pigmode

I'm considering the Fuji Team RC, as one of the options for a new bike to replace a Specialized Roubaix.

The numbers for the size 54 look good, but the 73.5 head tube angle raises a question mark. Does the Fuji Team lean towards basic race geometry, or is it more of quick steering crit bike?

Haven't test rode many frames, but felt the Specialized Tarmac handled great, and am not necessarily looking for a laid back geo like my last Colnago Mxl.



Frame/bike options:
- Fuji Team RC
- Caad 9
- Tarmac Pro SL
- Scott R3
- custom steel (IF, Strong)


Right now the Caad and the Fuji are the primary choices since as I'm still recovering from injuries, I think it best to stick with a basic configuration.

JonnyV

I love my '09 Team RC, it's the most comfortable bike I've ever ridden. I can't comment abou the CAAD, I've never ridden one but the following that it's gathered speaks volumes. Ride them both, or all 5 from your list, and go with the one that feels best.

pigmode

Thanks, but no chance that I'll be able to pre-ride the Fuji--that's why I asked for riding impressions and or comments on its handling. I should mention that I'm not too particular with a competent frames handling, other than it be a solid descender and not twitchy in the way it steers.

gus6464

Most bikes will ride differently to every person. Just because it feels good to one person does not mean it will feel good to you. To buy any bike based on how it feels to someone else is just plain silly.

pigmode

^ Regurgitation of internet-gained knowledge not needed here. Riders impressions and comments are all I'm looking for. Capice?

carbonROD

I ride an 09 Fuji Team and can't speak enough about it. It's everything I needed and it definitely performs well. This is the only road bike I've ridden, though feedback through internet research steered me toward this direction. I think the RC is a level-up in terms of the carbon frame, so I'd predict it is that much more responsive and provides a sturdier feel - not saying that mine doesn't perform, just speculating a level-up on the carbon frame would help in those aspects.

JonnyV

where are you located, pigmode? If you're anywhere near me you're more than welcome to take mine for a spin.

utahp8ntballer

I have the 09 Fuji Team Pro. Not sure if it's the same geometry as the RC or not. This bike handles great. It was sketchy down hills on the Aksium wheels but once I upgraded to Easton EA90 TT's it handles very well. The bike itself is pretty stiff but still feels fairly smooth (compared to aluminum) on the bumps. Today I asked my LBS about the warranty that Fuji has, because I was curious, and he said that it's one year but they will replace a frame well beyond that time period just to keep a customer happy.

timster

I have an '07 Team with Neuvation wheels that handles very well. I have raced many crits and road races on it.

I liked it so much that I got an '08 Team Issue last year. The only difference is that the Team Issue is a little bit lighter, and a little bit more stiff.

JonnyV

Fuji's frames are limited lifetime warranty unless raced, then it's voided. Just don't admit to racing it.

Uni-Vibe

Oh hell yeah. The bike is stiff when you stomp it, comfortable on longer rides. Handling is quick and sure. Puts your pedal power to the ground efficiently. Factory wheels should be upgraded, that'll make it even better. Hard to say whether it's a road or crit racer--guys around here use the Team bikes for both road races and crits. Buy with confidence.

7bmwm3gtr

If I could get any Fuji road frame, I'd get the 2010 SST. But that's me.

kvnhlstd

Bought the 2010 SST 2.0 about three weeks ago and have put about 150 miles on it so far. It is far stiffer than my 2008 Team RC and it handles like a corvette on rails. Yo can't go wrong on either frame.

CCrew

I have an 09 Team Pro. I'd consider it a race geometry. Solid bike, not at all twitchy. More bike than I am rider for sure.

pigmode

Thanks for the Invite JonnyV, unfortunately I live in Hawaii.


Thanks for all of the responses. Looks like the Fuji Team is a frame I'll keep high on a small list for a potential upgrade come Jan., given that I reach my mileage goals.

The LBS has a good discount on the CAAD 9-5, and the metal frame will make a good back up bike. The is just an interim upgrade, as the Roubaix has too tall a head tube as I progress in regaining my flexibility.

JonnyV

you wouldn't want to fly me out there for a test ride, would ya? it's a big investment, you want to be sure about these things.

frpax

So meet somewhere in the middle... say.. ARIZONA?

JonnyV

No, it's gotta be Hawaii, don't screw this up for me, I need a vacation.

pigmode

Was thinking a Las Vegas meet, but I'm usually there for two different kinds of training.






Thought hard about that one, in fact I still haven't crossed it out, but its probably a more aggressive frame than I need.

mobike_moexcite

I didn't like my Fuji Team and when the frame cracked, (water bottle fell into wheel and smashed it... water bottle survived... frame didn't) they wouldn't warranty it. I am calling Fuji direct soon but so far their customere service is not great.

JonnyV

booze and handguns? sure, i'm game.

7bmwm3gtr

Oo I'm jealous.

kvnhlstd

heres a iphone pic of my SST 2.0 taken at my office... I really like this bike, you can't ride it slow...

CCrew

You broke it and you're *****ing about warranty and customer service? Classic.