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Big Fuji Monterey

Old 01-29-10, 08:11 AM
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Big Fuji Monterey

Well I drove out to the sticks last night to check out a rather large Fuji that was on my local craigslist. I got Fuji fever after buying my Special Road Racer, so I thought I'd check out this Monterey to see if it was in as good of shape as the guy said. Turns out it was pretty darn good. The pictures don't really show how beautiful it is, the flash was washing out the colors and the shine of the bike.



I havn't cleaned it up yet, but most of this will wash off. The wheels need a bit of work, but I was really buying it for the frame.



Nitto bars, Dia-comp brakes



Sugino Crank, Suntour ar front dr Based on the seat tube sticker and the Classic Fuji site, it looks to be an '81 model.



Suntour ar rear dr



Still has a Fuji saddle



Sadly this is the bad spot on the frame, someone was sloppy with a rattlecan near this beautiful frame. Any suggestions on how to remove the rattlecan and leave the original paint are most welcome.

I may have gotten too large of a frame here. Last night when I was putting it back together--I was just wearing my slippers--and I could stand over it with one foot flat and the other raised. Perhaps if I was wearing some shoes with a little cushion I'd be able to stand over it flat footed, but it'd still be mighty snug. I often feel cramped on bicycles, but I was sitting on it in the doorway and it felt great. I don't even have to get a special long stem for this one. The seat could go up another 1/2 inch, but not any more that's for sure.

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Old 01-29-10, 08:44 AM
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Originally Posted by BigPolishJimmy
I got Fuji fever
Be careful or you could end up like Scott, Robatsu, or me. I'm glad that you got yourself a large frame, even if it may be a bit too big.

Is it just me or does it seem like there are more huge Fuji frames out there than most other brands?
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Old 01-29-10, 09:04 AM
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I think Fuji did put out more large frames than many makers, but I can only base that on the number of large Fuji's I've encountered. Perhaps they just put out a more affordable larger frame? I'm not sure, but I do know I'm sold on the value of these older bikes.
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Old 01-29-10, 09:36 AM
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Originally Posted by BigPolishJimmy
I think Fuji did put out more large frames than many makers, but I can only base that on the number of large Fuji's I've encountered. Perhaps they just put out a more affordable larger frame? I'm not sure, but I do know I'm sold on the value of these older bikes.
I think a lot of people in my market area (Boston) are getting sold on the value of Fujis. Craigslist used to be ripe with them, they're pretty scarce now. Perhaps owners are holding on to them after getting some sticker shock at their LBS.

I'm hopefully checking out an Opus III this weekend .... if anyone in Fuji-Land is looking for one I'd be glad to help out. Drop me a PM if an Opus is on your list.

Scott
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Old 01-29-10, 10:08 AM
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Google the list, I know someone has posted how to remove rattlecan paint. You could be very successful removing it.

Best way to search this site is through google. "removing spray paint site:bikeforums.net"

Here's one thread: https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ng-Spray-Paint

"goof off" seems to be the tool of choice.
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Old 01-29-10, 10:14 AM
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Thanks wrk101, I hadn't gotten around to googling the list yet, still in 'showing off the bike' mode. ;p
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Old 01-29-10, 10:17 AM
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BPJ, Congrats on the Big Fuji!
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Old 01-29-10, 10:20 AM
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Thanks Bill, It feels fast just sitting in the saddle. I've been riding the exercise bike a lot this month, maybe this spring I'll have a chance of keeping up with you.
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Old 01-29-10, 10:31 AM
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Originally Posted by BigPolishJimmy
... maybe this spring I'll have a chance of keeping up with you.
Trust me. It's not that hard to do.
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Old 01-29-10, 11:18 AM
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I'm very tempted to go with aero levers and bar end shifters on this... any danger to the kittens?
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Old 01-29-10, 03:49 PM
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Originally Posted by BigPolishJimmy
I'm very tempted to go with aero levers and bar end shifters on this... any danger to the kittens?
To me, Aerolevers are a MUST on a keeper/rider. You can pick up knockoff branded ones for $12 at Niagara Cycle. I have put aerolevers on all of my vintage keepers (all riders).

On barcons, they can be kind of pricey, but they make a nice upgrade as well. I have dumped stem shifters for down tube shifters as a budget upgrade although on your huge frame, that's quite a reach.
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Old 01-29-10, 03:59 PM
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Looking at how the cables route with barcons, I might just stick with the stem shifters. I'm not sure yet. But I like the look of nice clean bars and have never had aero levers. The Cane Creek ones look like they might be more comfortable with the rounder top portion vs. the more pointy aero levers. I'm going to want wider bars too 48cm if I can find them.
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Old 01-29-10, 05:59 PM
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Not quite so big Fuji Espree

Hrm, and I thought the 25" 1984 Fuji Espree I just got this week was big...



So far I've only gotten to the hubs and bottom bracket, with their bone dry grease and one pitted cone front and back. This my third Fuji between the low end mountain bike I bought in 1999 serving as my grocery getter/foul weather bike and an early 90's Team Fuji frame I haven't build up yet.

The catalogs don't mention a 27" until 1983 for the Monterey.
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Old 01-30-10, 03:30 AM
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Nice bike if you want the paint off get the finest wet, dry sand paper you can find wet it and lightly go over the frame the paint will fall off. I have done it with many frames totally covered, Yours is a peice of cake to clean up. It will be dull when your done so go over the hole frame than clear coat it Itll look brand new.
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Old 01-30-10, 04:13 PM
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Originally Posted by cb400bill
Trust me. It's not that hard to do.
Yeah, I know you're not a super fast racer, it's just that I'm so terribly slow and out-of-shape these days ;p

...But I'm working on it
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Old 01-30-10, 04:16 PM
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tugrul, I was surprised too when I went to pick it up. From the sticker It dates as an 81, but yes, the catalogs don't mention 27" frames until 83. I wonder if it got a new sticker or is an 81 that was special ordered.



Im Fixed, thanks for the tip. I've got high hopes that this frame will clean up to be spectacular.

Last edited by BigPolishJimmy; 01-30-10 at 04:22 PM.
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