Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Classic & Vintage
Reload this Page >

I Wanted a Fuji America: I Bought a Fuji Touring IV! (Before and After)

Notices
Classic & Vintage This forum is to discuss the many aspects of classic and vintage bicycles, including musclebikes, lightweights, middleweights, hi-wheelers, bone-shakers, safety bikes and much more.

I Wanted a Fuji America: I Bought a Fuji Touring IV! (Before and After)

Old 07-18-12, 07:24 AM
  #1  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
bikemanbob's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Metro Detroit
Posts: 858

Bikes: Bertoni Corsa Mondiale, Bridgestone T-700, Miyata 700 GT, Trek 600, Trek 560 Professional Series, Chrome Panasonic DX 2000, Peugeot PH12, Peugeot PX10, Schwinn World Voyageur, Schwinn Circuit, and Schwinn Voyageur

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times in 4 Posts
I Wanted a Fuji America: I Bought a Fuji Touring IV! (Before and After)

After much searching and failed attempts, I finally have my Fuji Touring Bike. I have been unsuccessfully searching for a Fuji America when a Fuji Touring IV presented itself. I've always had an affection for Fujis.

Without going into too much of a sob story, my dad gambled away his family. Growing up, we had very few things; and what we did have was often taken away. I did have this old Fuji road bike that had no value. This was one of the few items that I was able to keep.

Although I lost out on several Fuji Americas, the Fuji Touring IV just feel into my hands. A gentleman was prepared to throw it out when I offered him some cash. Although I didn't have the cash at the moment, I quickly borrowed it from a friend. I am now the pleased owner of a Fuji Touring bike. Also, I am a big fan of green bikes, and I think this one is beautiful!

(I would have liked to have kept the Mountech derailleurs but they were broken. I went with the Shimano because it is what I had available)


Before:




After:





More Before:







bikemanbob is offline  
Old 07-18-12, 07:27 AM
  #2  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
bikemanbob's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Metro Detroit
Posts: 858

Bikes: Bertoni Corsa Mondiale, Bridgestone T-700, Miyata 700 GT, Trek 600, Trek 560 Professional Series, Chrome Panasonic DX 2000, Peugeot PH12, Peugeot PX10, Schwinn World Voyageur, Schwinn Circuit, and Schwinn Voyageur

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times in 4 Posts
More After Pictures








bikemanbob is offline  
Old 07-18-12, 07:36 AM
  #3  
Senior Member
 
cycleheimer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: New York Metro Area
Posts: 3,861

Bikes: '02 Litespeed, '99 Bianchi Alfana. '91 Fuji Saratoga, '84 Peugeot Canyon Express, '82 Moto GR, '81 Fuji America, '81 Fuji Royale; '78 Bridgestone Diamond Touring, '76 Fuji America, plus many more!

Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 178 Post(s)
Liked 223 Times in 126 Posts
A "C&V" guy can't ask for much more! If that thing got thrown into the back of a garbage truck and got crunched it would have been the crime of the century! Incredibly nice catch/save! The paint looks "primo". Were there actually any scratches? Under all that schutz it came with was it like brand new? Looks like new in the "after" pix!

Now that you have this super nice touring machine it's time for the hard part ... Metro Detroit to Big Sur!


cycleheimer is offline  
Old 07-18-12, 07:37 AM
  #4  
Senior Member
 
himespau's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 13,439
Mentioned: 33 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4217 Post(s)
Liked 2,940 Times in 1,800 Posts
wow, that looks like it's in great shape.
__________________
Bikes: 1996 Eddy Merckx Titanium EX, 1989/90 Colnago Super(issimo?) Piu(?), 1990 Concorde Aquila(hit by car while riding), others in build queue "when I get the time"





himespau is offline  
Old 07-18-12, 07:56 AM
  #5  
Senior Member
 
Pars's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Aurora, IL
Posts: 2,418

Bikes: '73 Raleigh RRA, 1986 Trek 500 commuter

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 54 Post(s)
Liked 16 Times in 11 Posts
Nice job cleaning it up! Looks great,
Pars is offline  
Old 07-18-12, 08:00 AM
  #6  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
bikemanbob's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Metro Detroit
Posts: 858

Bikes: Bertoni Corsa Mondiale, Bridgestone T-700, Miyata 700 GT, Trek 600, Trek 560 Professional Series, Chrome Panasonic DX 2000, Peugeot PH12, Peugeot PX10, Schwinn World Voyageur, Schwinn Circuit, and Schwinn Voyageur

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times in 4 Posts
Originally Posted by cycleheimer
A "C&V" guy can't ask for much more! If that thing got thrown into the back of a garbage truck and got crunched it would have been the crime of the century! Incredibly nice catch/save! The paint looks "primo". Were there actually any scratches? Under all that schutz it came with was it like brand new? Looks like new in the "after" pix!

Now that you have this super nice touring machine it's time for the hard part ... Metro Detroit to Big Sur!


Originally Posted by himespau
wow, that looks like it's in great shape.
Thanks Cycleheimer and Himespau!

I'm as surprised as anyone as to its condition. I had no idea that it would turn out so well. The scratches are very few. The decals do show very minor wear.
bikemanbob is offline  
Old 07-18-12, 08:04 AM
  #7  
Senior Member
 
The MAX's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 309

Bikes: Surly Long haul Trucker with front and rack Nice Racks, 1984 Colnago Sport, 1983 Raleigh Condor

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Awesome.

What was wrong with the Mountech?
The MAX is offline  
Old 07-18-12, 08:16 AM
  #8  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
bikemanbob's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Metro Detroit
Posts: 858

Bikes: Bertoni Corsa Mondiale, Bridgestone T-700, Miyata 700 GT, Trek 600, Trek 560 Professional Series, Chrome Panasonic DX 2000, Peugeot PH12, Peugeot PX10, Schwinn World Voyageur, Schwinn Circuit, and Schwinn Voyageur

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times in 4 Posts
Originally Posted by Pars
Nice job cleaning it up! Looks great,
Thanks!

Originally Posted by The MAX
Awesome.

What was wrong with the Mountech?
Thanks again! A spring was rusted and broke. The derailleur would not take the slack out of the chain. I'm going to use it for parts.
bikemanbob is offline  
Old 07-18-12, 08:55 AM
  #9  
Thrifty Bill
 
wrk101's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Mountains of Western NC
Posts: 23,523

Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more

Mentioned: 96 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1236 Post(s)
Liked 963 Times in 628 Posts
Great work! Those touring Fujis were very special (I've had a few, none my size unfortunately).
__________________
Please don't confuse ebay "asking" prices with "selling" prices. Many sellers never get their ask price. some are far from it. Value is determined once an item actually SELLS. Its easy enough to check SOLD prices.
wrk101 is offline  
Old 07-18-12, 09:34 AM
  #10  
is just a real cool dude
 
Henry III's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: The Thumb, MI
Posts: 3,162
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 29 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 27 Times in 11 Posts
It was destiny my man.
Henry III is offline  
Old 07-18-12, 09:59 AM
  #11  
Photographer
 
ScottRyder's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: The other Cape, Cape Ann
Posts: 3,116
Mentioned: 27 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 105 Post(s)
Liked 98 Times in 53 Posts
Great job, the Touring Series line, the III, IV and V are really nice bikes. If you're really into touring, the IV is a better choice compared to the America model ..

btw, is the frame pump shown in the first photo, any chance that's a Primus? I'm looking for a black Primus for my Opus III.

Scott
__________________
ClassicFuji.posthaven.com.archive

IG @scottryder.surf.cycle
IG @scottryder.fine.art
























ScottRyder is offline  
Old 07-18-12, 10:22 AM
  #12  
Senior Member
 
auchencrow's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Detroit
Posts: 10,303
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 17 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 41 Times in 33 Posts
Fantastic before and after Bikeman! Great work - great score!

PS - Does it say what I think it says on the pedals? "Low Fat" - What a catchy name!
__________________
- Auchen
auchencrow is offline  
Old 07-18-12, 11:03 AM
  #13  
Senior Member
 
Chris Chicago's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: near north side
Posts: 1,335
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 83 Post(s)
Liked 31 Times in 20 Posts
very cool. what are the tires?
Chris Chicago is offline  
Old 07-18-12, 11:45 AM
  #14  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
bikemanbob's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Metro Detroit
Posts: 858

Bikes: Bertoni Corsa Mondiale, Bridgestone T-700, Miyata 700 GT, Trek 600, Trek 560 Professional Series, Chrome Panasonic DX 2000, Peugeot PH12, Peugeot PX10, Schwinn World Voyageur, Schwinn Circuit, and Schwinn Voyageur

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times in 4 Posts
Originally Posted by wrk101
Great work! Those touring Fujis were very special (I've had a few, none my size unfortunately).
Thanks Bill! Thankfully this is my size and it fits perfectly! I'm very fortunate.
bikemanbob is offline  
Old 07-18-12, 11:48 AM
  #15  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
bikemanbob's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Metro Detroit
Posts: 858

Bikes: Bertoni Corsa Mondiale, Bridgestone T-700, Miyata 700 GT, Trek 600, Trek 560 Professional Series, Chrome Panasonic DX 2000, Peugeot PH12, Peugeot PX10, Schwinn World Voyageur, Schwinn Circuit, and Schwinn Voyageur

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times in 4 Posts
Originally Posted by ScottRyder
Great job, the Touring Series line, the III, IV and V are really nice bikes. If you're really into touring, the IV is a better choice compared to the America model ..

btw, is the frame pump shown in the first photo, any chance that's a Primus? I'm looking for a black Primus for my Opus III.

Scott
Thanks Scott! I'm presently in the process of equipping this bike with racks and panniers. I will likely take a short trip next week, but I will likely use my Miyata. I want to ride this ride more locally before I head out on a longer trip.

Sorry, the pump is not. It is a Zefal.
bikemanbob is offline  
Old 07-18-12, 11:49 AM
  #16  
Large Member
 
realestvin7's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Tejas
Posts: 2,533
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times in 1 Post
Originally Posted by auchencrow
Fantastic before and after Bikeman! Great work - great score!

PS - Does it say what I think it says on the pedals? "Low Fat" - What a catchy name!
Sakae Low Fat pedals are cool. I have a set. Not the easiest to find. either.
realestvin7 is offline  
Old 07-18-12, 11:51 AM
  #17  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
bikemanbob's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Metro Detroit
Posts: 858

Bikes: Bertoni Corsa Mondiale, Bridgestone T-700, Miyata 700 GT, Trek 600, Trek 560 Professional Series, Chrome Panasonic DX 2000, Peugeot PH12, Peugeot PX10, Schwinn World Voyageur, Schwinn Circuit, and Schwinn Voyageur

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times in 4 Posts
Originally Posted by auchencrow
Fantastic before and after Bikeman! Great work - great score!

PS - Does it say what I think it says on the pedals? "Low Fat" - What a catchy name!
Thanks Auchen!

After our last dispute, I thought you might enjoy a different background on the first "after" picture.

I've never noticed the name on the pedals before, and I've used them on several bikes. I've removed them because they need serviced. Great observation.
bikemanbob is offline  
Old 07-18-12, 11:55 AM
  #18  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
bikemanbob's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Metro Detroit
Posts: 858

Bikes: Bertoni Corsa Mondiale, Bridgestone T-700, Miyata 700 GT, Trek 600, Trek 560 Professional Series, Chrome Panasonic DX 2000, Peugeot PH12, Peugeot PX10, Schwinn World Voyageur, Schwinn Circuit, and Schwinn Voyageur

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times in 4 Posts
Originally Posted by Chris Chicago
very cool. what are the tires?
When I bought the tires, I was very concerned about the sidewall color. It looks more orange than gum. However, they look great on this bike. They are Michelin Touring if I recall correctly. They are a basic entry level tire.

Thanks Chris!
bikemanbob is offline  
Old 07-18-12, 11:58 AM
  #19  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
bikemanbob's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Metro Detroit
Posts: 858

Bikes: Bertoni Corsa Mondiale, Bridgestone T-700, Miyata 700 GT, Trek 600, Trek 560 Professional Series, Chrome Panasonic DX 2000, Peugeot PH12, Peugeot PX10, Schwinn World Voyageur, Schwinn Circuit, and Schwinn Voyageur

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times in 4 Posts
Originally Posted by realestvin7
Sakae Low Fat pedals are cool. I have a set. Not the easiest to find. either.
Thanks Realestvin7!

I've always liked the pedals, and I've taken them off several bikes before I sold them. Thanks for the info!
bikemanbob is offline  
Old 07-18-12, 12:27 PM
  #20  
WNG
Spin Forest! Spin!
 
WNG's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Arrid Zone-a
Posts: 5,956

Bikes: I used to have many. And I Will again.

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 11 Times in 10 Posts
Wow, nice score and great results. It went to the right person, meant to be yours.
Reminds me of my Specialized Expedition find. Unfortunately, my decals have some damage, and the bike's a bit big for me. But these high quality dedicated tourers are loaded with such nice details.
WNG is offline  
Old 07-18-12, 03:29 PM
  #21  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
bikemanbob's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Metro Detroit
Posts: 858

Bikes: Bertoni Corsa Mondiale, Bridgestone T-700, Miyata 700 GT, Trek 600, Trek 560 Professional Series, Chrome Panasonic DX 2000, Peugeot PH12, Peugeot PX10, Schwinn World Voyageur, Schwinn Circuit, and Schwinn Voyageur

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times in 4 Posts
Originally Posted by WNG
Wow, nice score and great results. It went to the right person, meant to be yours.
Reminds me of my Specialized Expedition find. Unfortunately, my decals have some damage, and the bike's a bit big for me. But these high quality dedicated tourers are loaded with such nice details.
Thanks WNG!

You are absolutely correct about the features. It still needs some minor work, but it has been fantastic so far!
bikemanbob is offline  
Old 07-18-12, 03:49 PM
  #22  
Extraordinary Magnitude
 
The Golden Boy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Waukesha WI
Posts: 13,642

Bikes: 1978 Trek TX700; 1978/79 Trek 736; 1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1984 Schwinn Voyageur SP; 1985 Trek 620; 1985 Trek 720; 1986 Trek 400 Elance; 1987 Schwinn High Sierra; 1990 Miyata 1000LT

Mentioned: 84 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2607 Post(s)
Liked 1,693 Times in 932 Posts
Originally Posted by bikemanbob
Thanks Bill! Thankfully this is my size and it fits perfectly! I'm very fortunate.
I seem to recall you've scored a slew of awesome touring bikes. You certainly are fortunate.

Congratulations!
__________________
*Recipient of the 2006 Time Magazine "Person Of The Year" Award*

Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!

"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
The Golden Boy is offline  
Old 07-18-12, 04:41 PM
  #23  
Senior Member
 
auchencrow's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Detroit
Posts: 10,303
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 17 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 41 Times in 33 Posts
Originally Posted by bikemanbob
Thanks Auchen!

After our last dispute, I thought you might enjoy a different background on the first "after" picture. .....
I'm gonna come in the middle of the night to abscond with that lawn swing.... I'm sure it will help sell my $500 boat anchor.
__________________
- Auchen
auchencrow is offline  
Old 07-18-12, 05:18 PM
  #24  
Senior Member
 
cycleheimer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: New York Metro Area
Posts: 3,861

Bikes: '02 Litespeed, '99 Bianchi Alfana. '91 Fuji Saratoga, '84 Peugeot Canyon Express, '82 Moto GR, '81 Fuji America, '81 Fuji Royale; '78 Bridgestone Diamond Touring, '76 Fuji America, plus many more!

Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 178 Post(s)
Liked 223 Times in 126 Posts
Originally Posted by auchencrow
I'm gonna come in the middle of the night to abscond with that lawn swing.... I'm sure it will help sell my $500 boat anchor.
You can read this thread for the background on this "inside" joke ...

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...innocent-buyer

Buy his $500 Huffy bicycle today...





... and he'll throw in a free (albeit "hot") lawn swing!


BTW, that Fuji probably is a $500 bike!

Last edited by cycleheimer; 07-18-12 at 05:22 PM.
cycleheimer is offline  
Old 07-18-12, 08:26 PM
  #25  
Senior Member
 
jamesj's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Arizona
Posts: 922

Bikes: 2015 Specialized AWOL, 2006 Paul Frank Cruiser, 1987 Specialized Street Stomper, 1980 Trek 412, 1979 Raleigh Sport,

Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 99 Post(s)
Liked 60 Times in 25 Posts
Beautiful bike, Congratulations!

One day Ill get me one of those!
jamesj is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.