Classic & Vintage - Ever hear of Fuji Saratoga?

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CA Slug
02-16-05, 10:14 PM
I just bought my first road bike ever to participate in the AIDS ride from SF to LA in June. I didn't want to spend a fortune, so I bought an old Fuji Saratoga touring bike. I couldn't find any information on this specific model anywhere on the net. The bike shop where I bought said it was from around 1985 and was toward the high-end for the day. Here are some details:

Frame:
Ishiwata Feather Si35 Triple Butted Chromoly Channeled (which I discovered is the same as the all-black Fuji Ace)
Rear derailleur: Suntour Accushift 4050 XCE
Front derailleur: Suntour 3040 XCM
Shifters: Suntour Bar-Con Accushift
Stem: Sakae
Handlebars: SR Sakae Custom Modolo
Brakes Dia-Compe

I'll post some pics below. I only paid a couple of hundred, which included new tires , tubes and seat, plus a tune-up. Just want to know if this is a good bike that'll make the 585 mile trip (plus four month of training).

Thanks

USAZorro
02-16-05, 10:28 PM
Fine looking bike. I don't expect you'd have any trouble with it making the distance. Take the usual precautions - a couple spare tubes and a tool kit. Also, be careful. I think that if you get on the granny and the large cog on the rear you might go backwards. :D
T-Mar
02-17-05, 06:04 AM
I'd place it circa 1990, on the basis of the components. If you need a closer estimate, the SunTour components will have two letter date codes that you can decypher using the information on the Vintage-Trek website.

The components are mid range, but the frame is good. Fuji obviously sacrificed a little in the level comnponents to provide all the amenities: triple crankset, wide range gearing, cantilever brakes, bar end shifters, long wheelbase, fork mounts for low rider racks, rear rack mounts, fender mounts, triple water bottle mounts, etc.

It looks like the previous owner took good care it. If it's in as good shape mechanically, as it it appears cosmetically, then it should be an excellent candidate for that trip. Good luck!