Classic & Vintage - Looking at a vintage Fuji 12 speed. buying advice??

I am looking at a bike in the following ad:

"Fuji Road Bike - 27 Inch / 69 cm Frame -- Great forTall Rider - $225 (Seattle)Fuji road bike, in very nice condition, for a verytall person -- 27" / 69 cm large frame, 37" standover,fits a rider around 6' 4" or taller. Light alloyprecision tubing Japanese 12 speed in tip-top shape, avery fast, smooth running bike for commuting ortouring. Frame is clad in white 3M reflective surface,giving ultimate visibility for safe riding. Comes withurban commuter heavy duty tires and a deluxe,comfortable saddle." I have really no idea at all what I'm looking at and wonder if anybody can tell me if this is a fair deal or not?

the seller says shes, "selling it for a family member" and knows nothing about it. She's not the easiest person to correspond with, however, it's tough to find a bike that fits me "6'6""

Yes, those size bikes are not common. Still, I think $225 is kind of steep. Well, lets look at what you know about the bike; the frame looks like it has brazeon downtube shifters, that's good and it looks like a better quality crank (is that a stronglight?) that's good. So maybe it's a mid or better quality Fuji.
I would feel better if one of the Fuji experts would comment on this bike.
Still, I think that's a high price for a friction shifting, non-aero brake, re-painted bike. But I'm not looking for a hard to find frame size.

$50, tops.

I think you can do better than that. I mean, it might be a good bike and all, but it aint worth $225. That bike's been repainted, or altered with those horrid 3m stickers, and the brakes are cheap.

FWIW..I bought an old mid 80's Fuji 'Palisades that was 27" back in 2000. Paid $35 for it and it was a 12-speed with Shimano 'Exage' components and 'bio-pace' chainrings. The 'Exage' DT shifters were indexed and shifted fabulously. The frame tubing was 'Ishiwata' featherlight, but it was still kinda heavy. I liked that bike. It was the one that got me back into road riding.

Thanks guys!! guess I'll scratch that one off my list

Thanks guys!! guess I'll scratch that one off my list

fwiw: as a rule that tape is a bear to remove. In the future, beware.

This bike has been posted every few weeks for the last 6 months. I got a hold of the lady selling it, and she could tell me nothing about it. I asked her to check for the serial number so I could investigate, and never heard back. Go figure!

Hi pacificnwrider, where abouts in the PNW are you located? There's an army of eyes looking for the perfect bike for you if we know where you are!

Welcome to BikeForums, and C & V!

Stop by and check in with us in the PNW regional forum, too!

East Hill