zoo mob

I've got a Raleigh technium 440 right now that I've been riding a bit, pretty good shape, mediocre components, not incredibly attached to it. I've now got a line on a Fuji touring series IV, I'll mostly be using it as a short distance commuter (5 miles a day or less), use for some longer rides for excercise (25-50 miles) and may do some actual overnight touring at some point,

I don't really know much about bike geometry, will the fuji be a good all-arounder? Any insights on what you folks would want to have given the option of having one of the two? Experiences with either model?

wrk101

I've had two of the Fuji TS IV in the last year. Its one of the great, vintage touring bikes. Lots of value there, so if you can get it at a good price, I would be all over it regardless.

khatfull

I just finished up a Touring Series III and it's one sweet ride I can tell you. I wouldn't think twice (actually less than once) about a TS IV (or V )

afilado

What Bill says. It hardly gets better than the Fuji Touring IV. Get it even at "retail" and sell the Technium for some payback. You'll be happy. You'll likely become attached the Fuji and it will likely grow in value.

As always condition matters.

J

CMC SanDiego

I've got a Touring Series V, and used to have a Technium frame. Got rid of the Technium, and will never part with the Fuji. It is probably my favorite ride, used for commuting (when I commute), occasional group rides, riding with the kids, and touring (once I get to finally do some long distance rides). I vote for the Fuji. I've flipped 2-3Fuji's over the past year (have got a Royale right now) and I'm always impressed with the ride once I get them into selling condition.

zoo mob

Well I went to look at the Fuji today fully intending to buy it, it was listed at $195 and I figured it would be super nice and I'd leave with it for $150. Not what I'd expected, the bike was fairly scratched up, had a replacement seat, replacement bar wrap, needed a tune-up etc. I don't think the wheels were original either, they were Ukai 27"ers. Tires were not great etc. He told me that he knew that he paid too much when he got it for $400, and I wholeheartedly agree. I didn't feel like I could pay any more than $100 for it, but left without making an offer because I didn't want to insult the guy. Also, what's up with the indentations on the bottom in the picture below? Is it dented, or are all of the frames like that? A little lost as what to do with it, make an offer? Walk away?
What are thoughts?

illwafer

indentations are from some moron tightening a kickstand too much.

4Rings6Stars

Edit: too slow on my kickstand comment.

Edit #2: I think I found the bike on CL and she's too big for me (64cm). If it fits, go back and make an offer (or pay full price). It's a + - $400 bike in good condition.

digitalbicycle

At less than $200, I think that's a good deal regardless of the dents from the kickstand. I don't think those kickstand dents will negatively affect frame strength at all. Those Fujis are nice old touring bikes and for what you want will be a far better bike than the Technium in my opinion. I'd be in favor of returning to the seller, offering $150, but paying up to the $195 he's asking to take it home.

Also, I am fairly certain that those black anodized Ukai rims are the originals. I've seen other similar vintage Fuji tourers with the same rims on them.

zoo mob

So much for keeping a secret. I'll probably go back and give it another look. Maybe I just had higher hopes for a museum quality bike. I'll update tomorrow with how it went.

ColonelJLloyd 

+1

RobbieTunes

Two different bikes. For commuting, the Fuji, by far. The Technium is light, and if you had some better components lying around, a fun build that ends up pretty light, just not a huge "in demand" bike, unless you can find a black/gold/red Pro or maybe Team Pro? model.

The Fuji, as a commuter, is gonna look like that eventually, may as well start out that way.

rat fink

Why does your signature make no mention of a Cannondale, Keith?

ScottRyder 

Those are the original rims and nice ones to boot. If those are in good shape that's a plus.

What kind of seat post is that? I can't tell by the photo but it doesn't look Japanese ...


Scott

khatfull

It's still hanging in the garage but it's going to get a run on CL this weekend.

khatfull

Can't tell about the post but the RD isn't original, according to the catalog pages anyway...'83 was speced with a Cyclone GT, '84-'86 with Mountech GTL...none with a Le Tech

ScottRyder 

mmmm, a Campagnolo seat post.. you don't see those to often on a Fuji

Scott

beech333

+1 Here is mine, as I picked it up recently. Note the rims.

khatfull

Whoa, nice recovery. Was there ANY chrome at all on the fork crown?? Makes me realize my TS III was danged near mint by comparison....

beech333

^ Yes, I thought mine was rough, but I guess it isn't too bad.

wrk101

Yes, typical oxalic acid recovery. Of course, oxalic does not replace chrome where it is gone, nor does it fill in pitting. From a distance, it looked really good (versus the total rust look of the before pic). Up close, you can see the pitting, but most of the chrome was still there. Too much flash on this pic, I took it inside the garage. Bike moved on, or I would just take a better pic. At least it is taken from the same perspective as above.

khatfull

Still a nice recovery. I've thought about what to do in those extreme cases. I thought maybe liquid paraffin wax wiped on when wiped off (wax on, wax off?!?! ) to leave wax only in the pits? Maybe that would seal them up somewhat?

wrk101

I used car wax after the treatment. Paraffin might be a better choice.

The fork crown issue was kind of extreme, but if you look closely, pretty much all of the fasteners (seat post clamp, chain ring bolts, canti brake bolts, etc) were in similar condition. Some I just replaced (like the chain ring bolts, caught them on clearance at Niagara about a year ago and backed the truck up), others got the OA treatment. Paint on the frame was in remarkably good shape.

CMC SanDiego

My TSV came with a LeTech Front derailer and a Mountech rear. I wonder if there was some mid-year part changes going on. I'm very happy with my set up.

beech333

I've learned that some Fuji catalogs don't match up with bikes, so I am not surprised. Take the Opus III, the catalog says Superbe Pro when it comes with 1st gen Superbe. You can even see the Superbe RD in the photo. Of course, I wouldn't complain. I like the 1st gen over the Pro.

https://classicfuji.com/OpusIII_1983_Page.htm