Classic & Vintage - Fuji?

I was speaking to my mother over the weekend, she said that around 1979-1981 she received a bicycle that was fairly new but with wrecked wheels. She said that she was fairly certain this bicycle was a Fuji. Possibly a jamaica model. I've searched for this fuji model but seen nothing.

The bicycle was red and white. Did fuji make a red and white bicycle during these years? Did they ever make a Jamaica model? Did any other company make a Jamaica model?

I would like to find a frame of this type to rebuild.

Please help me solve this mystery.

Brian.

Brian, check out http://www.classicrendezvous.com/Japan/Fuji.htm

The mid-1970's Fuji catalog there shows a Fuji America that came in burgundy red. Could that be it?

The same page shows a late 70s "Fuji Newest" model in red and white.

I spoke to her again, and she is fairly certain it was a "Jamaican", as she used to say it "Jammy-can" She believes it was a fuji, but is more certain of the model than the manufacturer. I will show her the pictures and see if any of those ring a bell.

She said it was for certain a road bike. I may have to visit my grandmothers scrapbooks to try and crack the case.

Brian

Is it possible she has a San Tropez model, and is associating that with Jamaica?

I don't think so. I got the direct impression that she was misreading Jamaican on the side of it, as Jammycan.

Sounds like we need T-Mar.

Is that a person? a tool, or perhaps a demi-god?

Demi-god, at the very least.

T-Mar is one of the most informed members of this forum, and is very generous at sharing his scraps, nay, hoard of knowledge with the rest of us.

He should be by soon...

East Hill

T-MAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAR [/streetcar named desire]

Still looking for help.

Tell me to give up if nessicary.

Tell me to give up if nessicary.

Don't give up, but if you misspell necessary the BF grammaticists will vent their wrath.

Don't give up, but if you misspell necessary the BF grammaticists will vent their wrath.

Maybe if I misspell more words the grammar nazis will keep it bumped to the top.

No, but eventually T-Mar will stop by. I don't know why he hasn't done so yet...patience...

We don't actually have a grammar Nazi in the C & V forum :D .

East Hill

Maybe T-Mar is snowed in someplace!

I haven't one percent of T-Mar's incredible knowledge of old bikes.

But I'm fairly handy (http://users.cis.net/coldfeet/)at obtaining information and I can't find anything about a Fuji "Jamaican."

I'd say your mom is remembering the wrong name.

Always game for a little internet sleuthing, I did find this reference to a Firestone tandem with an alleged chainguard decal labeled "Jamaica." However, further searches give no indication that Firestone manufactured any lightweight road racing bikes, though it appears they did manufacture some lightweight "English Racers."

http://oldroads.com/arch/FSW2003_5_173_49_55_PM.html


FOR SALE: Firestone (Jamaica) Tandem Bike posted by: Roman Skala on 5/15/2003 at 2:51:39 PM
Hi Folks, I need some help evaluating the age and value of a bycicle I will be selling.
It is a Tandem with original paint, red and white, very little surface rust. Chain guards
have Firestone and Jamaica printed on them. Seats are spring loaded and in excellant shape.
Tires are large whitewalls, made in Japan. e-mail me if more information is needed. Any
help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Roman Skala

My guess is that your mother could be mis-reading the name on the top tube. Maybe there are some letters missing that make it look like it spells
'j Ame can'.
A picture of the bike and the decals would help.

I was directed to this thread by Bigbossman. Thxs big guy. Unfortunately, I have no info on a Fjui Jamaican. The closest sounding model that I'm aware of is the American. Sorry!

We don't actually have a grammar Nazi in the C & V forum :D .

East Hill

Grammar doesn't bug me, but lack of capitials and txt spk does. I have corrected folks here and on other forums and been stomped for my troubles. My tolerance is directly related to the amount of sleep/scotch I've had in any given 24 hour period:D
Fortunately, most of the posters here are grown-ups.
Top
(not anal, just cranky:) )

I will try and dig up some photos, but the bike is long gone unfortunately.

Grammar doesn't bug me, but lack of capitials and txt spk does. I have corrected folks here and on other forums and been stomped for my troubles. My tolerance is directly related to the amount of sleep/scotch I've had in any given 24 hour period:D
Fortunately, most of the posters here are grown-ups.
Top
(not anal, just cranky:) )

Don't go into the BMX forum! :eek:

East Hill

The Bike was all white with a small red pinstripe across the top tube, with red lettering. After looking at the fuji brochures she does not believe it was fuji after all.

This bike would be circa 1975, make maybe Moto-something. Possibly motobecane, but I saw nothing in a google search.

I think the most telling detail is the red pinstripe, but what do I know.

Details that may be useless. Red bar tape, and a black almost sued saddle.

Thanks for your help.

We looked for a photo, but could not find one, excluding her on a different, blue schwinn.

She may have be combing model and brand names in which case it could be a Motobecane or Gitane. The graphics sound more like a Motobecane.

I found this link that shows a pisture. Is this what it looked like? http://detroit.craigslist.org/bik/467718130.html