Help Identify this Fuji
 

I just picked up this fairly nice old Fuji (I would say very nice but for the bad repaint) at a swap meet for $35 and I'm trying to identify it. Seems to stand out from the low end S10-S in that it has chromed rear forks and Suntour GT dropouts. I can't even tell exactly what vintage it is (serial number seems like '77?). I believe that most of the parts are original but have no idea. The wheels/hubs are definitely NOT original, they are Schwinn equipment.

http://www.matthias.org/fuji/dsc_3853.jpg

Here's how it's equipped:

• SR Apex forged cranks (52-42)
• Nitto (marked FUJI) handlebars
• Fuji stem (pantographed)
• Tange Headset (steel)
• SR Laprade seat post
• Dia Compe sidepulls
• SunTour Cyclone II GT rear derailleur (no front)
• SunTour clamp-mount down tube shifters
• Sugino seat bolt
• SR Bottom Bracket
• Serial Number 77E5640
• Round 1 color Fuji badge

Photos of the bike: GALLERY

If you know what this is, please help me out! Cheers all

Karl

Ok, anyone even know of a Fuji with chromed rear forks and SunTour GT dropouts?

Ok I finally found this: http://www.classicrendezvous.com/Japan/Fuji.htm

Looks like it could be either an America or a Finest. Handlebars say America, but brakes say Finest, neither has SR post or cranks. Maybe another model from a different year?

The frame looks to be pre-1980 on the basis of the total absence of braze-ons, except for derailleur cable runs. However, the derailleurs are early 1980s. It looks like we have to assume that the majority of parts are replacements. About the only part for which we have reasonable assumption of originality is the Fuji stem. Check for a date code it. Also, post the full serial number.

Hi T-Mar, yeah I think the components may have been updated, too. In fact I can hardly find any information on those SR Apex cranks (forged, non-swaged). I did post the full serial number, it's in the list in the first post. At least, that's the number off the bottom of the bottom bracket. I'll pull the stem to look for a date code. I think the handlebars are also original as they are marked "Fuji" on one side and "Nitto Olympiade" on the other.

Thanks for the help!!

Karl

The one thing I noticed from the pic is the way the seat stays are attached to the seat tube. It resembles an S12S. S12S had Suntour GT drop outs.

Well there is some good news. I've positively identifed catalog #7 (the one on Classic Rendezvous) as the 1977 catalog. So if your model is 1977, as you suggest based on the serial number, then we can eliminate the Professional and Newest on the basis on the chrome and eyelets. The Fineest can be eliminated on the basis of the fork crown. That leaves the America, which appears to be a good match. The question is whether any other lower models match. For that era, four models with CrMo butted tubing is about right. I suspect the lower models were hi-tensile, which is why they are not included on Classic Rendezvous, which tends towards higher end bicycles. I'd check the seat post size. Japanese butted tubing tends to be 26.8mm or larger. If that matches, then a circa 1977 America would be appear to be the best candidate, pending further information on lower Fuji models.

T-Mar, wow, I didn't even notice the difference in fork crowns on the Finest and America. Good eye! It does look like it's an America. I checked the seat post, which is 26.8. I doubt it's a lower model because I just weighed it and it came in at 22 pounds. It's lacking bar tape and brake levers, cables, etc, but that's within the weight range listed for the America. Cheers for the help!

Karl