Modernize my '82 Lotus?
 

So I'm not sure. Should I get some aero brake levers or stick to the non aeros? Also, considering a nice new high tech specialzied seat, a super skinny one, vs the current well, vintage (and original) seat. Opinions?

Go for it, just keep the original stuff around as sooner or later, the 1980s Japanese bikes will be pretty collectable IMHO. Aero levers and a good seat are logical upgrades.

I have thought several times about putting a set on my 1983 Lotus myself, as that is a common upgrade I do on keeper bikes. I probably will do it one of these days. My seat is not original of course. This bike was my favorite thrift store find.

Since this picture, I have also converted the crankset to a homemade compact double, by using a couple of spare chainrings I had on a mountain bike. My basic rule is that I will make any changes that make the bike more ridable for me, while not doing permanent irreversible damage to the bike. I figure most of these vintage bikes have already spent too much time hanging in the garage.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3131/...9435b262_o.jpg

Thanks for the help! But please remove that kickstand. S'just wrong. :D Yeah so I picked up some gum hoods for non aeros so i'll stick to that, but i have the suicide lever mounts (took off the levers) so i gotta get new levers though

Thats not a kickstand. Thats a display stand I use when taking pictures of bikes. It temporarily supports the bike from the downtube.

I am with you, kickstands are the first thing I remove.

I just changed from my Sella San Marco (vintage 1986) seat to a nice InformRL. It is a very low profile seat. I ended up having to get another seatpost, since my original one's top plate couldn't fit in between the seat and the rails.

Here is a pic of the original:

http://gallery.a-symmetric.com/main....serialNumber=2

Not a huge deal, just something that might save you a trip to the LBS. The seatpost was cheap (18 dollars).

As far as the aero brake levers, I haven't changed mine yet, since I'm going to be moving to brifters (I have also updated my drivetrain for 10sp), but I agree, they look pretty cool on the old-school bikes.

which looks cool and old school bikes? And sorry 'bout the kickstand confusions :)

I found a really good deal on mine, and I wasn't expecting to get a white one, but the color is growing on me, and once I get my brifters I will re-wrap the bars with white cork tape.

http://gallery.a-symmetric.com/main....serialNumber=2

From the rear:

http://gallery.a-symmetric.com/main....serialNumber=2

Up Close:

http://gallery.a-symmetric.com/main....serialNumber=2

Like I said, it may look a little cheesy, but it is growing on me. Regardless, the profile of the seat (or at least the shape) looks pretty slick on a 23 year old bike.

Here is my modernized Lotus:

http://i430.photobucket.com/albums/q...s/DSCF4787.jpg

Mostly Shimano 600 components, Dia-Compe ACG levers with Dia-Compe side-pull and a carbon fork. Saddle is Selle San Marco Squadra.

I think the seat is whatever comfortable to you, vintage or modern. I like the clean look of aero though.

On a classic European '70's bike, I wouldn't change to aeros. But on an '80's Japanese bike they seem right, even if they're not original. And they stop better. So I'd say go for it. I also agree with the previous saddle comment - it's always been standard procedure to use a saddle that fits you, regardless of what came on the bike. If you can do that and remain period-correct, even better.

Well I was considering going $140 Specialized toupe on it.. so.. not time period correct, but you know, those seats are awesome.