo C Record(1987) rims Campagnolo Omega Strada XL Hardox(clinchers) tires Michelin Hi Lite Comp 700x23(1987)
__________________
"If there hadn't been women we'd still be squatting in a cave eating raw meat, because we made civilization in order to impress our girl friends. And they tolerated it and let us go ahead and play with our toys." Orson Welles
"If there hadn't been women we'd still be squatting in a cave eating raw meat, because we made civilization in order to impress our girl friends. And they tolerated it and let us go ahead and play with our toys." Orson Welles
Last edited by LittleGinseng; 05-06-17 at 10:59 AM.
Likes For LittleGinseng:
04-28-17, 09:10 PM
#3
lurking nightrider
Thread Starter
__________________
"If there hadn't been women we'd still be squatting in a cave eating raw meat, because we made civilization in order to impress our girl friends. And they tolerated it and let us go ahead and play with our toys." Orson Welles
"If there hadn't been women we'd still be squatting in a cave eating raw meat, because we made civilization in order to impress our girl friends. And they tolerated it and let us go ahead and play with our toys." Orson Welles
04-28-17, 09:15 PM
#4
Junior Member
wow wow wow.. that is just perfect... and has my restoration fingers itching to get a project. I have restored motorcycles, guitars, clocks.. but not yet a bicycle.. I have been on the hunt here in Malaysia for a candidate for a while....
That pushes me a little bit harder.. Lovely job.
That pushes me a little bit harder.. Lovely job.
04-28-17, 09:19 PM
#5
Junior Member
question..: was the whole frame chrome plated before painting or only selected areas? thanks.
04-28-17, 09:48 PM
#6
lurking nightrider
Thread Starter
wow wow wow.. that is just perfect... and has my restoration fingers itching to get a project. I have restored motorcycles, guitars, clocks.. but not yet a bicycle.. I have been on the hunt here in Malaysia for a candidate for a while....
That pushes me a little bit harder.. Lovely job.
That pushes me a little bit harder.. Lovely job.
__________________
"If there hadn't been women we'd still be squatting in a cave eating raw meat, because we made civilization in order to impress our girl friends. And they tolerated it and let us go ahead and play with our toys." Orson Welles
"If there hadn't been women we'd still be squatting in a cave eating raw meat, because we made civilization in order to impress our girl friends. And they tolerated it and let us go ahead and play with our toys." Orson Welles
04-28-17, 09:51 PM
#7
lurking nightrider
Thread Starter
That's the original paint. I believe the entire frame is chromed underneath, because the only bit of rust I found anywhere was just a wee bit inside the bottom bracket shell.
__________________
"If there hadn't been women we'd still be squatting in a cave eating raw meat, because we made civilization in order to impress our girl friends. And they tolerated it and let us go ahead and play with our toys." Orson Welles
"If there hadn't been women we'd still be squatting in a cave eating raw meat, because we made civilization in order to impress our girl friends. And they tolerated it and let us go ahead and play with our toys." Orson Welles
04-28-17, 10:52 PM
#8
Banned.
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: PAZ
Posts: 12,294
Mentioned: 255 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2588 Post(s)
Liked 4,824 Times
in
1,709 Posts
Man, that is a beauty. I don't think Lotuses (Loti?) get enough respect. This example shows why they should.
Enjoy it in good health
DD
Enjoy it in good health
DD
04-28-17, 11:05 PM
#9
lurking nightrider
Thread Starter
Thank you, DD! My wife will be spending time in the Lotus saddle as my 36" inseam prevents me from achieving any semblance of comfort on that thing!
__________________
"If there hadn't been women we'd still be squatting in a cave eating raw meat, because we made civilization in order to impress our girl friends. And they tolerated it and let us go ahead and play with our toys." Orson Welles
"If there hadn't been women we'd still be squatting in a cave eating raw meat, because we made civilization in order to impress our girl friends. And they tolerated it and let us go ahead and play with our toys." Orson Welles
04-29-17, 05:47 AM
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Magnolia State, 100° with 110% humidity
Posts: 1,230
Bikes: American, Italian, and Japanese.. in no particular order.
Mentioned: 21 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 350 Post(s)
Liked 276 Times
in
128 Posts
Oh Man Oh Man! That thang is sweet!
What a nice complement of components, all appear to be NOS or polished up.
Love that frame color..very classic!
What a nice complement of components, all appear to be NOS or polished up.
Love that frame color..very classic!
04-29-17, 06:47 AM
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Utah
Posts: 8,656
Bikes: Paletti,Pinarello Monviso,Duell Vienna,Giordana XL Super,Lemond Maillot Juane.& custom,PDG Paramount,Fuji Opus III,Davidson Impulse,Pashley Guv'nor,Evans,Fishlips,Y-Foil,Softride, Tetra Pro, CAAD8 Optimo,
Mentioned: 156 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2323 Post(s)
Liked 4,938 Times
in
1,763 Posts
Wow, wow, wow! That is so beautiful. Nice job and thanks for sharing!
__________________
Steel is real...and comfy.
Steel is real...and comfy.
04-29-17, 07:05 AM
#14
Le savonnier
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Oregon
Posts: 1,422
Bikes: I can count 'em on one hand
Mentioned: 62 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 729 Post(s)
Liked 602 Times
in
274 Posts
That is such a beauty. I recently sold my 80-82 Lotus Competition frameset (in ice blue), but I look forward to what the new owner (Bryce at Velocult in PDX) is going to do with it (which, actually, is what I originally wanted to do with it): a full Suntour Superbe build.
04-29-17, 07:18 AM
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: GWN
Posts: 2,537
Mentioned: 27 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1858 Post(s)
Liked 606 Times
in
403 Posts
That Lotus is a stunner.
Likes For Wileyone:
04-29-17, 07:34 AM
#16
Old Legs
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Mass.
Posts: 1,212
Bikes: '80 Strayvaigin, '84 Ciocc Aelle-Shimano 105, '90 Concorde Astore /Campy Triple ,85 Bridgestone 500/Suntour, 2005 Jamis Quest, 2017 Raleigh Merit 1, Raleigh Carbon Clubman
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 302 Post(s)
Liked 33 Times
in
22 Posts
That's a beautiful bike !! I just love chrome lugs. You going to ride it ?? KB
04-29-17, 09:25 AM
#17
Bike Butcher of Portland
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 11,630
Bikes: It's complicated.
Mentioned: 1299 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4677 Post(s)
Liked 5,790 Times
in
2,279 Posts
That is such a beauty. I recently sold my 80-82 Lotus Competition frameset (in ice blue), but I look forward to what the new owner (Bryce at Velocult in PDX) is going to do with it (which, actually, is what I originally wanted to do with it): a full Suntour Superbe build.
__________________
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
04-29-17, 10:00 AM
#18
Veteran, Pacifist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Seattle area
Posts: 13,327
Bikes: Bikes??? Thought this was social media?!?
Mentioned: 284 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3897 Post(s)
Liked 4,829 Times
in
2,228 Posts
That is a true beauty. Even in the artistic category.
Quite a search for all those NOS/-ish components.
SL should ride like a dream.
Tires?
Quite a search for all those NOS/-ish components.
SL should ride like a dream.
Tires?
__________________
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
04-29-17, 10:29 AM
#19
Iowa10Speed
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Iowa
Posts: 76
Bikes: 87 Schwinn Prologue, 85 Trek 720, 86 Panasonic Pro Touring, 75 Schwinn Voyageur II ("Voyareo"). projects: 98 Lemond Zurich, 81 Raleigh Competition GS, 50 Schwinn Superior
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 22 Post(s)
Liked 34 Times
in
18 Posts
Ooo-la-la!
Fantastic. Your wife is a lucky gal!
04-29-17, 10:46 AM
#20
Banned.
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: PAZ
Posts: 12,294
Mentioned: 255 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2588 Post(s)
Liked 4,824 Times
in
1,709 Posts
When you do tell him hi from me
DD
DD
04-29-17, 11:24 AM
#21
52psi
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 4,014
Bikes: Schwinn Volare ('78); Raleigh Competition GS ('79)
Mentioned: 29 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 790 Post(s)
Liked 801 Times
in
390 Posts
Awesome work.
__________________
A race bike in any era is a highly personal choice that at its "best" balances the requirements of fit, weight, handling, durability and cost tempered by the willingness to toss it and oneself down the pavement at considerable speed. ~Bandera
A race bike in any era is a highly personal choice that at its "best" balances the requirements of fit, weight, handling, durability and cost tempered by the willingness to toss it and oneself down the pavement at considerable speed. ~Bandera
04-29-17, 12:09 PM
#22
lurking nightrider
Thread Starter
Thanks for the compliments everyone.
Wildwood, I'm always on the hunt for NOS and lightly used components. Been a hobby of mine for many years.
Recently I've been unloading much of my inventory on ebay, all NOS, so basically it was a swap for the Super Record parts for the Lotus.
Wildwood, I'm always on the hunt for NOS and lightly used components. Been a hobby of mine for many years.
Recently I've been unloading much of my inventory on ebay, all NOS, so basically it was a swap for the Super Record parts for the Lotus.
__________________
"If there hadn't been women we'd still be squatting in a cave eating raw meat, because we made civilization in order to impress our girl friends. And they tolerated it and let us go ahead and play with our toys." Orson Welles
"If there hadn't been women we'd still be squatting in a cave eating raw meat, because we made civilization in order to impress our girl friends. And they tolerated it and let us go ahead and play with our toys." Orson Welles
04-29-17, 02:04 PM
#23
Junior Member
Lovely!
04-29-17, 02:38 PM
#25
Senior Member
Stunning bike! Great Job!
__________________
My bikes: 1970`s Roberts - 1981 Miyata 912 - 1980`s Ocshner (Chrome) - 1987 Schwinn Circuit - 1987 Schwinn Prologue - 1992 Schwinn Crosspoint - 1999 Schwinn Circuit - 2014 Cannondale Super Six EVO
My bikes: 1970`s Roberts - 1981 Miyata 912 - 1980`s Ocshner (Chrome) - 1987 Schwinn Circuit - 1987 Schwinn Prologue - 1992 Schwinn Crosspoint - 1999 Schwinn Circuit - 2014 Cannondale Super Six EVO