First proposed in 1987 by Norwich based bicycle designer Mike Burrows, the original design of this bicycle was rejected by many British bicycle manufacturing companies as the monocoque frame was deemed illegal by the UCI for use in competitive cycling events. When the ban was lifted in 1990, Lotus Engineering agreed to further develop and perfect the bicycle’s design. One such series of tests involved a wind tunnel used in race car testing to perfect the aerodynamic design. The final result was an all-composite monocoque frame with airfoil cross-section, made up of a carbon fiber and epoxy resin composite on a molded polyurethane foam core, with Kevlar inserts.
First marketed as the Lotus Sport Bike, the Lotus 108 Olympic Pursuit bike received its greatest fame as the bicycle ridden by Chris Boardman at the1992 Barcelona Olympics, when he established a new World Record of 4 minutes 24.496 in the men’s 4000m individual pursuit. The gold medal was Britain’s first cycling medal in 72 years! Production of the 108 was limited to 15 full bicycles, 3 frames, and 8 replicas made. The replicas sold for £15,000 ($26,408)!
This Lotus 110 is the road- going development of the Lotus108. Differences include conventional forks that replaced the monoblade featured on the 108, “Z-shape” frame profile, and wishbone rear stays to incorporate a range of gearsets. Lotus built about 100 Type 110 bicycles to sell to the general public.
Specifications:
Designer/builder: Mike Burrows/ Group Lotus plc
Country of Origin: England
Weight: 9072g/ 20lbs.