VintageLOTUSbicycles.com
Legend
". . . the LEGEND is a cycling enthusiast's dream come true."
~~ Catalog Text ~~
"For years the LOTUS LEGEND has symbolized something special for us.
In many ways it personifies the Super Sport Concept."
~~ 1987 Lotus Catalog ~~
Indeed, we agree with those quotes and if we were asked to choose one model Lotus to accurately represent what Lotus is all about, we'd pick the Lotus Legend. Always the top-of-the-line sport bicycle, the Lotus Legend offered the best of what a sport bike should be at a reasonable price. The only sport models better than the Legend in the Lotus fleet were considered racing bicycles and they all came with sew-up tires.
First-generation Lotus Legends (1980-1982) offered Tange Champion tubing, 700 x 25c alloy wheels, half- chromed stays and fork and the complete Shimano 600 Arabesque group. All first-generation Legend models feature a fully sloping integrated fork crown and full wrap seat stays at the seat lug.
Our first example below is an early first-generation 1980 Lotus Legend in Ice Blue. Of note on the early (1980) models are the lack of brazed-on bottle bosses and quite often, missing seat tube decals. The water-slide decals were prone to failure on the 1980 model bicycles and are frequently missing or damaged. We know from personal experience that when we purchased our new Lotus Legend in 1980 the bike arrived with the seat tube decals already peeling off. The dealer ordered us a new set and they all came on one water-slide decal sheet. It is also possible that some early bikes were shipped without seat tube decals, or when they arrived damaged the bike shops just removed them and sold the bike without. We've also seen enough early bikes without the plastic rear spoke protectors to believe the bikes may have been shipped without them.
The Ice Blue Legend here is also sporting the original Kashimax Super-Pro Saddle, Shimano 600 chain guard on the crank, silver-grey brake cable housing, and gum rubber brake hoods. These items are the most common details missing or changed on the vintage Lotus Legend. The Legend was supplied with KKT toe clips and straps.
First-generation Lotus Legends (1980-1982) offered Tange Champion tubing, 700 x 25c alloy wheels, half- chromed stays and fork and the complete Shimano 600 Arabesque group. All first-generation Legend models feature a fully sloping integrated fork crown and full wrap seat stays at the seat lug.
Our first example below is an early first-generation 1980 Lotus Legend in Ice Blue. Of note on the early (1980) models are the lack of brazed-on bottle bosses and quite often, missing seat tube decals. The water-slide decals were prone to failure on the 1980 model bicycles and are frequently missing or damaged. We know from personal experience that when we purchased our new Lotus Legend in 1980 the bike arrived with the seat tube decals already peeling off. The dealer ordered us a new set and they all came on one water-slide decal sheet. It is also possible that some early bikes were shipped without seat tube decals, or when they arrived damaged the bike shops just removed them and sold the bike without. We've also seen enough early bikes without the plastic rear spoke protectors to believe the bikes may have been shipped without them.
The Ice Blue Legend here is also sporting the original Kashimax Super-Pro Saddle, Shimano 600 chain guard on the crank, silver-grey brake cable housing, and gum rubber brake hoods. These items are the most common details missing or changed on the vintage Lotus Legend. The Legend was supplied with KKT toe clips and straps.
Below, a 1981 Lotus Legend in Sky Yellow, probably the least common of the three available colors on the first-generation Legends (Ice Blue, Sky Yellow, and Black). Note the addition of the brazed-on bottle bosses and Mylar-type seat tube decals for 1981. Also commonly seen on the 1981 and later bikes is a riveted head badge, replacing the decal on the early models. While the bicycle in the photo is in relatively poor condition with quite a few non original parts, we think the Sky Yellow is still quite stunning. Sky Yellow was exclusive to the first-generation Legend.
Black was also available and a popular color for the first-generation Legend. The model shown below has black seat tube decals, red decals were also used and both complimented the gold lettering and lug accents on the bicycle.
This particular example looks very original with the exception of the rear derailleur and the missing gum brake lever hoods. Note the correct Kashimax Super-Pro saddle and the chain guard on the crank.
Also in Black, with red seat tube decals this time, this Legend is perhaps one of the most striking and tastefully personalized bikes we have seen in quite some time. While completely original in it's mechanical components, the addition of the fenders, bags, rack, red detailing, and Brooks saddle really highlights this particular vintage Lotus. All lotus Legends came equipped with eyelets for racks and fenders, here they are being put to good use. Outstanding bicycle and photography by Larry W.
Second-generation Legends, beginning in 1983:
1983 saw many changes in the Lotus line and the Lotus Legend received many upgrades from the very popular previous model. Gone was the Japanese Tange Champion tubing, now replaced with Italian Columbus SL or SP tubing (depending on frame size). The 1983 Legend models were the first traditional frame (non-aero) Lotus to use the aero-style brake levers with cables under the handlebar tape. The addition of the drilled Sugino chain rings and the elimination of the chain guard also enhanced the sporty appearance of the second-generation Legend.
Early second-generation Lotus legends use the Edwardian script style font for the Legend decal on the top tube in the same style as the first-generation bikes. We estimate that the bike shown above is circa 1983 vintage. Note the Columbus tubing decals, the LOTUS decal on the seat tube and the Edwardian script on the top tube. The full wrap seat stay caps were also carried over from the 1980-1982 bikes.
1983 Legend models still use the same Ukai 700 x 25c rims as the first-generation bikes, by 1984 the rims were made by Araya. Both featured Suntour sealed bearing hubs, another first for Lotus.
As with many of the 1983 model Lotus bicycles, the 1983 Legend seems less common than the 1984 versions. One possible reason for this is that the 1983 model year was a transition year from the first-generation bikes that started ending in 1982 and continued into 1983. 1983 model production may have lasted less than 12 months in some cases. The 1984 introductions were carried through from 1984 until quite possibly almost 1986, with few changes. The 1983 transitional models still use components and styling ques from the first- generation bikes, by 1984 many of those carried over nuances were gone.
The Legend Compe was available at the same time as the standard second-generation Legend models, early (1983) Legend Compe and Legends share many components, the only significant differences we've noted are frame geometry, gearing, and short vs. long cage Suntour Cyclone II rear derailleurs (short cage on the Compe). The Lotus Legend carries a more relaxed frame geometry than the Legend Compe. The Lotus Legend came equipped with eyelets on the fork and rear dropouts for accessories like fenders or racks, the Legend Compe does not have these fittings. Possibly, the Legend Compe came equipped with sew-up tires, for racing. 1983 sales literature only vaguely specifies two Legend variants, a Sport and a Racing (Compe) model.
We have the factory 1983 Legend Specification sheet on the Legend Compe page here.
The late style second-generation Lotus Legend, circa 1984, shown below, was also built using Columbus tubing. The Legend decal on the top tube was changed to an outline block letter font. The frame was enhanced with a LOTUS engraved fork crown and LOTUS engraved seat stays. The rims are now Araya instead of Ukai. Most components remain unchanged from the 1983 Legend.
The 1984 Legend is now a much different bicycle than the 1984 Legend Compe, which was now equipped with Campagnolo Nuovo Gran Sport components and slightly different frame details, such as seat stays and shifter bosses.
The third-generation Lotus Legend (with the stylized LOTUS down tube decal) became part of the Super Sport Triathlon Series. Once again, Lotus made many changes and improvements to the popular Legend. This time the frame was made from Tange #1 or #2 tubing (depending on the frame size) and featured a fastback seat stay design. The seat stays and chain stays were almost completely chromed as well as a completely chromed fork. The frame design is very similar to the second-generation Classique, but it is not the same frame. The Legend rode on Araya SS-40 Super Hard black anodized rims.
1986 models featured the Shimano 600 EX SIS (Shimano Index Shifting) group while the 1987 models used the Suntour Sprint 9000 Accu-shift components.
1986 models do not have the Triathlon Series decal on the top tube.
The image below is a scan from the 1986 Lotus catalog. The Legend is shown in Pearl Coral.
Our second example of a 1986 Legend is this Electric Blue model. Also exclusive to 1986 was the color Charcoal Grey. The Legend continued to be the top-of-the-line Lotus sport bicycle and was followed by the Cyclone, Classique and Unique. The next model up the line from the Legend in 1986 was the Lotus Design Cinelli Triomphe, an Italian made racing bicycle with tubular tires. There was no Legend Compe in 1986.
The Emerald Green on the legend in the photo below identifies it as a 1987 model, the only other color available for the 1987 Legend was Coral. If you look carefully you can see the Triathlon Series decal on the front of the top tube. Minor changes from original on the bicycle pictured are the saddle, bottle cages and missing black brake lever hoods. The 1987 Legend used Suntour Sprint 9000 components as shown.
Changed from the 1986 models were the handlebar, stem, and seat post, from SR to Nitto and Sugino. The tires were also changed to a narrower 700 x 20c IRC Triathlon.
Lotus expanded the Triathlon Series for 1987 and included the Legend, Esprit, Elite 600, Leger, Classique and Unique. The next model above the Legend was the Racing Series Elan 75 with tubular tires.
For more photos and information on the 1987 Lotus Legend, please visit our Featured Bicycles page.
| 1980-82 Lotus Legend |
|||
| Frame Details | 1980 - Suntour forged dropouts w/ micro adjusters, top tube cable guides, bottom bracket cable guides, down tube shift lever support bracket, full wrap seat stays at seat lug, 1/2 chrome seat and chain stays. 1981-82 - Add brazed on bottle bosses. |
||
| Frame Tubing | 19 - 23 inch: Tange Champion #1 DB Cro-Mo 25, 27 inch: Tange Champion #2 DB Cro-Mo |
Headset | Shimano 600EX, Alloy |
| Fork | Tange Champion, Cinelli-Type Full-Sloping Forged Crown, 1/2 Chrome | Handlebar | SR Custom Road Champion, Alloy |
| Colors | Black, Sky Yellow, Ice Blue | Stem | SR Apex, Forged Alloy |
| Frame Sizes | 19, 21, 23, 25, 27 inches | Brakes | Shimano 600EX Arabesque |
| Crank | Shimano 600EX Arabesque W/ Chain Guard | Seatpost | SR CT-P3 Custom, Alloy |
| Pedals | KKT Pro Vic II, KKT Clips and Straps | Saddle | Kashimax Super-Pro, Black |
| Shift Levers | Shimano 600EX Arabesque on Down Tube | Rims | Ukai 700 x 25c Alloy |
| Front Derailleur | Shimano 600EX Arabesque | Hubs | Shimano 600EX Arabesque QR |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano 600EX Arabesque Long Cage | Spokes | |
| Freewheel | Shimano 6-Speed 14-32 Gold | Tires | IRC Roadlite 700 x 25c, Presta |
| Chain | Shimano Uniglide Gold/Black | Weight | 23 lbs. |
| Notes | 1980 (or "early") Models have been noted to have fragile water-slide seat tube decals. 1981-82 (or "later") Models have been noted to have more durable Mylar-type seat tube decals. 1980-82 model specifications overlap and variations do occur. |
||
| 1983-84 Lotus Legend |
|||
| Frame Details | Fork and stays reinforced, top tube cable guides, bottom bracket cable guides, brazed on bottle bosses, single brazed on shifter boss on top of down tube, full-wrap seat stays at seat lug, 1/2 chrome chain stays and seat stays, 1/2 chrome fork blades, recessed brake bolts, chain peg. 1984: Add LOTUS engraved seat stay caps |
||
| Frame Tubing | Columbus Double Butted Cro-Mo, SL on 50-58 cm, SP on 60-64 cm | Headset | Shimano 600 EX |
| Fork | Columbus Tubing, Forged Semi-Sloping Crown w/ Cut-Outs, 1/2 Chrome Blades, Reinforced 1984: Add LOTUS flower Engraved Crown |
Handlebar | SR Custom Alloy w/ Cotton Tape |
| Colors | Tan, Navy and Oxide Green | Stem | SR Apex, Forged Alloy |
| Frame Sizes | 50-64 cm | Brakes | Dia Compe Gran Compe Aero w/Slotted Aero Levers |
| Crank | Sugino Super Mighty Comp w/ Drilled Chainrings 42-52 | Seatpost | SR Laprade CT-P5 |
| Pedals | KKT Pro Vic w/ Clips and Straps | Saddle | Kashimax Super-Pro |
| Shift Levers | Suntour Cyclone II Braze-On Top Mount | Rims | 1983: Ukai 700 x 25c 1984: Araya 700 x 25c |
| Front Derailleur | Suntour Cyclone II | Hubs | Suntour Sealed Bearing QR Front and rear |
| Rear Derailleur | Suntour Cyclone II | Spokes | |
| Freewheel | Suntour Winner | Tires | IRC Roadlite 700 x 25c 90psi |
| Chain | Suntour Ultra 6 | Weight | 22 lbs. |
| Notes | Included LOTUS water bottle and alloy cage. 1983: Edwardian script top tube decal 1984: Block letter top tube decal |
||
| 1986-87 Lotus Legend Super Sport Triathlon Series |
|||
| Frame Details | Pump peg on the head tube, chain peg hanger, recessed brake bolts, bottom bracket cable guides, two sets of bottle bosses, top tube cable guides, high-chromed seat stays, chromed chain stays, brazed on shift lever bosses, fastback seat stays. | ||
| Frame Tubing | Tange #1 or #2 Double Butted Chrome Moly | Headset | 1986: Shimano 600 EX 1987: Suntour Sprint |
| Fork | Tange Chrome Moly, Full Chrome 1987: Integrated Smooth Crown |
Handlebar | 1986: SR CTD, Alloy 1987: Nitto B-115F, Alloy |
| Colors | 1986: Charcoal Grey, Electric Blue, Pearl Coral 1987: Emerald Green, Coral |
Stem | 1986: SR, Alloy 1987: Nitto Technomic-A |
| Frame Sizes | 48, 51, 54, 56, 58, 60, 63 cm | Brakes | 1986: Shimano 600 EX 1987: Suntour Sprint |
| Crank | 1986: Shimano Biopace 42/52 1987: Suntour Sprint 42/52 |
Seatpost | 1986: SR Micro Adjust 1987: Sugino KC-230 w/ Scale |
| Pedals | 1986: Shimano 600 EX w/ Clips and Straps 1987: Suntour Sprint w/ MKS Clips and LOTUS Straps |
Saddle | Vetta Anatomic Leather |
| Shift Levers | 1986: Shimano 600 EX SIS 1987: Suntour Sprint IPC 9000 Accu-shift |
Rims | Araya SS-40 Hard Anodized Black 700 x 25c, 36 Spokes |
| Front Derailleur | 1986: Shimano 600 EX SIS 1987: Suntour Sprint |
Hubs | 1986: Shimano 600 EX, QR 1987: Suntour Sprint Sealed, QR |
| Rear Derailleur | 1986: Shimano 600 EX SIS 1987: Suntour Sprint IPC 9000 Accu-shift |
Spokes | 14-15 Guage Stainless |
| Freewheel | 1986: Shimano 600 EX, Silver 1987: Suntour Winner Pro*, Silver, 6 Cogs, 13-21 |
Tires | 1986: IRC Roadlite EX 700 x 25c Skin 1987: IRC Triathalon 700 x 20c Skin |
| Chain | 1986: Shimano 600 EX, Silver 1987: Suntour Pro Silver/Black |
Weight | 22 lbs. for 54cm |
| Notes | The 1986 catalog references Shimano 600 EX as "New" 600 EX. The 1987 catalog references Suntour Sprint as "New" Sprint. 1986-87: LOTUS water bottle and bracket. *1987 catalog also references Superbe Pro freewheel as being original equipment. |
||
