|
New to me Lotus Eclair
Hey all
I don't post on here very often but I recently came across an extremely good deal on what I believe to be a nearly pristine 1983 Lotus Eclair. You can't tell from the picture but it's even got the protective plastic piece on the headtube badge. The only things that seem to be done on it are the hoods have been replaced with Cane creek versions. I'm not sure what i'm going to do with it but for the moment i'm just happy to have it in my garage. https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...1f36067ddb.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...e438e9431f.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...59c755d06b.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...14196e6d2e.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...650e14a250.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...68635a2ff8.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...1b8c988d5d.jpg |
Really cool! And clean. |
Nice! That's quite a time capsule.
|
Looks like half-step+Granny |
That’s nice. I had a big ol eclair, not chocolate but blue and white. What annoyed me was that it was designed for 27’s and I could never quite get th Cantilevers to work well with 700. That and the tire clearance didn’t meet the needs of big modern oversized wheels but I guess that is what it is. In any event, I’d maybe still have it if it wasn’t a hair too big for me. Or not. Were another one to come my way for a cheap price I’d have a hard time not making a move. They make a really nice city commuter / errand type bike. enjoy. |
Too few will show up with their full accessories present. Front and back racks, SR toe straps, water bottle make for nice touches! Enjoy. |
Wow, it's raining Lotus Eclair's in the C&V forum! This one reminds me of my old Lotus, same size but burgundy color like the "Lotus land" post.
I think I had 3 bottle cages on mine, and foam handlebar grips. I put Esge fenders on mine, too. That's a great touring bike, and with the racks, would make a perfect grocery-getter. |
That is really nice! I think those original Deore pedals are really nice because they are very wide. These bikes just look and ride great.
|
Thanks all, i'm pretty happy to have it. The bottle and cage will be coming off and going into storage, as will the crank I think. It's really nice but i've heard that the pedal bearings can wear pretty quickly and the pedals cannot be easily replaced. I haven't really done much with vintage bikes though, so i'll be taking it slow, and I plan on enjoying it as it sits.
|
Quote:
This is a really cool bike- lots of cool touches and it's in great shape with all the accoutrements! Congratulations! |
That's a beauty, and complete with the original custom racks, no less. A great touring bike. I was looking to buy an Eclair like that last year, thinking I would tour on it, but the seller was a bit delusional regarding what it was really worth. There are inserts that can be bought (eBay I think) that allow you to use standard pedals with those cranks.
|
I also have an Eclair, the 1984 version in burgundy but same build as this one. Yes, the Deore pedal bearings were shot - I successfully put new bearings in one but the other I could not open the dust cap for the life of me. BUT if you have these cranks there is a seller on eBay in Russia who makes the adapters. I ordered a set and they work perfectly! It’s well worth the $20 and that half step gearing is crazy fun to zip around town or bike paths. Very “man vs machine” feel to the shifting and mental maths...
|
| All times are GMT -6. The time now is 11:23 AM. |
Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.