EraserXIV

Anyone have information on a 2005 Fuji Ace Road Bike?? I can't seem to find much information about it online. How is it at $150? Steal or rip off?

compared with a 2002 sirrus a1 also at $150, which should i go for? which is better bang for the buck?

huytheskigod

My Fiance had one. The frame is solid but heavy. But, it's not much different than any other entry level bike. Fork is steal. I upgraded my fiance's to a carbon fork and it took a significant amount of weight off. The components are Sora and nothing fancy. I upgraded my fiance's to 9-spd ultegra. At $150, I would have no issue buying it as long as it was in good shape. We paid a little more than $500 new. It's now permanently attached to the trainer. Let me know any other specific questions you have. Here's a pic (not final version but with original fork, 105 9-spd, and supergo Korso wheels):

EraserXIV

oh wow that's exactly the information i was looking for! thanks!

do you have any opinions on how it performs as a fitness/commuter bike? i had heard some comments that it was a bit on the heavy side, but does that affect the performance much? how is it comparatively with a 2002 sirrus a1? i also have a deal lined up for that at $150.

alternatively, i was thinking about just paying $50-$100 and picking up a vintage 80s road bike. how would that compare with the fuji ace? or is it worth shelling out the additional $50. how much do these 80s road bikes typically weigh?

huytheskigod

As a fitness, commuter bike, the Fuji Ace weight won't really affect you that much. I believe that it does have eyelets to attach racks if you need to. I would definitely go for the Ace over the Sirrus as it's a more flexible bike give the drop bars vs the flat bars. Specs are pretty much the same. AS for the vintage 80s road bike, it depends...most will be as heavy or heavier than the Fuji ace but some are pretty nice. But, in the $50-100 range, you're not getting much from the 80s bike. But, sometimes you can find a deal. I got an 80s era Fuji for about $80 and it's a sweet bike! I'm about to convert it to modern parts. Unless you can find a fabulous deal on an 80s era bike (you have to know what you're looking for) I'd get the Ace. Good solid bike. I lent ours to a friend once and he used it to get a top 10 finish in a Crit...not too shabby.

EraserXIV

alright i think i'm going to check the ace out in person and purchase it if i like it.

I'll try to haggle it as close to $120 as I can, I'd probably still pick it up for $150, but what the heck, its worth a try.

one more thing, how is the geometry of the Ace? does it tend to run a bit on the small size? they claim it's a 52 cm, and I'm 5'6" with a 29" inseam. When I ride 53-54 they do run a teensy on the large side i guess.. any thoughts on how a 52 cm would fare for a person my size?

huytheskigod

Here's the geometry chart:
https://web.archive.org/web/200603112...etry.asp?id=13

I think they may be talking about the 50 c-t which is equivalent to a standard 52 (the ace is sloping top tube geometry). That size would be fine for 5'6". I'm 5'6" and ride a bike with a 52 seat tube and 53.5 top tube. The Ace has a top tube of 53.1 which should be just fine.

Coop500

Heck around here (close to Pittsburgh) the only road bikes I can find for $150 are 20 years old. I wouldn't hesitate with either of those if they fit me.

Brandy

Same thing around here. I thought I got a steal on my first road bike on Craigslist and I paid $350 for a Trek 1000 WSD that had 40 miles on it. If you're new to the sport, that's a great (cheap) way to see if you like it!

idcruiserman

Bikepedia.com

EraserXIV

hey here are some pictures the seller sent me of the bike. i see that it's not exactly in MINT condition, but it's not terrible... should i try to barter the price down or should i just take the $150?

EraserXIV

well the gig is up... i missed out on the great deal. the seller asked if i was available at 8:00 to make the transaction, but i told him i had to attend a meeting for work and wouldn't be available until 9:30. he ended up selling to another customer while i was at that meeting...

i am disappointed.

Tapeworm21

That bike looks like its been dumped on the drive side 5 times. Pass. INVEST in a road bike.