djlarroc

Any opinions on this bike?

https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...&top_category=

Wife wants to get into entry road biking and this is the bike she liked. It's on sale for $499.

We were also looking at the 2009 Fuji Newest 3.0, but the sales rep said shifters were better on the 2010 (Shimano vs Micro) and worth the extra $50. https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...&top_category=

After searching the internet, I found out the '09 was on sale for $399 last month.

Is there any chance of "haggling" at PB? Maybe I can get a better deal on the 2010? (Wishful thinking)

RT

Microshift gets good reviews - don't base your purchase on this one component. I'd personally prefer the MS over the bottom of the line Shimano. Evaluate based on the entire bike, do your homework, and then buy it!

jaebberwock

I have the 2009 Fuji Newest 3.0, which I got for $450. It's my first real bike and my first foray into biking in ten years. I can't complain and I really like the fact that it has two sets of brakes. The top set of brakes gives you quick braking access when you're riding around upright, which I do when I'm lazily mozying around town. Rear shifting is smooth, the front ones, not so much. It's often a chore to shift back up to the higher gear, usually takes 2 clicks of the shifter when trying to shift back up. It's on the heavier side, around 24 lbs. I would say at $500 for the new model is a pretty good deal. I've only logged around 100 miles but I can honestly say I don't regret the purchase. Assuming your wife is a newb at this like I am, she probably won't know the difference between Microshifters and Shimano.

gus6464

It has 2300 and Sora mix so it's not the nicest or the worst. It really depends on what her long term cycling plans are. It will be good a for while but if your wife ends up really getting into it she will most likely want something better in a year. So it will come down to a matter of spending $500 now but over $1k a year later, or spending $1k now and not having to worry about it for a lot longer. What size bike does she need?

djlarroc

I'm still new to the road world. Most of the components are the same, or pretty darn similar from what I can tell. Can you see a difference for either/or?

Glad to hear you have the '09. How long have you had it? I bought a Fuji Cross in April and got double points. Kinda beating myself up for not buying her bike last month as well.

I don't think she will get too serious into it. She just wants a road bike so she can keep up w/me (somewhat).

From being in the store today, she's about a size 50. We are trying to spend less than $500. I have my points on my PB card, I'm itching to use...

gus6464

What sucks is that the bike is predominantly 2300 including the shifters. Here are two other options that are all Sora instead of 2300 but unfortunately $99 more.

Scattante W-330
https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...7_20000_400306

Scattante R-330
https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...1511000_400306

djlarroc

Yeah, I personally like the Scattante. It's a 27 vs a 24, and a bit better components. Better pedals too. Bad thing about that is the extra $100, but it's discounted more (supposedly) and it does not have an adjustable stem which my wife said was a no go. I mean, we could get one for an extra $30, but then again it's more money.

I've been looking on CL as well, but new seems like a bit better choice because of the points from my bike purchase last month. I actually like this CL bike https://denver.craigslist.org/bik/1739324260.html

Seems like a pretty good deal, but it's 10 yrs older and even though the components are much better, I don't think my wife will take advantage of them... Prob seems like a better idea to get a new bike w/warranty, lifetime adjustments, and lower the price w/my points..

What level shifters are the MS on the '09? Are the 2300 the bare entry level for Shimano?

gus6464

Even though that 10 year old bike is 105/DA, it does not make it better than current lower end Sora/Tiagra. 10 year old top of the line is not necessarily better than current low end.

Also it looks like that adjustable stem on the Fuji is only for the angle so when she gets fitted if she needs a longer or shorter stem you are going to have to buy a new one anyway. When it comes to bikes spending the money on the bike is just the beginning. Fit is very important so don't skimp on that to save a few bucks because you will regret it later.

gumbii

i would go towards the scattante too... but a fuji is a fuji...


i has a fuji...

onesidedcoin

I have 2009 and had a problem with the shifters and ending up having to pay out of the pocket to correct the issue.
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...-Fuji-Warranty

djlarroc

Sorry to hear about your troubles!

The sales person told me that the design of the '10 shifter was better as it was a whole unit vs the split on the MS (for a low end anyway). My current Fuji Cross has the split shifters but they are 105s.

djlarroc

Well just got back from buying the bike. I think we made a good choice, but we'll see.

When I got my bike last month, I took in a RIDE10 coupon printed from PB's site. It wasn't working on the site today and the store also told me it was expired so I said, "ok, then I'll wait". Well the manager figured out a way to "make it work" so that was the deciding factor.

We hit up 3 other stores today and none even came close. Got it for $449, minus my points. I love PB!

doctor j

I have a little over 9,000 miles on my Fuji Newest 3.0 (Sora drivetrain & shifters, Tektro brakes). Only problem I've had, other than normal wear items like tires, chain, and cables, is a couple of broken spokes on the rear wheel. After last spoke repair, over 1,000 miles back, no problems. Front wheel is as true as the day I bought it. The Fuji was my first modern-day road bike and my re-entry-into-cycling bike. I have no regrets and would recommend it.

djlarroc

That is great to hear! I know these Fuji bikes are solid and a great bang for the buck!

This one isn't full Sora (wish it was at least) but my wife isn't going to ride it hard so I think it should last a while. *I hope*.

What year is your Newest 3.0?

JacoKierkegaard

My roommate's got that bike actually, I rode it for a few miles. It's a solid starter bike, I didn't have enough time to really dial in the fit to match my bike but it was comfortable enough. The Sora... well, it's ultimately still Sora. This bike had been setup well so everything shifted just fine, not great mind you but nothing caused a problem other than Sora's classic Achilles heel, which is the inability to shift down the cassette while in the drops. For that reason, I'd actually rather have the '09 bike with MicroShift. I've never ridden MicroShift, but it's been well-reviewed and it doesn't have those damn thumb shifters. Name isn't everything.

Bottom line, it's a solid entry-level value.

Menel

Personally I wouldn't buy anything less than Tiagra for an entry level road bike, mainly for ergonomics, really hate the thumb shifter.
The wheels/tires are thicker 25c's, I'm not certain the real-world felt difference, bmost road bikes run on 23c, which would reduce the effort by some X%.

I'd push for a bit higher, Roubaix 2.0 or Roubaix ACR 3.0 minimum for first bike. You want her to have a good experience IMO if she's going to enjoy it and keep at it..

doctor j

Mine is an '06 that I bought new in '07 as a last year's model.

djlarroc

I was actually hoping we could swap the 30c's from my cross onto her bike for her sake since she is so new . We can't and so hopefully it's not an issue for her. I went to about 5 different stores and looked at several different models. None came close to what we got at PB for under $500. Even used, I found the same bike selling for more than what I paid for it new.

djlarroc

Could you explain? I'm new to road biking. Not sure I understand what you mean.

Thanks

Menel

The black shift lever is up on the side of the hoods, the inside, and you use your thumb to actuate it. In order to reach from the drops, you have to have some pretty funky long flexible/double-jointed thumbs.

djlarroc

Ah.. I gotcha. Drops meaning where the bar curves.. Yeah, I can see how that would be a challenge for many people. Easy for ET though..

I don't know if it will bother my wife though. I can't see her pedaling hard enough to use the drops, or even have to upshift from the drops. She's a casual rider. Me OTOH, it would bother me. Glad my stuff is 105.

dkoernert

Id say go for it. I am riding a 2009 fuji newest 3.0 and I think its a pretty decent entry level bike. Got it at PB for 450 w/ carbon fork. The Microshift isnt great by any means but with some practice and fine tuning its not terrible.

agarose2000

Most of the folks who criticize 2200 Shimano components have never used it. Just ask them. A lot of them who claim to have used/owned it did so years ago, when components back in the day weren't anywhere as good as they are now.

I own in addition to my top-end Dura-Ace Cervelo, a 2008 Giant Defy 3 which is all stock, including Shimano 2200 components. It's a triple. It shifts flawlessly and without problem. Not as crisp as an ultegra for sure, but I can hammer on this bike at various speeds without getting any shift hitches. Even while riding with competitive road cyclists intent on hammering as fast as they can go.

Todays' components, when well adjusted, are excellent. The trickle down technology effect is huge - although miraculously, the bike companies have managed to convince everyone that they NEED 105 or up when it's not true. Even if you're a competitive racer.

I know people will then criticize them for wearing out too quickly, but unless you're a cyclist beast, these components should last a long time. Also, if you actually do consider replacing things like the cassette, the cheaper components cost less than half of what a 105 setup will cost.

Anyone who says that they're being held back because of the inferior shifters on a current-era bike isn't being truthful. You pay a HUGE premium for a "crisper" shift and grams of weight. Nothing wrong with enjoying the good stuff, but don't bash on the 2200 unless you've actually owned it, tried it, and given it a fair shot.

dkoernert

+1 on this. I have certainly found it to be true that I can really hammer on the Fuji without a hitch in shifting. My only problem with the microshift shifters is the shift from the middle ring to the big ring is quite a large throw with these shifters. Like agarose200 said you wont get ultra crisp shifting but it still shifts and its still fun.

dkoernert

double