The first-generation Lotus Classique, circa 1980 to 1982, defines the entry-level sport-performance type bicycle in the Lotus line. The Classique was the first model in the line to feature 700 x 25c wheels and tires instead of the 27" rims and wider tires found on the Eclair, Unique, Excelle and on down through the rest of the models. While many of the first-generation Lotus bicycles use Shimano 600 EX Arabesque components, the 1982 Classique was the first model in the line-up to feature the complete group on one bicycle.

General guidelines for identifying the first-generation Classique tend to follow these patterns:

1980: water-slide double seat tube decals (frequently damaged or missing), head tube decal, Tange chrome head set, Cr-mo Double Butted  decal on seat tube, serial number on bottom bracket may begin with the letters KY, gold foil decal on lower seat tube says; Made in Japan.

1981: Mylar-type double seat tube decals, brass head tube badge, Tange chrome head set, Tange Champion #1 or #2 decal on seat tube, serial number on bottom bracket may begin with the letters KT, gold foil decal on lower seat tube says; Made in Japan or Made By Tsunoda Japan.

1982: Mylar-type double seat tube decals, brass head tube badge, Shimano 600 EX alloy head set, Tange Champion #1 or #2 decal on seat tube, gold foil decal on lower seat tube says; Made By Tsunoda Japan. 

The first-generation Classique was available in Red, Ice Blue, and  Ivory. 

The well-preserved 1980 Ice Blue Classique shown below lived it's life indoors on a cycle trainer. Except for the upgraded pedals, the Classique is almost 100% original, including the tires and Kashimax Super Pro saddle. You can view a Red 1982 Classique and an Ivory 1980 Classique in our Lotus Photos section here.

The composite photo shows an interesting variation of an early Ivory Classique.

Generally the Tange Champion tubing is attributed to 1981-82 models and the head tube decal is attributed to 1980 models, but Lotus often gradually introduced changes like these, often blurring the model year line.

In this case, we'd examine the originality of the bike to check for any obvious parts or decal substitutions and try to estimate the correct year.  In this case, we'd call the bike an early-1981, or a 1980 ½ model.

The photo below is a scan from the 1981 Lotus Catalog and shows an Ice Blue Classique with all of the correct details attributed to the 1981 models.

Lotus did not mark their early catalogs with a specific model year, this way the bicycles could run for longer or shorter than a 12 month cycle.

Second-generation Lotus Classique, 1983-1985.

1983 was an important year for Lotus and saw a complete overhaul and honing of the entire model line. The first-generation Lotus bikes are very similar to each other, perhaps too similar, so Lotus addressed that issue by 1983 and would continue to mold and perfect their bikes throughout the rest of the 1980s.

The 1983 Lotus Classique arrived with a totally new frame design for Lotus, featuring fully chromed rear stays and a fastback style seat lug. Also included in the 1983 upgrade was a chrome fork crown with half-chrome fork blades, brazed on bottle bosses and shifter mounts. The second generation Classique was the only road model in the 1983 Lotus fleet to still use Tange Champion tubing, the other top models used Columbus tubing and the models under the Classique used tange Mangaloy 2001, Ishiwata and other types of steel.

We consider the 1983 Classique as a transitional model, meaning that it still shared some history with the first-generation Classique continuing the use of the popular and attractive Shimano 600 EX Arabesque components. Also carried over from the first-generation models were the Ukai 700 x 25c silver alloy rims and the SR handlebar and stem. The Classique decal on the top tube was also in the Edwardian script of the first-generation models. Primary component changes were the seat post, saddle and pedals.

The 1983 version of the Shimano 600 EX Arabesque crank uses a more open chainring design without a chain guard, enhancing the sporty appearance of the Classique.

Lotus introduced two new colors for their model line in 1983, Burgundy and Bronze, which were also featured on the Classique.  Ice Blue was carried over from the first-generation for 1983 Classique and replaced with Electric Blue in 1984.

The photos on the right and below show a Bronze 1983 Classique with Shimano 600 Arabesque components. Just Beautiful!

By mousing over the photo above you can compare Bronze 1983 and 1984 Classiques.  The inset photos on the lower right of the images show the different appearances of the 700 x 25c Ukai rims.  1983 models were all silver in color and the 1984 models used "black anodized shinny side"  rims, an interesting and important detail differentiating between the two years. 

The Kashimax Voco saddle used for the second-generation Classique would be branded LOTUS on the back by 1984 although we have seen regular Voco saddles on 1984 models as well.

The photo below shows a 1983 Classique in Burgundy.  Note the Kashimax Voco saddle and silver rims.  The blackwall tires and black brake hoods were added by the owner.

1984 Classique models received a comprehensive component overhaul.  After four years of Shimano 600 Arabesque use, Lotus changed all of the components on the Classique to the Suntour ARX, Sugino RT, and Dia-Compe GX range of parts. The frame remained relatively unchanged except for the shifter boss being moved to the top of the down tube, rather than the sides of the down tube. The fork crown is now nicely engraved with Lotus flowers and the Classique font on the top tube is now in a block letter style.

The photo below shows a scan of the Classique in Electric Blue from the 1984 Lotus catalog. The 1984 catalog was not labeled "1984" and was probably used well into 1985, with the 1985 models being the same as 1984 models.  Two years of production would explain why the 1984 style Lotus bikes are more common than their 1983 counterparts. 

Third-generation Lotus Classique, 1986-88.

1986 saw another huge change for Lotus and every bike in the model line received many changes.  Lotus was growing and as a result more companies were used to supply their bikes, most probably Yamaguchi and Maruishi.

The ubiquitous Tsunoda label found on so many Tsunoda-Lotus bikes in the early 1980's had begun to disappear on some models as early as 1984.

The Lotus logo was redesigned into the stylized version with the Lotus flower as the "U" in Lotus by 1986.  

The fastback high chromed seat stay design found on the second-generation Classique was promoted to the Lotus Legend in 1986, although the frames are of different manufacture.  The third-generation Classique uses conventional frame design and the chrome is limited to use on the fork ends.

The 1986 Classique was part of the Lotus Super Sport Triathlon Series and included the Legend, Cyclone, Classique and Unique.  All of the Super Sport Triathlon Series bikes shared the same frame geometry.

The 1986 Classique featured Tange #2 double butted chrome moly tubing with Shimano 600EX shifting, SR crank, and Dia-Compe GX brakes.  New for 1986, across almost the entire line, was a switch from Kashimax to Vetta saddles.

The 1986 Classique was available in Emerald Green, Red and as shown below, in Violet Blue (with Retro-Style Lotus Water Bottles from VintageLOTUSbicycles.com).

The 1987 Classique is described by Lotus as being "new" in 1987 but was still part of the Super Sport Triathlon Series  that now included the Legend, Esprit, Elite 600, Leger, Classique and Unique.  

The 1987 Classique used Ishiwata triple butted chrome moly tubing and came equipped with the Shimano 105 group with SIS shifting and rode on black Araya rims with 23c tires. The brake levers were now aero-style, the first time on the Classique.  As with all 1987 Lotus models, the down tube used the stylized LOTUS decal.

The 1987 Classique was available in Emerald Green, and Violet as shown in the photos below. The 1987 Classique featured a metallic black painted fork and head tube for both Emerald Green and Violet colors.

The 1988 Classique appears similar to the 1986-87 models with different Classique decals that use a shadow design. Paint fades on the Classique appear around this time as shown on the 1988 model below. 

We're still searching for more information on the 1988 Lotus models. 

1980-82 Lotus Classique
Frame Details	Suntour forged dropouts, top tube cable guides, bottom bracket cable guides, down tube shift lever support bracket.
Frame Tubing	1980: "Cr-Mo" DB 1981-82: Tange Champion #1 or #2  DB	Headset	1980-81: Tange, Chrome Steel 1982: Shimano 600 EX , Alloy
Fork	Semi-sloping Crown, 1/2 Chrome	Handlebar	SR Custom Road Champion, Alloy
Colors	Ivory, Red, Ice Blue	Stem	SR, Alloy
Frame Sizes	19, 21, 23, 25 inches	Brakes	Shimano 600EX Arabesque
Crank	Shimano 600EX Arabesque W/ Chain Guard	Seatpost	SR CT-P3 Custom, Alloy
Pedals	KKT Top Run, KKT Clips and Straps	Saddle	Kashimax Super-Pro, Black
Shift Levers	Shimano 600EX Arabesque Clamp-on Down Tube	Rims	Ukai 700 x 25c Alloy
Front Derailleur	Shimano 600EX Arabesque	Hubs	Shimano 600EX Arabesque QR
Rear Derailleur	1980: Shimano 600EX Arabesque Short Cage 1981-82: Shimano 600EX Arabesque Long Cage	Spokes
Freewheel	1980: Shimano 6-Speed 14-28  1981-82: Shimano 6-Speed 14-32 Gold	Tires	IRC Roadlite 700 x 25c, Presta
Chain	Shimano Uniglide Gold/Black	Weight	24 lbs.
Notes	Please see model identification hints at the top of the page.

1983 Lotus Classique Super Sport Series
Frame Details	Forged micro-adjusting dropouts, top tube cable guides, bottom bracket cable guides, brazed on bottle bosses, shifter bosses and chain peg, "stays chromed to within 1" of entire length", fast back seat stays.
Frame Tubing	Tange Champion Double Butted Cro Mo Throughout	Headset	Shimano 600EX Alloy
Fork	Chrome Fork Crown, 1/2 Chrome	Handlebar	SR Custom Alloy
Colors	Ice Blue, Bronze, Burgundy	Stem	SR Alloy
Frame Sizes	19, 21, 23, 25, 27 inches	Brakes	Shimano 600EX w/ Drilled Levers
Crank	Shimano 600EX 40-52 W-Cut	Seatpost	SR Laprade CT-P5
Pedals	SR SP100-AL, SR Clips and Straps (or KKT Top Run)	Saddle	Kashimax VOCO Pro Anatomic, Black
Shift Levers	Shimano 600EX Brazed-on Down Tube	Rims	Ukai 700 x 25c Alloy (all silver)
Front Derailleur	Shimano 600EX	Hubs	Shimano 600EX QR
Rear Derailleur	Shimano 600EX	Spokes
Freewheel	Shimano 600EX 6-Speed	Tires	IRC Roadlite 700 x 25c, Presta
Chain	Shimano Uniglide	Weight	23 lbs. for 23 inch frame
Notes	Included Lotus water bottle and alloy cage.

1984 Lotus Classique Super Sport Series
Frame Details	Forged micro-adjusting dropouts, top tube cable guides, bottom bracket cable guides, brazed on bottle bosses, shifter bosses and chain peg,  fast back seat stays with "high chroming".
Frame Tubing	Tange Champion Double Butted Cro Mo Throughout	Headset	Shimano 600EX Alloy
Fork	Chrome Engraved Fork Crown, 1/2 Chrome Blades	Handlebar	SR Custom Alloy
Colors	Electric Blue, Burgundy and Bronze	Stem	SR Alloy
Frame Sizes	19, 21, 23, 25, 27 inches	Brakes	Dia Compe 500 GX
Crank	Sugino RT 40-52	Seatpost	SR Laprade CT-P5
Pedals	SR SP100-AL, SR Clips and Straps	Saddle	Lotus branded Kashimax Black
Shift Levers	Suntour ARX Top Mounted Symmetric	Rims	Ukai 700 x 25c Aluminum w/ Black
Front Derailleur	Suntour ARX	Hubs	Suntour Sealed Bearing QR
Rear Derailleur	Suntour ARX	Spokes
Freewheel	Suntour  Pro Comp Ultra 6-Speed	Tires	700 x 25c, Presta
Chain	Suntour	Weight	23 pounds
Notes	Included Lotus water bottle and alloy cage.

1986 Lotus Classique Super Sport Triathlon Series
Frame Details	Pump peg on head tube, chain peg hanger, recessed brake bolts, under bottom bracket cable guides, water bottle bosses, micro adjusting screws on rear forged drop outs, top tube cable guides, shift lever bosses on down tube.
Frame Tubing	Tange #2 Double Butted Chrome Moly	Headset
Fork	Tange Chrome Moly	Handlebar	SR Custom alloy
Colors	Emerald Green, Violet Blue, Red	Stem	SR alloy
Frame Sizes	19, 21, 23, 25, 27 inches	Brakes	Dia-Compe GX w/ 160G Levers
Crank	SR CXC-300 Forged 42-52	Seatpost	SR CRE-100
Pedals	KKT Pro Vic II w/ Clips and Straps	Saddle	Vetta Anatomic
Shift Levers	Shimano 600EX	Rims	Araya SS-40 700c Alloy
Front Derailleur	Shimano 600EX	Hubs	Suzue Sealed Tech small flange QR
Rear Derailleur	Shimano 600EX	Spokes
Freewheel	Shimano 600EX 13-26, 6 cogs, Silver	Tires	IRC Roadlite EX 700 x 25c skinwall
Chain	Shimano Uniglide Silver/Black	Weight	23 lbs. for 21 inch
Notes	Accessories: LOTUS water bottle and alloy cage, chrome chain guard.

1987 Lotus Classique Super Sport Triathlon Series
Frame Details	Pump peg on head tube, chain peg hanger, recessed brake bolts, under bottom bracket cable guides, water bottle bosses, micro adjusting screws on rear forged drop outs, top tube cable guides, shift lever bosses on down tube.
Frame Tubing	Ishiwata Triple Butted Chrome Moly	Headset	Shimano 105
Fork	Tange Chrome Moly	Handlebar	LOTUS Engraved Kusuki Aero Indented Alloy
Colors	Emerald Green, Violet	Stem	Kusuki S-Win Alloy
Frame Sizes	17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27 inches	Brakes	Shimano 105 Aero Levers w/ Black Hoods
Crank	Shimano 105 Biopace 42-52	Seatpost	Sugino KC 230 w/ Scale
Pedals	Shimano 105 w/ Clips and LOTUS Straps	Saddle	Vetta Anatomic
Shift Levers	Shimano 105 S.I.S.	Rims	Araya SS-40 700c Alloy
Front Derailleur	Shimano 105	Hubs	Shimano 105
Rear Derailleur	Shimano 105 S.I.S.	Spokes	14 Guage Stainless Steel
Freewheel	Shimano ZO12 13-26, 6 cogs, Silver	Tires	Panaracer Vertex 700 x 23c Skin 100psi
Chain	Shimano Uniglide Silver/Black	Weight	23 lbs. for 21 inch
Notes	Accessories: LOTUS water bottle and alloy cage.