New to me Lotus Eclair
09-12-18 | 10:00 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 152
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From: federal way, wa
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.
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.
09-13-18 | 06:57 AM
#3
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,766
Likes: 6,132
From: Manhattan & Woodstock NY
Bikes: 2024 A Homer Hilsen, 1992 Paramount PDG Series, 1991 Mercian King of Mercia, 1987 Mercian Pro, 1985 Shogun 500, 1969? Falcon San Remo, 1972 Peugeot PX-10, 1972 Schwinn Paramount P13-9, 1971 Peugeot PX-10, 1970 Raleigh Pro Mk I
Nice! That's quite a time capsule.
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2024 A Homer Hilsen, 1992 Paramount PDG Series, 1991 Mercian King of Mercia, 1987 Mercian Pro, 1985 Shogun 500, 1972 Peugeot PX-10, 1972 Schwinn Paramount P13-9, 1971 Peugeot PX-10, 1970 Raleigh Pro Mk I, 1969? Falcon San Remo
Curator/Team Mechanic: 2016 Dawes Streetfighter, 1984 Lotus Eclair, 1975 Motobecane Jubile Mixte, 1974 Raleigh Sports, 1973 Free Spirit Ted Williams, 1972 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Philips Sport
2024 A Homer Hilsen, 1992 Paramount PDG Series, 1991 Mercian King of Mercia, 1987 Mercian Pro, 1985 Shogun 500, 1972 Peugeot PX-10, 1972 Schwinn Paramount P13-9, 1971 Peugeot PX-10, 1970 Raleigh Pro Mk I, 1969? Falcon San Remo
Curator/Team Mechanic: 2016 Dawes Streetfighter, 1984 Lotus Eclair, 1975 Motobecane Jubile Mixte, 1974 Raleigh Sports, 1973 Free Spirit Ted Williams, 1972 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Philips Sport
09-13-18 | 07:07 AM
#5
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.
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.
09-13-18 | 08:27 AM
#7
Steel80's
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 684
Likes: 43
From: NJ
Bikes: Breezer Venturi, Schwinn Peloton, Marin Lucas Valley
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.
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.
09-13-18 | 10:29 AM
#8
Rustbelt Rider
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 9,105
Likes: 390
From: Canton, OH
Bikes: 1990 Trek 1420 - 1978 Raleigh Professional - 1973 Schwinn Collegiate - 1974 Schwinn Suburban
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.
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09-13-18 | 05:54 PM
#9
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 152
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From: federal way, wa
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.
09-13-18 | 07:02 PM
#10
Extraordinary Magnitude
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 14,081
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From: Waukesha WI
Bikes: 1978 Trek TX700; 1978/79 Trek 736; 1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1984 Schwinn Voyageur SP; 1985 Trek 620; 1985 Trek 720; 1986 Trek 400 Elance; 1987 Schwinn High Sierra; 1990 Miyata 1000LT
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.
This is a really cool bike- lots of cool touches and it's in great shape with all the accoutrements!
Congratulations!
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Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
09-13-18 | 08:31 PM
#11
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 2,722
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From: Berkeley CA
Bikes: 1981 Ron Cooper, 1974 Cinelli Speciale Corsa, 1975 Alex Singer, 2000 Gary Fisher Sugar 1, 1986 Miyata 710, 1982 Raleigh "International", 1985 Trek 720
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.
04-24-19 | 05:49 PM
#12
Junior Member
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 21
Likes: 2
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...
