A student at my school had a 27" Lotus. I saw it and raved about it-- even offered to buy it. I gave it a ride in front of the school, skipping gears and all.

No frame has ever fit me or ridden better. He said that he got it from a junkyard and put new tires on it. He has no lock and this is one of the highest crime cities in the state. I made him promise to take care of it and show it to me in September.

I just sunk a few hundred into a new wheel / spd pedals & shoes for my 66cm/26" Panasonic. The double butted tange on the Lotus was SO much nicer than my hi-ten butted Panasonic. I didn't check out the type, only the frame sticker, but checking online I'm guessing it is a Challenger SX.

I felt guilty offering to buy it, since you so rarely see kids in this neighborhood on anything even close to a decent road bike. Stolen pink and purple girl bikes are the main thing that gets street cred. But the guilt came from thinking that I would be steering this young man away from experience with such a sweet bike, even if it doesn't fit him.


I still want it, though!

I'd put on the full court press. Ask him what kind of bike he'd want in trade, then go get that bike.

I had a Challenger last year for a short time. Does the bike fit the student?

+1. Good advice. If that doesn't work, figure out where he lives, and steal* it.



*yes, I'm joking.

My Lotus Challenger has Tange 900 frame. Better then Hi-Ten, but not necessarily top of the line tubes.

I don't think it was Tange 900-- some other number. Apparently there is the Challenger and the Challenger SX.

The bike does not really "fit" the student who is about 5'11" or 6'. I'm 6'4". And no chance of putting on the "full court press. "Yesterday was the last regular day of school-- I don't expect to see him again.