Vintage Lotus Bicycles

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  I believe the bikes were originally made by Tsunoda Bicycle corporation of Nagoya, Japan and later made in Taiwan.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. 

Lotus Head Badge

Models

Aero Pro

Challenger

Classique

Competition

Γ‰clair

Esprit

Excelle

Elite

Grand Prix

Grand Prix Luxe

Legend

Legend Compe

Odyssey

Prestige

Supreme

Here is a really nice Lotus Legend:

Lotus Legend Road Bike

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.

Links

Vintage Bicycle Manufacturers and Brands

Vintage Bicycle Component Companies

Published by FAB Jim The Cyclist

Jim has over 40 years of experience with bicycles and loves road and mountain biking and just going for calm cruises. He is a mechanic who has built custom bikes and is also very interested in bike history.

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