Originally Posted by
uncle uncle
Love the yellow. I've never ridden a '70's era S-10-S, but have always wanted to, so I could compare it to other entry level bicycles from that era. For some reason, I have a soft spot for that vintage and class of bicycle. I like the upgrades, but I especially like the well thought out methodology used to support your choices. You set some ground rules or goals for the upgrades and then tried hard to accomplish things within that framework. I often struggle to justify my own choices to myself. I might adopt your philosophies on the subject of upgrades, and what's appropriate for what some might consider a vintage bike that doesn't quite fit the definition of "classic".
The 26 lb class frames will probably ride a little bit smoother, but at the expense of a spunky quickness feel. That's the best I can explain it. I'm no expert at ride characteristics or descriptions, and naturally much of that is very subjective
I have a couple of other 26lb class bikes, like my 1985 Bridgestone 500 and a 1980 SR 10-Speed. Both ride really nice, but when I plan on doing over a 50 mile ride I will opt for one of the slightly lighter higher end Fuji's. Those 'lighter' ones are between 23-24 pounds BTW. So really not that much lighter. Weight is fully loaded with water bottle, lights and accessories.
Tubing also varies. Both my BS500 and SR are Cr-Mo butted tubing, where-as this S10-S is straight Hi-Ten steel. Yet, they weigh about the same. My lighter Fuji's are DB and QB Cr-Mo tubing as would be expected. Once I get some miles under my belt on this S10-S I'll be able to give a much better review of ride.
Fuji was one of those companies that made nice bikes even on the lower end of the spectrum back in the 70's and 80's. Even this lowly S10-S has pretty nice forged
Ishiwata dropouts. Many of the other makers would jump to stamped dropouts on their mid-low end bikes.