VintageLOTUSbicycles.com
Challenger SX & Challenger Mixte SX
In 1986-87 the Lotus Challenger SX was the deluxe version of Lotus' popular Challenger. In reality, they share so little componentry in common that the Challenger SX could have easily carried a totally different model name. Many components on the Challenger SX are a step up from those found on the standard Challenger, we consider them two different bikes that share frame and fork tubing, rims ('86), and a few other minor component similarities. We've made a comparison chart at the bottom of the page here.
Lotus rarely introduced a new model by adding a suffix to an currently existing model name. The Legend/Legend Compe and the Challenger/Challenger SX were the exceptions. In 1985, Consumer Reports rated the Challenger as a "Best Buy" in their November issue. Given the tremendous name recognition, we're sure it made sense to continue using the Challenger name and offer an additional model as the upgraded Challenger SX. Now the consumer, with magazine in hand, had not one Challenger to choose from, but two.
In our opinion, what really happened, was the now famous first-generation 1984-85 Challenger, was re-named the Challenger SX for 1986 and the NEW model was actually the non-SX Challenger. We base that on the quality of the frame and forged drop outs used on the 1984-85 Challenger now found on the 1986 Challenger SX. The 1986 Challenger used stamped steel drop outs putting it in the same frame class as the entry-level 1986 Lotus International.
In 1987 the Challenger SX cost $329.95 (msrp), $70.00 more than the Challenger.
You can view the Consumer Reports Magazine ratings for the 1985 Challenger here.
The photo above shows the 1986 Challenger SX Mixte in Raspberry Pink an exclusive color on the Challenger Mixte and Challenger SX Mixte for '86. Navy Blue was also available.
The photo at right shows the forged drop out with integrated derailleur hanger and axle adjusting screw as found on the Challenger SX. If you mouseover the image you will see the stamped steel rear drop out as found on the Challenger.
1986 Challenger SX models can be easily identified by the contrasting head tube, Hi-Ten fork decals, 27-inch wheels and tires, and pentagon shaped wheel reflectors.
The 1986 Challenger SX was part of the Lotus Sport/Touring Recreational Series that included the Excelle, Challenger SX, Challenger, and International. These were also the only Lotus models available in a Mixte frame for 1986.
The photo below shows an '86 Challenger SX in Navy. Other colors available were Silver Champagne and Burgundy. Foam grips were standard equipment on the Challenger models for 1986-87.
In 1987 The Sport/Touring Recreational Series was renamed The Recreational Sport Series, which now included the Excelle, Challenger SX, Challenger, International and Special. Those models now carried a Sport Series decal on the top tube or seat stay, depending on the year and model.
1987 models can be identified by their single color paint scheme, Cromalite fork decals, Sport Series script decals, 700c wheels and tires, and LOTUS engraved handlebars and headset.
The 1987 Pearl Green bike in the photo below is equipped exactly as shown in the 1987 Lotus Catalog, right down to the Vetta saddle and foam grips on the handlebars. Different color brake lever hoods were used depending on the color of the bike, the Champagne color is shown with gum hoods in the catalog. The Electric Blue Challenger SX Mixte Shown here below has white brake lever hoods.
Shown below, 1987 Challenger SX Mixte in Electric Blue. There were no exclusive Mixte colors in 1987. The Mixte also shared the Champagne and Pearl Green color with the diamond frame models.
| 1986 Lotus Challenger and Challenger SX Sport/Touring Recrational Series |
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| Frame Details | Top tube cable guides, water bottle bosses, bottom bracket cable guides, chain peg hanger, stamped rear drop outs SX add: Under bottom bracket cable guides, micro adjusting screws on rear forged drop outs, shift lever cable guides on downtube. |
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| Frame Tubing | Tange 900/1000 Double Butted Chrome Moly | Headset | SX: Tange Steel |
| Fork | Hi-Ten Steel | Handlebar | SR, steel SX: alloy |
| Colors | Ice Blue, Black, New Metallic Red Mixte: Ice Blue, Raspberry Pink SX: Silver Champagne, Navy, Burgundy Mixte: Navy Blue, Raspberry |
Stem | SR alloy |
| Frame Sizes | 19, 21, 23, 25, 27 19, 21 inches, Mixte SX:18, 20, 22, 24, 26 inches 18, 20 inches, Mixte |
Brakes | Shimano Z-570 alloy sidepull w/ extensions, front QR SX: Shimano Z-570 alloy sidepull w/ extensions, both QR |
| Crank | Sugino FE-RB allow w/ steel rings SX: SR SAC-310 forged alloy 42-52 |
Seatpost | Stainless Steel SX: SR Alloy ASP |
| Pedals | KKT RT-E2 platform SX: SR SP-154 alloy quill |
Saddle | Vetta Anatomic, black |
| Shift Levers | Suntour UB-10 Stem Mount SX: Shimano Z401 Stem Mount |
Rims | Ukai alloy 27 x 1-1/4 |
| Front Derailleur | Suntour AR SX: Shimano Z202 Z-Series |
Hubs | Suzue Sealed Tech Small Flange, front QR SX: Suzue Sealed Tech Small Flange, both QR |
| Rear Derailleur | Suntour AR SX: Shimano Z501GS |
Spokes | 14 Guage Chrome Plated |
| Freewheel | Suntour, 14-28, black SX: Shimano Z012, 14-30, black |
Tires | IRC Hi Center Ridge SX: Panaracer 27 x 1 1/8 Skin |
| Chain | DID, black SX: Shimano Uniglide, black |
Weight | 26.5 lbs. SX: 26 lbs. |
| Notes | |||
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1987 Lotus Challenger SX Sport Series |
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| Frame Details | Bottom bracket cable guides, water bottle bosses, micro adjusting screws on rear forged drop outs, top tube cable guides, shift lever cable guides on downtube. | ||
| Frame Tubing | Tange 900/1000 Double Butted Chrome Moly | Headset | Tange UQ-7 Sealed, Color Coordinated, LOTUS Inscribed |
| Fork | Chromalite | Handlebar | LOTUS Engraved Kusuki Alloy, Foam Grips |
| Colors | Champagne, Electric Blue, Pearl Green | Stem | Kusuki S-Win Alloy |
| Frame Sizes |
18, 20, 22, 24, 26 inches 18, 20 inches Mixte |
Brakes |
Shimano Z-570 (105 Model?) Alloy Sidepull Shimano Z-325B (105 Model?) Levers with QR and Extensions |
| Crank | Sugino VP 130 Alloy 42-52 | Seatpost | SR Alloy ASP |
| Pedals | MKS-CR-2 Alloy Quill | Saddle | Vetta Anatomic Black, Ladies Size Available |
| Shift Levers | Shimano S431, Z-Series, Stem Mount S.I.S. | Rims | Araya SP-30 700c Alloy 36 Holes |
| Front Derailleur | Shimano Z202 Z-Series | Hubs | Sanshin Sealed Tech Small Flange, QR |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano L532, Light Action series, S.I.S. | Spokes | 14 Guage Chrome Plated |
| Freewheel | Shimano Z012, 14-28, 6 cogs | Tires | Panaracer 700 x 28c Skin 100psi |
| Chain | DID Black | Weight | 26 lbs. for 20" |
| Notes | |||
