jeepr

Well I finally got to take my new, 1972 Fuji Finest out for a spin. Other than the saddle, it's pretty darn nice to ride.

Picked it up over the winter, tore it down to the frame, cleaned and rebuilt everything.

robtown

Very nice. I like the 5 point star crank and the chrome. Are those 700c wheels? How do you like the center-pull brakes?

auchencrow

Hi jeepr -

- And welcome to the C&V Fuji-Finest-philes club!

They are such super duper bikes, except for that short Top Tube, but I see you have already remedied that problem with a long stem.

Looks FAB!

- Except for the rear brake housing: It's supposed to run along the top-side, and there should be less of a "loop" at the seat post clinch bolt. Also, how you route at the bars (ahead or behind) is a matter of taste for many people, but in this case the right side looks a little too strained.

gerv 

Absolutely gorgeous bike. Looks like a new wheelset. I have a 72 Fuji S10-S and rebuilt a new wheelset from the high flange hubs that came with the original wheels. Looks rather like yours.

However, the Finest frame is much, much nicer. It really is the finest!

khatfull

As someone once said to me when I showed my first "project":

Very nice work. Beautiful machine.

tugrul

Beautiful bike.

The chain looks a bit droopy though.

c_bake

Very nice!

ScottRyder 

Jeepr, well done. I've finally completed my early Finest and I'll post some photos next week perhaps. I'd love to see more photos of yours when you get the chance.

Scott

jeepr

Thanks for all the kind words. When I picked up the bike, I really didn't know what I had. All I I knew was that it was an older Fuji with decent components. I was kind of surprised when I looked up the serial number and found it was as old as it is. It's not completely done, but I wanted to get out and ride it. Needs a more elegant saddle, some Dia-comp hoods, a frame pump, and maybe a wheel set.

Robtown, yes, someone put 700c wheels on it at some point and the centerpulls work fine for what I use it for (out for a Sunday drive bike.)

Auchencrow, thanks for the advice on the cable. I looked up the bike in the 72 catalog and thought the same thing. The frame clamps appear to be original and match the scuffing on the paint. The screws are on the bottom and there is no evidence that there was ever a center clamp. I dunno. If you have any insite, let me know.

Tugrul, thought that myself when I looked at the pics. I will look into that..

BigPolishJimmy

Nice bike! Chrome stays and lugs are fine looking. It'll help prod me to complete my fuji build so I can get out there riding as well.

ScottRyder 

Some of the early Fujis had top tube cable guides that placed the housing on the side rather than the top. My '73 Special Road Racer has that type. 9th photo down:

https://vintagefuji.posterous.com/197...ial-road-racer



Scott

auchencrow

That's good info Scott. I just assumed that all the cable routing clips were all top mount because both my Finest and my Special Road Racer have that style. (Who knows - maybe mine are unoriginal!)

Sculptor7

Looks great! (From another Fuji Fan)

ScottRyder 

Personally, I like the standard clip. The side mounted version can make the housing look sloppy unless it's perfectly straight along the top tube. I'm glad they seemed to phase them out.

Scott

jptwins

+1 i love this! i hadn't seen one quite that nice! Well done.