VintageLOTUSbicycles.com 

Cyclone

"Suntour's handsome Cyclone components compliment this high-performance beauty. With black hard-anodized rims, like the Legend, the Cyclone is equally at home in Time Trials, Triathlons, or simply tearing around the park on a Sunday afternoon. Quick and nimble handling for the true enthusiast."
~~
1986 Lotus catalog ~~


The 1986 Lotus Cyclone was part of the Super Sport Triathlon Series that included the Legend, Classique, and Unique. 1986 Lotus bicycles were not marked with Triathlon Series decals like the 1987-88 model bicycles., which had series designation decals on the top tube or seat stay, depending on the year and model. 

The Cyclone was placed between the Legend and the Classique in the Lotus hierarchy. We do not know if the Cyclone was available in 1985, but it was definitely discontinued by 1987, it's closest replacement being the Elite 600.


The Lotus Cyclone was available in three colors, Ice Blue, Pearl White, and Pearl Yellow, all with black head tube and a Lotus flower engraved into the chrome fork crown. 
1986 Lotus Cyclone in Pearl Yellow
1986 Lotus Cyclone Catalog Scan

The two photos above show an example of the 1986 Cyclone in Pearl Yellow and a scan from the 1986 Lotus Catalog. It's interesting to notice that significant differences exist between the production models we have observed and the catalog photo, description, and specifications.  Differences in the production model include silver rims, chrome fork crown, gun metal anodized chain rings, Tange tubing decal and top mounted cables on the bottom bracket shell.

The photo below shows the 1986 Cyclone in Ice Blue.  This example appears to be all original with the exception of the aero brake cables and blue tires. Note the original alloy bottle cage with black nylon base.

The Lotus Cyclone is listed in the catalog as being available in Pearl White.  If you have photos of a Pearl White Cyclone, we'd love to see them.  Please contact us here if you'd like to feature your bike on the site.
1986 Lotus Cyclone in Ice Blue
1986 Lotus Cyclone
           
Frame Details Pump peg on head tube, chain peg hanger, recessed brake bolts, derailleur cabe guides under bottom bracket, water bottle bosses on down tube and seat tube, top tube cable guides, shift lever bosses on down tube, forged dropouts.
Frame Tubing Tange #2 DB Chrome Moly Headset
Fork Tange Chrome Moly w/ Engraved Crown Handlebar SR Custom, Alloy
Colors Ice Blue, Pearl White, and Pearl Yellow Stem SR, Alloy
Frame Sizes 18, 20, 22, 24, 26 inches Brakes Suntour Cyclone          
Crank Suntour Cyclone w/ Gun Metal Finish 42-52  Seatpost CRE-100 Micro Adjust, Alloy
Pedals Suntour Cyclone Saddle Vetta Anatomic 
Shift Levers Suntour Cyclone Rims Araya Super Hard SS-40 700 x 25c, Alloy
Black(?) 
Front Derailleur Suntour Cyclone Hubs Sunshine Sealed Small Flange, QR
Rear Derailleur Suntour Cyclone Spokes
Freewheel Suntour New Winner, 13-26, 6 cogs, Silver Tires IRC Roadlite EX 700 x 25c Skinwall
Chain Suntour, Silver Weight 22.5 lbs.
Notes Accessories: LOTUS water bottle and alloy cage, chrome chainguard, reflectors.
Although the catalog specifications show black anodized rims, many models have been observed with silver rims. Production models have chrome fork crowns and above the bottom bracket cable routing.  Specifications may have changed after the catalog was printed.
           
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