I am ready to drive a bit to look at this bike today (or should I stay home and watch football?).

https://www.lakeland.craigslist.org/bik/839113851.html

I searched the forum, and got conflicting info, from mangaloy to tange #1. Of course, the seller is clueless, so any insight would be appreciated. From the threads and catalogs I saw, it looks like most Lotus bikes were well made, with light tubing and Shimano 600 components. But, not every take went that way, and overall info is very limited (even Sheldon didn't say much).

Yes, I see it is a giant bike, but my wookie frame can fit it, unlike the small child or circus midget who has been trying to ride it, as evidenced by the photo. Thanks in advance for any info.

Sorry, bad link--try this

https://lakeland.craigslist.org/bik/839113851.html

Howdy neighbor, I'm over here in Winter Haven.

Yeah that looks like a pretty big bike. Dont know much about Lotus but what little i've heard wasnt bad. I believe they were made in Japan, but that doesnt mean its a bad bike. I do know that if it has Shimano 600, then its probably a good bike, because they dont put Shimano 600 on junk.

Go check it out and find out what frame material it has. If it has Tange #1 or #2 cro-moly tubing then thats some premium stuff the way I hear it. Be sure and check for any cracks or other frame anomolies around the welds and frame lugs.

It could be a pretty good bike, and the evidence of Shimano 600 stuff is a good indicator.

Check out that fork really good. Could be camera angle but it looks bent to me.

+1 about checking the fork -- looks bent. Use a long piece of string and pull it tight down the centerline of the headtube and pull it tight from below the fork. Look at the strong from straight side view. The centerline of the fork blades should never be behind the centerline of the headtube.

[QUOTE=Wino Ryder;7465859]Howdy neighbor, I'm over here in Winter Haven.


Howdy from tha Cocoa. I go over there to ride the West Orange Trail once in a while; nice area.

I don't think I will venture over for this bike. There is the fork issue, which seems obvious once pointed out to me (thanks). I got a bad vibe from the seller on the phone, and there is football on (Who Dey!).

I guess it just wasn't meant to be, this time around. thanks all.