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I want to convert a 1980 Lotus Elan to fixed/SS and need advice.

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I want to convert a 1980 Lotus Elan to fixed/SS and need advice.

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Old 11-04-07, 04:50 PM
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I want to convert a 1980 Lotus Elan to fixed/SS and need advice.

I am just starting to think through the process. It appears that I can either use the existing rear wheel with spacers or get new wheels. Either way, I want to leave the brakes on. The problem is that the Elan has 27" wheels. Can I run 700's on the bike?

Thanks

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Old 11-04-07, 04:59 PM
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yes. if you do the brake calipers you currently have many not be long enough to reach the rims of the smaller wheels. if not there are longer reach calipers available, so it will not be an insurmountable problem. chances are the calipers you presently have will work in any case.
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Old 11-04-07, 05:34 PM
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for a second i thought this was a joke thread. then i realized there was an elan bike model.

but yeah, what /\ /\ /\ he said.
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Old 11-04-07, 07:09 PM
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Originally Posted by metaljim
for a second i thought this was a joke thread. then i realized there was an elan bike model.

but yeah, what /\ /\ /\ he said.
I helped restore an Elan when I worked as a mechanic. It was a fantastic vehicle.
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Old 11-04-07, 10:13 PM
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Originally Posted by anomaly
I helped restore an Elan when I worked as a mechanic. It was a fantastic vehicle.
a guy in my neighborhood when i was a kid had an elan. very sexy car. then the guy next door got an alfa spyder graduate edition, and my dad wouldn't shut up about it.
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Old 11-05-07, 08:54 AM
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Me Too! im disappointed.
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Old 11-05-07, 09:44 AM
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Originally Posted by RFC
Can I run 700's on the bike?



RFC
This is kind of a sticky issue. With old schwinns (who created the 27" wheel) there is a fraction after the 27 to make the diameter a little wider. This is opposed to our current measurement standards where the first measurement describes the diameter and the second describes the width. I am not familiar with lotus (i actually thought this was a joke topic about the car), but you might be able to run the cheaper schwin tires that are still made.
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