Lotus Super Pro Aero ~ Rare Find
#126
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Fascinating. I wonder if that Lotus influenced the Univega Bi-Axial Power Oval frames a decade later? Although being a sorta-hybrid/MTB-lite weighing 30 lbs, there's nothing aero about my Univega Via Carisma. I've never seen the Univega road bike that used that frame design.
#128
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Make no mistake, your stitched hoods are an immense improvement over the original AX hood, even if you didn't make a single additional modification. Also, now that you've posted a photo of the white hoods, I'll revise everything I've said to-date: Don't even try to match the sweep. The lever body looks better emphasized as a simple, forward-sweeping box with the small, round dome at the front.
What's more, now that I see the factory hoods in white, I now realize why I've always been adverse to the shape. They look disconcertingly similar to the shape of klansman's headwear . Not the imagery I want to be reminded of when I look at a bike.
Is there any chance that you might create a third hood once you have the left one perfected? I know I've mentioned this before, but I'm really curious to try a pair laser-cut to your pattern.
-Kurt
What's more, now that I see the factory hoods in white, I now realize why I've always been adverse to the shape. They look disconcertingly similar to the shape of klansman's headwear . Not the imagery I want to be reminded of when I look at a bike.
Is there any chance that you might create a third hood once you have the left one perfected? I know I've mentioned this before, but I'm really curious to try a pair laser-cut to your pattern.
-Kurt
Last night I made significant progress on the left hood (cut, glued together, front seam stitched together with stacked connecting Xs, and a third of the perimeter side stitching completed). I used the old Weinmann hood that was originally on one of the levers to see if I could use it as a pattern for a more traditional transition, and did not find a satisfying solution--- so I made no changes. I've left the transition area long at the moment and will complete the remaining pre-installation work before making a decision.
canklecat I have no idea and I'm not familiar with the Univega model you mention. Feel free to post a picture.
Bibi001 Thanks for noticing. I agree as well. Welcome to Bike Forums and to C&V.
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#129
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repechage Thanks for that tip. Can I pick up that type of foam at an auto parts store or should I just go to Amazon?
Amazon maybe.
Auto trim shop more likely.
#130
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A quick update on my Leather AX hood project. This is the 5th iteration and I believe other than some adjustments in the size of the under leather glued to the interior, I've achieved what I was hoping for. I plan to ride these and see how they hold up before making a final pair which addresses the dimples and the shortness of the under lever lace-up panels on the right side. Sorry about the poor focus. I'll take better pics when I begin to build the bike later this week.
As a bonus, I used the remainder of the goatskin and repurposed an old brown leather purse to make an aero shaped handle bar bag. I've also started on a saddle bag from the same combination of leathers.
Feedback is always appreciated!
As a bonus, I used the remainder of the goatskin and repurposed an old brown leather purse to make an aero shaped handle bar bag. I've also started on a saddle bag from the same combination of leathers.
Feedback is always appreciated!
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#132
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#133
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Very nice! Well done.
Cheers
Cheers
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#134
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Thank you all for your kind comments. I have the perfect Brooks Saddle to use, the brown Team Pro Alpe d'Huez.
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#135
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I was searching for a Lotus eclair and I found another Pro Aero for sale in NYC, he’s asking 950.00
https://longisland.craigslist.org/bi...103186673.html
https://longisland.craigslist.org/bi...103186673.html
#136
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Update: Finally completed this project.
Notice any issues with the crank arms? Dang Octalink BBs! Sorted out after pictures.
Thanks to the Totally Tubular thread I'm running Vittoria Corsa Speed G2s tubulars. Normally $100+ each for about $35 each, shipped.
If you can't find "W-Cut" vintage Shimano chainrings--- find chainrings with "Ws" cut into them.
This Lotus was not original spec in the first place, so I didn't feel obliged to do the same. Brooks Pro Saddle (Alpe de Huez edition), Profil aero bottle, homemade leather bar wrap and leather hoods for the cockpit.
Weather and Christmas travel will keep me from a test ride until after December 26th.
Notice any issues with the crank arms? Dang Octalink BBs! Sorted out after pictures.
Thanks to the Totally Tubular thread I'm running Vittoria Corsa Speed G2s tubulars. Normally $100+ each for about $35 each, shipped.
If you can't find "W-Cut" vintage Shimano chainrings--- find chainrings with "Ws" cut into them.
This Lotus was not original spec in the first place, so I didn't feel obliged to do the same. Brooks Pro Saddle (Alpe de Huez edition), Profil aero bottle, homemade leather bar wrap and leather hoods for the cockpit.
Weather and Christmas travel will keep me from a test ride until after December 26th.
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#137
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Looks great! Unique group for sure!
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1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1985 Trek 670, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 Cannondale M500, 1984 Mercian, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi (model unknown), 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super, 1971 Raleigh International, 1998 Corratec Ap & Dun, 1991 Peugeot Slimestone
1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1985 Trek 670, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 Cannondale M500, 1984 Mercian, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi (model unknown), 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super, 1971 Raleigh International, 1998 Corratec Ap & Dun, 1991 Peugeot Slimestone
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#138
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Beautiful result!
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#139
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Looks great on the rack you provided! Here's a view with its rack-mate.
A Campagnoloed '71 Schwinn Super Sport and '82 Lotus Super Pro hang out together.
A Campagnoloed '71 Schwinn Super Sport and '82 Lotus Super Pro hang out together.
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#140
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^^^^^ Saddle looks like it could serve as a topographical map of Moab UT.
#141
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#142
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#144
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That's awesome! Glad I could help the effort!
I thought you custom did the saddle until you posted the online version. Very interesting saddle. The home-made bar and lever wraps are cool. I am guessing you are stuck with that cable housing in perpetuity!
Are those the Mavic skewers?
I thought you custom did the saddle until you posted the online version. Very interesting saddle. The home-made bar and lever wraps are cool. I am guessing you are stuck with that cable housing in perpetuity!
Are those the Mavic skewers?
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1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1985 Trek 670, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 Cannondale M500, 1984 Mercian, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi (model unknown), 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super, 1971 Raleigh International, 1998 Corratec Ap & Dun, 1991 Peugeot Slimestone
1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1985 Trek 670, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 Cannondale M500, 1984 Mercian, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi (model unknown), 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super, 1971 Raleigh International, 1998 Corratec Ap & Dun, 1991 Peugeot Slimestone
#145
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Wow, just read the full thread. Great backstory. The bike is beautiful. Reading the journey you undertaken to get the brake hoods done was great. I’ve seen other bikes with leather hoods but I had no appreciation for the work required to achieve them.
#146
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That's awesome! Glad I could help the effort!
I thought you custom did the saddle until you posted the online version. Very interesting saddle. The home-made bar and lever wraps are cool. I am guessing you are stuck with that cable housing in perpetuity!
Are those the Mavic skewers?
I thought you custom did the saddle until you posted the online version. Very interesting saddle. The home-made bar and lever wraps are cool. I am guessing you are stuck with that cable housing in perpetuity!
Are those the Mavic skewers?
The blue cable housing is official Shimano DA (not certain which era). I picked it to complement the blue in the decals.
BTW, I just came from CVS where I found a really close match in nail polish for this big chunk of missing original paint. The original owner had covered it with Testors that didn't match and was glopped on and looked lousy.
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#147
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Great bike.
I am trying to recall a pink similar aero-bike from around the same era, and it is killing me what it was. It may have been a Lotus, but I don't think so...SR, Araya...definitely Japanese.
I am trying to recall a pink similar aero-bike from around the same era, and it is killing me what it was. It may have been a Lotus, but I don't think so...SR, Araya...definitely Japanese.
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1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1985 Trek 670, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 Cannondale M500, 1984 Mercian, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi (model unknown), 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super, 1971 Raleigh International, 1998 Corratec Ap & Dun, 1991 Peugeot Slimestone
1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1985 Trek 670, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 Cannondale M500, 1984 Mercian, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi (model unknown), 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super, 1971 Raleigh International, 1998 Corratec Ap & Dun, 1991 Peugeot Slimestone
#148
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(Borrowed from a Bing search)
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Bob
Enjoying the GA coast all year long!
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#149
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That might be the one...I am also having snippets of memory saying it was an Araya...hmmm...that's what 40 years will do I guess. With my memory, it's probably a mixture of bikes I saw that melded together. The reason I am leaing away from the Lotus is because my dream bike was a Lotus Supreme in pearl pink.
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1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1985 Trek 670, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 Cannondale M500, 1984 Mercian, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi (model unknown), 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super, 1971 Raleigh International, 1998 Corratec Ap & Dun, 1991 Peugeot Slimestone
1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1985 Trek 670, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 Cannondale M500, 1984 Mercian, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi (model unknown), 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super, 1971 Raleigh International, 1998 Corratec Ap & Dun, 1991 Peugeot Slimestone
#150
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AX/EX cranks aren't that hard to come by, so you can always give them a try if you felt like it.
Thanks for posting this thread, BTW! I was thinking about building an aero bike with AX kit, but now I don't have to!
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