Conference noted::bicycle

801.0. "Advice on LOTUS INTERNATIONAL" by BARTLE::RAYNA (Rayna Shine) Fri Jul 29 1988 15:50

     I've skimmed through this notes conference and didn't see any
specific information that pertained to my question so I'll start
a new topic.  If I've overlooked something, please redirect me.

     I recently moved to Nashua, NH and have decided to get back into
biking.  I've gone to many bicycle and sporting stores in the Southern
NH and Central MA areas and am almost ready to make a decision as to what
to buy.  I thought I would solict your advice first, though.

     I used to bike an average of 10-20 miles a day (sometimes more)
and intend to begin by working back up to that and then increase the 
distance.  I'm not sure whether it will lead me to racing or not.

     One of the stores I went to was Pedal Power on Route 2A in Acton and
I found them to be quite helpful.  They will only sell bikes made in Japan;
the majority of the bicycles I have seen seem to be manufactured in
Taiwan and I've been told that quality of the parts and workmanship of
the latter are not as good as the Japanese.  The bike I am most interested
in is the Lotus International (and the Challenger model which is one step 
above the International).  The price seems to be reasonable ($269 for the
female International model) and I was also informed that both the Lotus 
International and the Challenger were rated the top bikes in Consumer Reports
magazine.  I have test-ridden both of these and found them to ride much 
smoother than the others I have test-ridden (Fugi, Shogun, Schwinn, and
Raleigh to name a few).

     The second choice is the Centurion Cavalletto, which is made in
Taiwan using Japanese components.  The promotion for this model is that
Dave Scott has won the triathalon six times using this bike.  I found this
bike at Frank's Spoke and Wheel in Sudbury, MA.  I didn't have the
opportunity to test-ride this model yet.

     Any suggestions on other bikes/places to look and/or opinions on
the above would be greatly appreciated.        
     
Thanks,

Nancy

    
    It's a little hard to Judge the bikes just from your description.
    All you're really interested is a dependable bike.  I'm sure 
    the Lotus International will be just that....  There are 2 main
    factors when considering a bike. The frame, and the components.
    The frame should be Cro-Moly. The components are either going
    to be suntour, or shimano....  In this price range either would
    probably be fine.
    
    As for the Centurion.  Yes, Dave Scott rides a centurion, but I
    doubt it is that paritcular model....  I'm sure he rides the 
    best money can buy!
    
    If the bike feels good to you, buy it!!
    
    Have fun
    Stew

     Well, I ended up buying the LOTUS CHALLENGER.  Thanks for the
advice.

Nancy