Blanche Dubois here . . .
#1
Thread Starter
Junior Member


Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 133
Likes: 37
From: Phoenix, Arizona
Bikes: 1980 Fuji Gran Tourer SE, 1974 Araya, 1986 Team Fuji
Blanche Dubois here . . .
Hi fellow Bike Forums folks, I am a lucky guy who was recently given a 1986 Team Fuji frameset by a fellow BF member. This will be my first time building up a bike with 700-sized wheels. As all my bikes are older and use 27" rims, and I am blundering around looking for an inexpensive wheelset that uses rim braking. The bike originally came as follows: Freewheel - 6-Speed Suntour Winner, Hubs - Suntour Cyclone (Sealed; 36 hole), Brakes - Dia-Compe 500 GX calipers, Rims - Ukai 700C alloy gunmetal, Tires - Vittoria Zaffiro
Could any of you let me have the benefit of your advice and any recommendations? I saw these Aeromax ones on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002XOJD9A...v_ov_lig_dp_it
- but Fakespot (a web service that checks the likely accuracy of reviews) indicated that they might be a little over-hyped.
Many thanks!
Could any of you let me have the benefit of your advice and any recommendations? I saw these Aeromax ones on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002XOJD9A...v_ov_lig_dp_it
- but Fakespot (a web service that checks the likely accuracy of reviews) indicated that they might be a little over-hyped.
Many thanks!
#2
Full Member

Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 351
Likes: 250
From: The Lou
Bikes: 82 Trek 710, 90 Trek 750, 86 Vitus, Nishiki Cervino, 1989 Bianchi CdI, 2 Nashbars, an Italian Steel MTB, Sears Spaceliner, and a 74 Schwinn Speedster. I also manage a fleet of Volcanic Patrol bikes, 83 of them.
I've bought several sets from https://bicyclewheelwarehouse.com and I've been very happy with what I received. I've bought, 27" wheels with coaster brakes, 26" wheels (one set with tewo speed kick back) and three seta of 700c wheels.
#3
Thread Starter
Junior Member


Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 133
Likes: 37
From: Phoenix, Arizona
Bikes: 1980 Fuji Gran Tourer SE, 1974 Araya, 1986 Team Fuji
Great!
I've bought several sets from https://bicyclewheelwarehouse.com and I've been very happy with what I received. I've bought, 27" wheels with coaster brakes, 26" wheels (one set with tewo speed kick back) and three seta of 700c wheels.

1986 Team Fuji frameset
Hi JMPierce, thanks so much and will take a look.
#5
Thread Starter
Junior Member


Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 133
Likes: 37
From: Phoenix, Arizona
Bikes: 1980 Fuji Gran Tourer SE, 1974 Araya, 1986 Team Fuji
Ha ha you got it! Even though I can't spell "Dubois"!! The outfit recommended by JMPierce appears to be pretty good . . .
#6
Senior Member



Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 18,840
Likes: 11,736
Another reliable and reasonably priced source for wheels is https://velomine.com/.
Albion , a consideration with the wheels you linked to is that rear spacing is 130mm while your current frame is likely 126mm, and you'll also need a cassette. I take it that you're not concerned with originality, so perhaps it's an opportunity to upgrade the parts from what might have been on it back in the day?
Albion , a consideration with the wheels you linked to is that rear spacing is 130mm while your current frame is likely 126mm, and you'll also need a cassette. I take it that you're not concerned with originality, so perhaps it's an opportunity to upgrade the parts from what might have been on it back in the day?
#9
Thread Starter
Junior Member


Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 133
Likes: 37
From: Phoenix, Arizona
Bikes: 1980 Fuji Gran Tourer SE, 1974 Araya, 1986 Team Fuji
Hi Nlerner, this is exactly the kind advice I need and thank you so mush for taking the time to write. My knowledge of bikes is of those older than 1980 so anything you can tell me about this charming frame and its potential to be brought into a semi-current spec would be most gratefully received.
For the wheels, I measure 127mm rear (maybe a little bent), 99mm front (should be 100mm?). I would, as you suggest, definitely want to try a cassette as all my experience is with freewheels so that would be something new for me. I'm not sure how I can find a wheelset that would fit the older spacing but take a cassette! The derailleurs would be my other concern (the machine has downtube shifters), as I have a nice set of Dia-Compe side-pulls from a donor bike, and can probably find some aero levers somewhere, and the contact points should not be a challenge. I do have Suntour AR F/R derailleurs and a Sugino VT crankset that have seen very little service if this might not result in too much of a mongrel . . .
For the wheels, I measure 127mm rear (maybe a little bent), 99mm front (should be 100mm?). I would, as you suggest, definitely want to try a cassette as all my experience is with freewheels so that would be something new for me. I'm not sure how I can find a wheelset that would fit the older spacing but take a cassette! The derailleurs would be my other concern (the machine has downtube shifters), as I have a nice set of Dia-Compe side-pulls from a donor bike, and can probably find some aero levers somewhere, and the contact points should not be a challenge. I do have Suntour AR F/R derailleurs and a Sugino VT crankset that have seen very little service if this might not result in too much of a mongrel . . .
#10
Senior Member



Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 18,840
Likes: 11,736
Hi Nlerner, this is exactly the kind advice I need and thank you so mush for taking the time to write. My knowledge of bikes is of those older than 1980 so anything you can tell me about this charming frame and its potential to be brought into a semi-current spec would be most gratefully received.
For the wheels, I measure 127mm rear (maybe a little bent), 99mm front (should be 100mm?). I would, as you suggest, definitely want to try a cassette as all my experience is with freewheels so that would be something new for me. I'm not sure how I can find a wheelset that would fit the older spacing but take a cassette!
For the wheels, I measure 127mm rear (maybe a little bent), 99mm front (should be 100mm?). I would, as you suggest, definitely want to try a cassette as all my experience is with freewheels so that would be something new for me. I'm not sure how I can find a wheelset that would fit the older spacing but take a cassette!
https://www.velomine.com/index.php?m...sekiadg29bdeb5
The derailleurs would be my other concern (the machine has downtube shifters), as I have a nice set of Dia-Compe side-pulls from a donor bike, and can probably find some aero levers somewhere, and the contact points should not be a challenge. I do have Suntour AR F/R derailleurs and a Sugino VT crankset that have seen very little service if this might not result in too much of a mongrel . . .
#11
However, since the OP says he'd like to try a rear wheel with a cassette (meaning a freehub and not a freewheel) that will be very hard to find NEW to fit the 126/7 rear spacing. Either shop for a nice well-kept vintage set that uses the shorter spacing (can be done but will take some careful shopping and time) or spread the rear 3mm (not much of a spread) so you can select from all the new 130mm rear wheels with freehubs/cassettes that are all over the market. You can even use a 7S cassette with a spacer on the freehub body, or from 8S to 10S (or often 11S) without a spacer.If you search for Sheldon Brown's instructions for DIY rear spreading he makes it pretty easy. Or if you doubt your abilities take it somebody you can trust. Or just go with a freewheel, keep the frame as-spaced.
#12
Senior Member


Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 7,955
Likes: 705
From: Port Angeles, WA
Bikes: A green one, "Ragleigh," or something.
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● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●







