Touring - Fuji Touring bike

Does anyone own one of these, I checked on roadbikereview.com but there are no reviews. I would be interested how owners felt about this bike, how they liked it. Thanks.

I've only heard good things about the Fuji Touring. Also, in that price, Jamis has a nice touring bike. I think it's the Aurora. Like the Fuji, good value for the money. The Jamis might have upgraded components compared to the Fuji. Dealer and fit are most important.

Ted

I was tempted today :) I don't have the money though, my LBS had a 04 Trek 520 with all the bags and racks (front and back racks and panniers and a handlebar bag) all for $1500 Canadian and in my size too. I think I will wait until spring and then see what I can get, maybe put it on layaway.

That is, since my previous Fuji I owned and kept for years back in the 1980s. Love the ride, the style, the price, the low maintenance. I will be doing a cross country tour this summer of 2004...can't wait.

roughstuff

I don't own the Fuji, but I do own a Bianchi Volpe. The list price is within $10, the components are mostly the same, and the geometry is very similar. The Fuji has a slightly longer wheelbase and the 2004 Volpe has smaller chainrings and fatter tires. It would probably be worthwhile to test ride both.

Thanks for the suggestion halfspeed, is that a new model for this year?

I was tempted today :) I don't have the money though, my LBS had a 04 Trek 520 with all the bags and racks (front and back racks and panniers and a handlebar bag) all for $1500 Canadian and in my size too. I think I will wait until spring and then see what I can get, maybe put it on layaway.

Hey Fly,

What kind of bags and racks are you talking about here?

I hate to say it, but I'd shy away from panniers and racks that come with a bike all for $1.5K Canadian. If you're going to be doing some touring, it's worth dropping a few more bucks for high-end panniers and racks.

It may seem like a lot for set of Arkels or Ortleibs or something similar, but it's one of those purchases that only hurts at the outset. Experience will convince you it's well worth it to pay for good panniers.

Thanks for the suggestion halfspeed, is that a new model for this year?
Nope. The Volpe has been around for quite a while. New this year is a Sugino crank with smaller chainrings, Shimano instead of Avid brakes and a suspension seatpost. They sell it as a cyclocross bike, but it's spec'ed more like a touring bike.

Checkout Harris Cyclery website for closeout specials on 2003 Fuji Touring bikes, $599 US dollars. They have 5 sizes listed - 49, 54, 56, 58, 64. I purchased the 64 today. The Fuji closeouts were just posted this past weekend.

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/closeouts.html

ARRRRr....No money, otherwise that 58cm would be mine :) Even with exchange it would be $300 cheaper then I can get it in Canada. Thanks for the link, I'll have to keep an eye on the Harris Cycle site.

Does anyone own one of these, I checked on roadbikereview.com but there are no reviews. I would be interested how owners felt about this bike, how they liked it. Thanks.

I just purchased a 2003 model Fuji Touring bike and I went with bar end shifters and with the money saved, upgraded the derailleurs to XT in back and ultegra in front. I am very happy with the bike but have yet to ride it loaded. It seems to be very similar to the Trek 520 which seems to get good reviews other than the weak rear rack. The pedals seem a bit cheap, but I will probably upgrade to clipless soon, Shimano M520 or something similar. I have been riding an 82 Schwinn supersport with racks and 14-28 freewheel and 52-48-34 in front. The Fuji's gearing is much better for riding the hills and dales of New England.