Classic & Vintage - Fuji Royale II

I saw this bike listed in the paper and went to look at it. I don't know much about older Fujis but it seemed to be a lower end model. It had clamp on down tube shifters (one missing) the funky dual brake levers, and a missing front deraileur. Also I noticed the rear deraileur said Fuji on it. Did they make their own components at one time? Anyway the guy wanted $55.00 for it. Anyone familiar with these frames? It said Valite on the frame, but I've never heard of it. I'd like to get a steel frame to play with but I do want a decent one.

The Royale II was an early 1980s model. VALite tubing was reportedly a vanadium alloy tubing that was stronger than high tensile steel, but not as strong as chromium-molybdendum (CrMo). It's usually seen in quad-butted versions. If you pay enough money, you can get your name out on anything and that's probably what happened with the rear derailleur. In this case, it's likely a rebranded SunTour ARx, which was typical fare for the Royale II. Wheels were decent, normally aluminum Ukai rims laced to Sunshine QR hubs. Rounded out with Sugino cotterless cranks and Dia-Compe 500 side-pull brakes. Should be about 25 lbs for a 23" frame. A typical lower, mid-range bicycle from a good Japanese company. MSL of about $350 US in 1983.

Cool thanks. I decided to pass on that bike as it had a bit more damage than I liked. I'll be patient and I'll find what I want.