When all you have left is cosmetic?
Finally sorted the Lotus

Thought I'd share the major tools I use. What would you folks class as absolutely essential? As for the Lotus went a different way using a mountain-L X Derailleur with a shimano HG 8 cog rear, Shimano 600 shifters and Suntour X-1 front. Was given advice on lowering the stem? Rides well , would appreciate input

Love the mobile work bench. Nice bike. Last summer I rehabilitated a nice Lotus mixte for my daughter in law. Good bikes, even the entry level units. As you can guess, that Lotus is still up in my loft. Who knows when we'll travel to deliver it. Ugh.

Good start on the tools. Keep acquiring until you can put the adjustable wrenches and the vice grips away. Those are good for lawn mowers, not bikes. Also take care with that steel "tar arn". The steel levers can damage aluminum rims. Modern plastic levers work very well and are fine on aluminum rims. Steel levers are good for lawn mowers.

That bike will be great when you're done with the cosmetics. Post more photos.

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thanks for sharing this update!

good to see it moving forward nearing conclusion

have never known the vendor for Lotus products; was there more than one?

iirc the company was based in upstate NY

EDIT:

ah, here we go -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lotus_(bicycles)

https://lotusbikes.tumblr.com/

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hast thee as yet commenced operations on the Garlatti?


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Steel levers are good for Raleigh all steel bicycles!

should I touch up the white?

Need Blue Bartape. Chrome on the Lugs not complying with my zTinfoil

This 50year old Gearset is far from magic

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hello & thanks for the update on the Garlatti

its stem looks as though it may be slightly too high
there should be about seven cm or so down inside steerer for safety

would expect that original brake levers may have been Universal brand
possible that a dealer mounted these levers at customer request at time of sale



the cycle's gear block appears it may be beyond the nominal capacity of the Campag Valentino rear mech. technical reference materials give this at 28T.

Valentino front mech's cage can be adjusted so that its curve more aligns with that of chainwheels

good to see that Mr. Rubik is there to assist...

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Every mechanic knows that the tool box should be a roll around! Good on ya! Smiles, MH