mwalstra

Hey everyone, first post here so I'm not sure how well this will work since I can't post links. I'm considering buying a 1985 Fuji Del Rey to get onto a geared bike. I currently ride a Schwinn World Sport converted to fixed gear.

I found this Fuji listed at $130 (indianapolis craigslist). Everything looks to be original other than a swap to aero brake levers (which I think I prefer). Assuming it's in ready to ride condition, I think $130 is good/fair.

However, assuming it's not straight up ready to ride, where would you value the bike based on the amount of work necessary? For example, X dollars if you need to do tires and pads, Y dollars if you need to do regrease everything and replace cables, etc.

Thanks in advance for any help, and sorry for the lack of pictures/link.

StarBiker

I had one 10 years ago that was mid to early 80's and I got $200 for it. And it had beautiful paint. Took me two weeks to sell it. I didn't even have air in the tires. I was a relative newbie, but had sold a few bikes up to that point.
I think the one I had was nicer than this one. Offer $100, and see.

ramzilla

Fuji Del Rey VaLite is a solid mid range bike. The reason so many of these are still around is because they were so well built. That's a large one. Looks like at least a 60cm frame. It's a complete bike with nothing missing. As long as it's a good fit, then $130 sounds about right to me. You can replace the tubes, tires, chain, & brake pads on that for about $80 in parts. $0 for labor if you do the work yourself. But, it looks ready to ride to me.

mwalstra

Thanks for adding pictures of the bike for me StarBiker! Did you enjoy riding the bike while you had it? I don't plan to do super long distance rides on it, but I think it'd be nice to maybe do a 50 mile ride or so on it at some point.

Ramzilla, it was advertised as a 23" frame (58-59cm). My current bike is around the same size and I'm fairly comfortable on it. I'm around 6'1", but have 1-2" clearance on the standover of my current bike, so I'm thinking this is a good fit for me.

This probably came standard with friction shifters right? But since it's a 6 speed freewheel, it's pretty easy to convert to an index shifter for the rear?

ramzilla

I've got an 82 model DelRey out in the garage that I bought brand new. It's been loaned out over the years & been abused. Probably got something like 10,000 miles on it by now. So, it's a real beater. But, it still rides & performs very well with its original Suntour 2 x 6 friction set up. Most of these Fuji models have the "high normal" front derailleur. That drives some people batshirt crazy. Easiest way to upgrade that DelRey to indexed shifting is to change from a Suntour 6 speed freewheel to a Shimano 7 speed freewheel & install Shimano ST-A070 2x7 brifters & a Shimano Deore FD & RD. You're not going to have much luck finding a Suntour 6 speed down tube indexed set up. Personally, I'd just leave it as is. It's a handsome bike & would qualify for vintage L'eroica events.

mwalstra

I had to look up what a high normal front derailleur was lol. Since I haven't rode any geared bikes since I was about 12, I don't see that set up bothering me since I have no standard lever direction that I'm used to. Also, good to know with the suggested upgrade route to indexed shifting. Like you recommended, I'll probably leave it alone if I pick it up and get comfortable with the downtube friction set up.

ramzilla

The best thing about these old Japanese bikes is how easy they are to upgrade. Standards adopted in the 80's are still in use today. Brand new threaded parts for 7,8,9,&10 speed bikes currently made (in Taiwan) will still fit. 80's Japanese bikes rule!