" A basic value 10-Speed that gives you Japanese technology and quality at the lowest possible price."
~~ 1987 Catalog Quote ~~
The steel-rimmed Lotus Special (Pacific Cycles) was a Lotus entry-level value bicycle. It was introduced circa 1982 and was only available in Blue. Up until then, the entry-level bicycle was the Lotus America, which received a promotion when the Special became available. The Lotus America was made by Tsunoda in Japan and the first-generation Lotus Special was made in Taiwan. Later models of the Lotus Special would resume production in Japan.
The bicycle on the right is a first-generation, circa 1982, Lotus Special in Blue. Note the double seat tube decals to coordinate with the style of the first-generation Tsunoda models. For more background information on the first generation Lotus Special and Pacific Cycles please visit the Lotus Elite page.
Lotus would discontinue the Special during the mid 1980's when it was replaced by the Lotus International. The Special returned again in 1987 as the entry level model in the Lotus Sport Series next to the then upgraded International.
Early Lotus Special models were also available in a mixte style frame and the later models, circa 1987, models were available in a double downtube style women's frame.
So far, the award for the smallest of the Lotus road bicycles goes to the 1983 Lotus Special shown below. This bicycle sports 24-inch wheels on it's 18-inch Blue frame. As far as we know, the Special was the only Junior-size road bike with 24-inch wheels that Lotus ever offered. The 44-48cm Elite 600 and 18-inch Unique models in 1987 were available with a 24-inch front wheel paired with a 700c rear wheel. The 1987 Lotus Special is listed in the 1987 catalog as being available in a 17-inch "Boys and Girls" frame with 24-inch wheels. We'd love to see one.
1983 Lotus Special (Pacific Cycles) |
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Frame Details | Top tube cable guides | ||
Frame Tubing | Carbon Steel | Headset | VST-66 Chrome Steel |
Fork | Carbon Steel | Handlebar | Chrome Steel |
Colors | Blue | Stem | Alloy |
Frame Sizes | 18, 19, 21, 23, 25 inches | Brakes | Alloy Sidepull C. Star w/ Extension Levers |
Crank | Tracer Alloy 42-52, Steel Chainrings | Seatpost | Steel |
Pedals | Steel Rattrap | Saddle | Viscount 272 Black |
Shift Levers | Stem Mount | Rims | Steel 27 inch |
Front Derailleur | DNP Steel | Hubs | Steel |
Rear Derailleur | DNP Steel | Spokes | |
Freewheel | 14-28 6-Speed | Tires | 27 x 1 1/8 Gumwall |
Chain | yes | Weight | 29 lbs. for 21 inch frame |
Notes | 18 inch frame had 24 inch wheels. |
1987 Lotus Special Sport Series |
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Frame Details | Fully lugged with top tube cable guides. | ||
Frame Tubing | Chromalite | Headset | Chrome Plated |
Fork | Chromalite | Handlebar | Steel |
Colors | Scarlet Red, Electric Blue | Stem | Delta Alloy |
Frame Sizes | 19, 21, 23, 24.5 inches 17, 19 inches Ladies, Boys and Girls |
Brakes | 630 Alloy Sidepull, 730 on Small Sizes Alloy Levers with Extensions |
Crank | SR CTC-5SG Alloy 42-52 | Seatpost | Chrome Plated Steel |
Pedals | NH-610 Rattrap | Saddle | Velo VL-123 Black and JR Sizes |
Shift Levers | Shimano QS, Stem Mount | Rims | Araya 5-H 27" x 1 1/4" Steel 36 Holes |
Front Derailleur | Shimano AX-50 | Hubs | Suzue Small Flange, Nutted |
Rear Derailleur | Shimano Skylark | Spokes | 14 Guage Chrome Plated |
Freewheel | Shimano Z012, 14-28, 5 cogs | Tires | 27"x 1 1/4 Gum Wall 90psi |
Chain | DID Black | Weight | 29.5 lbs. for 21" Mens |
Notes |
Available in a women's staggered (double down tube) frame. |