zookster

I picked these 2 bikes up this past weekend. The seller did not know much about them, and I am not very familiar with the brands myself, other than knowing each company made/makes decent bikes.
Fuji:







More pictures here: https://zookster.smugmug.com/Hiking/Fuji-S12-S

Specialized:






Yes, that bar tape has to go.
The serial number was hard to photograph, but it is GE005650
More pictures here:
https://zookster.smugmug.com/Hiking/Specialized-Sirrus

Any help as to year, entry level, mid level etc would be much appreciated.

SoCaled 

The Sirrus should be a 1990 based on the red paint and black logos, direct drive tubing, 105 group and Wobler wheels. Looks to be all original. The Sirrus and Allez were the top road bikes for Specialized.

Also apparently endorsed by Gorbachev:

note the "specialized" birthmark

SoCaled 

@zookster
Tip for finding info on the forum is use google to search what you are looking for, ie. Fuji S-12S and + bikeforums.net, this will generally bring up tons of great info on what you are looking for.

Screen shot:

This will get you to lots of good links. Previous searches like this are how I know about the Sirrus. I don't know as much about the Fuji, google/bikeforums search, is how I would find out.

zookster

I did, so far I think the Fuji is an August of 1979 model, but as mentioned I am not very familiar with either brand. Definitely reading what I can find.

Pompiere

The Fuji looks like an S12-S from 1979. https://labibleduvelocataloguesfuji....fuji-1979.html Not a lightweight racer, but still a very nice ride. I had a Royale bitd and now own a S12-S LTD.

BradH

Good score on the Sirrus. If it's the right size it's definitely worth going through and riding. Nice frame and groupset.

Lbxpdx

If you search this way you only search bikeforums.net

rustystrings61 

I believe the Sirrus is a 1990 built in the 9th or 10th week of the year, going by the serial number - thanks, TMar! In essence, it's an Allez with less durable paint and Shimano 105 instead of 600 components. They most certainly used the same frameset c.87-89 for both models. I acquired my '88 for $50 last year as a Clunker Challenge bike and have concluded it's not leaving anytime soon. It gives up absolutely NOTHING to far pricer bikes, and at some point I will shell out the painful money for an unbent set of Nitto/Specialized 42cm handlebars for it and it will be complete - for now I ride the bent ones gingerly.

Seriously, if it fits you, lovingly dismantle it, clean and repack and service everything and ride it with a huge grin on your face.

T-Mar

In these cases, the serial numbers provide exact dates of manufacture, The Specialized was manufactured by Giant of Taiwan during weeks 9-10 of 1990, making it a 1990 model. This is consistent with the Shimano 105SC components, which were introduced for the 1990 model year and did not receive the brifter upgrade until 1993.

The Fuji was manufactured during August 1979. This is in the gray region of the manufacturing year, where it could be either a 1979 or 1980 model. There was little variation between the two years. However, based on the front derailleur it would be appear to be a 1980 model. The 1980 model was spec'd with a SunTour NSL, while the 1979 model rec'd a SunTour Compe V.

zookster

Thanks for the help everyone. I initially went to buy the Fuji and the seller offered the Specialized for a very low price. Good thing, because it turns out the Fuji is going to be too tall for me at 58cm. The Specialized is a 55cm which is at the upper end of what I can ride comfortably. I will clean up the Fuji and sell it on most likely. Or maybe keep it as a loaner.

zookster

One other question. The Specialized has 2 brackets bolted on.

I know this one is for a small hand pump



But what would this one have been for? A flux capacitor? Lol. It is on the seat tube.

Pompiere

That is for a Kryptonite style U lock.