emaurice24

Hey Everyone, I'm looking for some advice. "Theoretically speaking" if you were able to get your hands on either of these 2 Vintage Fuji Touring Bikes, which would you prefer and how much would you be willing pay for it?

A 1984 Fuji Touring Series V: https://classicfuji.com/1984_11_TouringSeriesV_Page.htm

Or a 1983 Fuji Touring Series IV: https://classicfuji.com/1983_11_TouringSeriesIV_Page.htm

Thanks!

Sixty Fiver

I'd like the V with the Cyclone or Vx instead of the Suntour Tech series... would pretty much be the ideal touring bike and has a better fork, complete braze ons, and a number of better parts.

wrk101

Assuming they are both the same size, I would get the one with the best cosmetics, particularly frame paint and decals. If the cosmetics are comparable, then I am going with the V, as it is a step up from the IV.

What I would pay for it depends on my personal budget, and whether it was for me (a keeper) versus something I thought I was going to resell.

Vintage touring bikes are very desirable, and typically bring 50% to 100% more than the same era/comparable racing bike.

+1 To others comments. As a touring bike, the V has significantly better features than the IV. So if you plan to do some serious touring, you will appreciate those features. For regular recreational riding, those additional features will have little impact (but do improve resale).

T-Mar

Assuming size and condition were equal, I'd go with the series V though, like 65er, I have rerservations about SunTour's tech derailleurs. The V's bar end shifters, low-rider fork mounts and bosses for a 3rd water bottle are extremely desirable features on a grand touring bicycle.

Phil_gretz

I'll play my cards here. If I were looking for a replacement to my 1988 Fuji Saratoga touring bike, which I really, really like a lot, AND if I were to find a Touring Series V in my size in very good to near mint condition and completely stock, then I wouldn't blink at paying $450. I might go higher depending on whatever racks or other goodies were included. Worth every penny.

Bianchigirll 

I agree, all things being pretty much equal I would take the V.

emaurice24

Thanks for the feedback. If I were to pick up one of these bikes it would be used for my own personal touring. No intention to resell.

ScottRyder 

Here's my TS V in the flesh:



https://vintagefuji.posterous.com/198...uring-series-v

It sold for $639 in 1984 and has one of the nicest paint jobs I've seen on a Fuji.

Scott

emaurice24

Hey everyone, I went and looked at these two bikes this weekend. They are both in need of a solid tune up, tire & tube replacement, and the brake cables probably need to be replaced on both. The frame on the IV was beautiful, no paint chipping, fading, or anything. All parts on the IV were original and to my untrained eye seemed like with a little work would run very well (except brake cables & tire situation).

The America V on the other hand was not in immaculate condition like the IV. The frame was a little dinged up, but still seemed very solid to me. The main concern here was the original derailleur was not on the bike, it was replaced by the with a much lower end derailleur. The guy show me the original derailleur though and said he could reinstall it. Also, the quick release on the bike's rear wheel was busted off, but I imagine a new one wouldn't cost much at all. I asked how he got the V and he bought it off craigslist a few months ago for $50. I get the feeling the bike was subjected to some harsh storage conditions and was not the quality of the IV, but still probably could be fixed up into a great tourer.

He said he'd sell either to me for $300, should I go for these or look elsewhere? Would it be too much work to bring this decommissioned bikes back to life? Are the parts for an 80's touring bike more expensive/different in any way from a modern tourer? I really liked the feel of these frames and felt they did fit very well. All your advice is much appreciated!

emaurice24

Oh, also I have some pictures of both bikes. If anyone would like to see any, let me know and I'll post!

oddjob2

IMHO, $300 is steep for a fixer upper. $250-$300 should get you a ready to ride Fuji, completely cleaned and overhauled.

TimmyT 

Scott, you're pictures are always well done, but this one, Dayum! That bar tape on there is fantastic.

To the OP:
I'd probably talk him down to $250 on the IV, get the small upgrades done (cables, housing, tires, tubes) and then ride it.

The vintage touring bikes are great riders, but you may find that you want to upgrade some parts depending on how you want to use it. On my Univega Gran Turismo, I went to indexed bar ends, fenders, and 9 speeds for taking the hills fully loaded. So, for me, I would take the one with the better frame first and worry about components second.

jar351

Depending on the market, $300 may not be bad for a minty Touring IV (although I'd certainly try to talk him down regardless). Last fall I sold one in excellent shape (with some new consumables but without the Fujita saddle) for $360 IIRC (SF Bay Area).

ScottRyder 

Thanks TimmyT !

Scott

kc0yef 

65er has it right the IV has a plain fork the V has a better fork the brkaes and the bar ends are also better on the V
That all being Said I have a IV I just paid significantly less for and V are on CL for over in mint shape $1000 here in seattle