Classic & Vintage - Team Fuji on CL - what do you think?

I noticed this posting (http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/bik/2832027131.html) on the Chicago CL.

classic clean fuji road bike winter special - $225 (chicago/melrosepark)

Date: 2012-02-04, 9:56PM CST
Reply to: 6vfxz-2832027131@sale.craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]

http://i1107.photobucket.com/albums/h391/bdubber20002000/teamfuji1.jpg

Very clean 1978 team fuji road bike clean chrome zero rust.. strap on peddles about 20 lbs if not less, 21~22in from crank to top bar , newer tires.... price dropped originaly wanted 300$ for it now for a couple days u can have it for $225 not including delv.... will raise price over the summer if I can't sell over winter... willing to drop off for extra 20$ if ur in my area...its sopposely a 54 cm frame.. maybe a 55cm..

First, this is not a 1978 for sure. From browsing through classicfuji.com I think it's a 1986. But the fork is blue, not yellow like in the catalogue.

I emailed the seller questioning the fork and asking if the components are original and received the following response: Its a 54cm maybe 55.. fork looks original does say fuji on. Chrome skirt on fork.. some said it got painted.. if so it was pro done.. 2tone.. yellow and blue. No response to the originality of the components but the same email did also include a few pictures of the front shifters & rear derailleur (Shimano 600 pre-tri color) and front hub (Maillard 500).

http://i1107.photobucket.com/albums/h391/bdubber20002000/IMAG0357.jpg

http://i1107.photobucket.com/albums/h391/bdubber20002000/IMAG0353.jpg

http://i1107.photobucket.com/albums/h391/bdubber20002000/IMAG0347.jpg

It's obviously a flipper I'm dealing with and that is ok. I'm not sure about it all but am intrigued never the less. What do you think?

Fork looks like a replacement and it looks small...like a 51? Check the frame for kinks!

I have seen Teams with blue forks before and coming across one that's rust free is not easy. However, even with the sellers reduced price they come up fairly often, in great shape with all original parts for a slightly higher price tag.

Scott

Looks smaller than 21" or 54cm, seller might not be measuring it C-C. I'm hesitant at $225 though, amazing stuff pops up when you're not in a hurry. But I could be persuaded by the combo of an honest seller and the premium frame.

THe size has to be incorrect so you'll need to measure it yourself. The components are incorrect for a 1986. I'm not sure of the year, but I think you are correct about it being a mid 80s. For $225, I'd expect a perfect bike. Certainly it should have a saddle. The problem is, Team Fuji's are not that common. If it's your size (looks like a 50cm) and if it's the bike you've been looking for, I'd go for it. If you're buying it because you think it's a bargain, then I'd pass.

It is an 86, should have came with suntour sprint, frame looks like a 51 top tube. Not worth the price as is imo.

If it was original, then the price would be pretty attractive (all Sprint, etc.) I really like that era Sprint. Too bad that is all gone. Pass.

If the guy is a flipper, he's awfully lazy. Could at least clean it up, put a saddle on it, and take a lot better pics.

But in an active market, frame looks to be in pretty good condition, and given its small size, someone may go for it (depends on their parts bin).