dtipton

This look like it's worth $100??

reverborama

Depending on the condition and size, I'd probably spend $100 for a Finest. If it's rusty and all or the components are worn out or damaged, I'd be more inclined to spend $40 on it.

dtipton

I'm thinking new tires, tubes, seat, and cables at a minimum?

Not to mention significant elbow grease for the rust.

lebowitz

yes, if it's the bike in the picture. I like the chrome lugwork and it's got a nice stem with good vertical adjustment room. I would, personally, replace with my size ergonomic bar and double pivot calipers and cane creek scr5c levers. You would probably have to drill the frame for recessed brake bolts but I think it's worth it if you're used to modern bikes. Are those 27" wheels? I don't really like how those feel on the bike so I would also replace the wheels. It's probably pretty heavy, but is it double butted?

Otis

Could be the angle of the photo but the fork looks bent back a bit? I'd take a good look (feel) of the downtube and really eyeball the fork before you buy.

sykerocker 

I'd say yes, even with the cleanup time, assuming the components aren't trashed. Now, just quick looking at the picture, it appears to have a Shimano Crane rear derailleur, a high end SunTour was original. And a Finest didn't come with suicide levers - ever.

Finests came with sewups, so those tyres aren't necessarily shot, but you're not going to get a lot of remaining life out of them. And yeah, that fork looks a little tweaky to me, too. I'd say, open with $50.00 and see where it goes.

Once cleaned up and back to original, that's a wonderful bike. The Finest was a completely underrated bike for it's time (early 70's), it was the first Japanese bike I ever saw (and sold) that was designed to go up against the 531/Campy bikes. Which it did very nicely. Was actually superior in a lot of ways, unfortunately it didn't have the all important snob value. I vaguely remember it selling for about $275.00 in 1972, when a 531/all Campy bike went for about $450.00.

USAZorro

I have one of those. Same color, but 56cm. I practically stole mine for $80.00 a little over two years ago. It is the sweetest riding frame I've been on - so far. That one there has had a lot of parts changed out - it looks like the headset and crankset are original. If that's your size, and you're not afraid of the effort needed to clean it up, you will be rewarded with a favorite rider. It is light, and double-butted. Mine weighs a hair over 22 pounds, but that's with relatively light tubular rims.

That model is fully chromed under the paint, and the chrome is reasonably durable, so if you carefully clean up the head lugs, it will shine like new. Personally, I think that even in the state it is in, $100.00 is a great deal. Obviously, you'd want to negotiate, but if it fits you, don't pass it up just because the seller is firm on the price.

If you do get it, and want to know what it was originally equipped with, shoot me an e-mail.

Good luck,

Z

dtipton

Yes it is a Crane derailer.

I also wondered about the suicide levers? Those are usually a sign of lower end/recreational models aren't they?

USAZorro

Those handlebars and the brake levers (like the derailleurs) are not original to the bike. Here's a picture of mine - which is nearly all original.

dtipton

Thanks for all the help.

USAZorro

Here's a catalog scan that T-Mar sent me.

zonatandem

Owned a mid-70s Fuji Finest. They were all chromed under the paint. Choice of white or blue. Yes, came with sewups and weighed in at 21 lbs.
Also had a 1975 Fuji Professional that I just sold at a swap meet for $350.
Very nice handling/looking bicycles.

old and new

I think it's worth 100. The shifters were the first (only) thing I noticed thet appeared unoriginal,the rubber coating,more like a later/lower-end,not like Suntours in the '70's so much. Suicides were later in the '70s and early '80s lower rec.spec. I first started seein' Fugis in '73-abouts, friends bought them.Sykerocker knows them. They were up agaist the French bikes and Raleighs as well earlier on.They prevailed though. Funny he mentioned the fork,two places I'd shopped for a bike that didn't have Fugi, were quick to sight the forks as having an "odd" curve. I reckoned even then ,they said that out of needing something to critisize,Fujis were the ones to beat.Shops that sold them didn't ussually sell other better Japanese brands. My LBSs had Nishiki Kabukis,Panasonics etc. Miyatas by the late '70s. The Fugi shops were fifteen or so miles away,that was '75 by then,I just never ended-up with one. My buddy's '74 had Shimano,a Sugino crank I don't think sew-ups.

USAZorro

The shifters, brakes, saddle, derailleurs, bars and possibly the wheels are all replacements.

dtipton

I decided to take the plunge. Pick up the bike tomorrow.

What's the best way to get the chrome clean? I've been using WD40 and 0000 steel wool on other bikes.

Mhendricks

Simichrome is my preferred polish.

USAZorro

Congrats on the new bike. If it fits you well, you'll love it.

That's (simichrome) good. There's also a product available that's called "Nevr Dull". That works quite well also, though you need to clean the residue off thoroughly afterwards.

dtipton

It should fit, it's a 21 inch and I'm 5'5".

I have 21 inch super sport and le tour rides that fit just fine.

USAZorro

Sounds perfect - I didn't really think you've have been interested in trading frames with me for a 56 cm one.

dtipton

Pics of the super sport and le tour

USAZorro

Very nice. You're obviously a very good custodian of your bicycles.

dtipton

Thanks!

dtipton

Nevr Dull worked like a charm.

Thanks

dtipton

Need some brown hoods, but the black will do for now....

USAZorro

So how does it ride?