Lotus is another USA brand of bicycles that started importing Japanese bikes in 1980. The company was started by Sid and Ernst Star in Syosset, New York. They offered a full range of road bikes from entry level to professional. I believe the bikes were originally made by Tsunoda Bicycle corporation of Nagoya, Japan and later made in Taiwan. Some were even made in Italy with Cinelli. Sid Star died in 1990 and I believe that was about the end of this brand.
Models
Aero Pro
Challenger
Classique
Competition
Éclair
Esprit
Excelle
Elite
Grand Prix
Grand Prix Luxe
Legend
Legend Compe
Odyssey
Prestige
Supreme
Here is a really nice Lotus Legend:
This bike features Columbus tubing, SunTour Cyclone components, Sugino Super Mighty Crankset, and Araya Wheelset.
Images donated by Ben’s Cycle.
Are Lotus bicycles and cars the same company?
Vintage Lotus bicycles were not associated with the automobile manufacturer. Lotus auto however does make a more modern track bike called the Hope.
I’ll post more Lotus bikes and info as I get it.
I always like these vintage bikes. Maybe it is because I’m a bit “vintage” myself.
Vintage is cool. 🙂