Dirt Farmer

Long time lurker, first time poster here on the CV.

A bit about myself... I'm a long time mountain biker who, a few years ago, bought a flat-bar road-ish bike (Jamis Coda, to which I've added road tires). I love taking it for 40-50 mile rural road rides.

For some odd, unknown reason, I have lately had a strong desire to buy a 70's-80's Japanese bike. I literally drool over the greatness I see here on the CV.

Anywho, I see this 1974 Fuji Tourer (per the 1974 Fuji catalog) on my local Craigslist:

Fuji Road Bike

Yes, I know the photos suck, no pics of drive side, etc. I did ask the seller for the specs, and he said FD is "Suntour GT"; RD is simply "Suntour" (??); brakes simply Dia Compe. He did not know the size but it looks perfect for me.

I am simply in love with that color, and the paint looks immaculate. I also dig the older bottle holder.

So, to rehash that ancient cliche of a question, in your humble opinion, "Is it worth $100?" What would you spend, maximum, on this bike if the size was right? I plan on visiting to take a look and taking my own photos, but would like some pre-visit guidance.

I understand stem shifters are the bottom of the barrel, due to possible testicular punctures (ouch, that smarts!!!!), but I can live with them - the shifters - I suppose. And of course I'm a newbie when it comes to the hierarchy of Suntour components. Actually I know nothing about Suntour. The catalog gives very little information.

Here are the photos in case the CL posting is removed:

jon c. 

It's bottom end and I hate stem shifters myself, but it's worth $100 if everything is straight and true. If you love the color and want the bike, it's worth a bit more than that.

Dirt Farmer

Yeah, I am curious about it being bottom end and, specifically the 1974 catalog.

Is that catalog arranged by top to bottom? Or by category? For example, are the race bikes listed first, then touring, then city/comfort? Or arranged from jewels to junk?

bargainguy

Hang on....this bike is from Oregon, WI (near Madison), not Bend, Oregon. Sure this is local to you?

If you're looking for Japanese 70s - 80s greatness, the only great thing I see here is the paint. Unknown "best quality" steel tubing, steel cottered cranks, centerpull brakes with turkey levers, claw RD. Probably hi-ten tubing at best.

Another option: Spend $100 on a different, nicer Japanese 70s - 80s road bike, strip the components and have it painted or powdercoated in the same color, hang the components back on. Might cost a little more, but probably a much nicer ride.

Dirt Farmer

Ooops! Yes, I moved back to Wisconsin. Thanks for the feedback.

cb400bill

This Fuji is a nice, albeit at 33 lbs kinda heavy, recreational bike. It could be a nice way to dip your toe into the C&V pool.

oddjob2

Steel rims, high tensile frame. Smooth rider, perfect for around town cruising. $100 isn't out of line, but the bike will benefit from a full overhaul.

juls

I find "hit that" to be vulgar. Not just a macho forum-real people here.

oddjob2

Forgive the Cheesehead.

howsteepisit

I agree

Dirt Farmer

I'm just curious what you think I was implying? Color me confused.

exxongraftek

Not taking a position, but some define the term as a euphemism for attempting to inflict intercourse on another. That is likely the root of the "vulgar" allusion above.

DMC707

bump uglies?
make the hunch goblin?
beast with 2 backs?

(I was in the service and after that , an aircraft mechanic for several years ---- we can do this all day )




but even so, I have never heard --- "inflict intercourse on another"

exxongraftek

Thank you. The things we can do with words to avoid offense can be interesting at times.

ramzilla

If you really like it $100 is reasonable. If you're seriously going to ride it you should chuck the wheels & get a pair of some brand new alloy wheels for it. Niagra has some 27" for around $135 pair.