All Things FUJI
05-24-18, 09:26 PM
#801
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Originally Posted by friendofpugs
Here is a mid 1970s Special Road Racer I recently overhauled - yes, I know the brake line is too high, I'm still a new fish when it comes to this stuff. The serial number is M9H00377 but I couldn't decode what year it was, I'm guessing 1976? It's the oldest bike I've overhauled so far, and it was pretty neat - the stem is cool, and I liked how simple everything was. I took it out for my first "longish" shakedown ride of five miles and I liked how it handled, very predictable, and I feel like these are monster truck tires, ride over everything! One thing I wasn't a fan of was the loose headset bearings - I found four of the buggers a few days later when sweeping the floor so I put them back in. I have it posted for sale locally but I'm wondering if I should keep it, or maybe sell it and wait for something fancier to show up.
05-25-18, 05:57 AM
#802
Senior Member
My first Fuji, bought it from the City auction. Hasn’t even made it home yet. I went about $15 over my ideal due to getting caught up in things. I know it is a base model, but overall in decent enough shape, and shouldn’t have to put a lot of $$, just elbow grease and a few used parts from the stash. Will see how it rides before I decide if I keep it or sell it.
05-25-18, 08:16 AM
#803
Full Member
Originally Posted by bikemig
That's a really clean bike. Personally I'd keep it and ride it until something I like better comes up.
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Some Past Bikes: '96 Bianchi Reparto Course EL OS, '96 Serotta CSI, '89 Bianchi Giro, '82 Gitane SC, '81 Gios Torino, '79 Trek 937, '77 Trek TX700, '73 Gitane TdF, '72 Follis 472, '58 Peugeot PX-10
Some Past Bikes: '96 Bianchi Reparto Course EL OS, '96 Serotta CSI, '89 Bianchi Giro, '82 Gitane SC, '81 Gios Torino, '79 Trek 937, '77 Trek TX700, '73 Gitane TdF, '72 Follis 472, '58 Peugeot PX-10
05-25-18, 06:08 PM
#804
Senior Member
Originally Posted by friendofpugs
Here is a mid 1970s Special Road Racer I recently overhauled - yes, I know the brake line is too high, I'm still a new fish when it comes to this stuff. The serial number is M9H00377 but I couldn't decode what year it was, I'm guessing 1976? It's the oldest bike I've overhauled so far, and it was pretty neat - the stem is cool, and I liked how simple everything was. I took it out for my first "longish" shakedown ride of five miles and I liked how it handled, very predictable, and I feel like these are monster truck tires, ride over everything! One thing I wasn't a fan of was the loose headset bearings - I found four of the buggers a few days later when sweeping the floor so I put them back in. I have it posted for sale locally but I'm wondering if I should keep it, or maybe sell it and wait for something fancier to show up.
Last edited by Cougrrcj; 05-26-18 at 05:17 AM.
05-25-18, 07:46 PM
#805
Full Member
Originally Posted by Cougrrcj
See T-mar's very helpful 'Sticky' post at the top of this subforum re: Asian Serial Numbers Yours was built in August of 1974 as a '75 model year bike. FWIW, I also have a '74-built '75 model year Special Road racer, serial K9I003xx which means mine was built in September of '74. I bought mine new as a scratched floor model in October '77
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Some Past Bikes: '96 Bianchi Reparto Course EL OS, '96 Serotta CSI, '89 Bianchi Giro, '82 Gitane SC, '81 Gios Torino, '79 Trek 937, '77 Trek TX700, '73 Gitane TdF, '72 Follis 472, '58 Peugeot PX-10
Some Past Bikes: '96 Bianchi Reparto Course EL OS, '96 Serotta CSI, '89 Bianchi Giro, '82 Gitane SC, '81 Gios Torino, '79 Trek 937, '77 Trek TX700, '73 Gitane TdF, '72 Follis 472, '58 Peugeot PX-10
05-25-18, 11:36 PM
#806
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Does or has anyone here ever owned a Fuji Titanium road bike? I just discovered these beauties from the late-'80s and early '90s while browsing the classic Fuji site. Very clean machines!
05-26-18, 04:42 AM
#807
Fuji Fan
Ti Fuji
yes, I own a couple. I’ve got one of the early pure TI bikes, as well as the slightly later century finish c-record ones.
05-26-18, 05:17 AM
#808
Senior Member
Originally Posted by friendofpugs
Oh wow, thank you for the serial number explanation. I looked on the vintage fuji site and couldn't make heads or tails of it. Yours looks much nicer than mine - I'd love to find some barcons for mine as well, but they're pricey on the 'bay.
BTW, there is a pair of SunTour barcons in the C&V classified section at the top of the C&V subforum... $15 but no cables... Several parts - seatposts, derailleurs, brakes, crankset, & more
Last edited by Cougrrcj; 05-26-18 at 05:26 AM.
05-26-18, 07:08 AM
#809
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Originally Posted by beech333
yes, I own a couple. I’ve got one of the early pure TI bikes, as well as the slightly later century finish c-record ones.
-Gregory
05-26-18, 07:44 AM
#810
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Originally Posted by beech333
yes, I own a couple. I’ve got one of the early pure TI bikes, as well as the slightly later century finish c-record ones.
05-26-18, 06:17 PM
#811
Fuji Fan
Fuji Ti
The pure one seems a bit too flexy and cp frames have a reputation for failure.
the other one rides nicely, but no better than a good steel bike and they are very hard to find. I've got two, and one of them cracked a nds chainstay .
I don't have pics available anymore. I had some hosted on my photobucket account, but canceled it a few months back.
the other one rides nicely, but no better than a good steel bike and they are very hard to find. I've got two, and one of them cracked a nds chainstay .
I don't have pics available anymore. I had some hosted on my photobucket account, but canceled it a few months back.
05-27-18, 12:26 PM
#812
Senior Member
I migrated all my photos off Photobucket onto Imgur and have had no problems at all...
Here's one (very nice, IMHO) of the recent photos of my beloved '85 Fuji Del Rey that is still going strong after 33 years.
Here's one (very nice, IMHO) of the recent photos of my beloved '85 Fuji Del Rey that is still going strong after 33 years.
05-27-18, 02:55 PM
#813
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: New York Metro Area
Posts: 4,217
Bikes: '02 Litespeed, '99 Bianchi Alfana. '91 Fuji Saratoga, '84 Peugeot Canyon Express, '82 Moto GR, '81 Fuji America, '81 Fuji Royale; '78 Bridgestone Diamond Touring, '76 Fuji America, plus many more!
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Still rolling smooth and easy at 37! 
07-16-18, 09:10 AM
#814
Virgo
My humble contribution, a '72-73-ish SRR (still haven't run the serial). I had been waiting for a 24"-25" frame with centerpulls that would fit fenders to use for my commuter and this one came up for sale locally for $45. I didn't have small bills so the seller got a $5 tip!
The bike was absolutely filthy, like it had been stored in a barn/garage for 20 years, covered in grease, oil, and who knows what. The Belt saddle was really hard but I oiled it a little and worked the leather around and it's softening a little. I rode that saddle to work for the first time this morning, not sure how I like it yet but I can definitely see the appeal (I've never ridden a leather saddle before). When it's set all the way back on the rails, the nose of the saddle is about 1cm further forward than I generally will set it, so there's some acclimation to that as well.
The original (steel) wheels were super rusty and the bearings need attention so I'm using another newer set of 27" alloys w/ a 6 sp 14-28 freewheel. The 28t cog is inaccessible, maybe due to spacing (?), but I haven't had it happen yet where I was wishing for it; the 24t seems OK. The original rear wheel has a 5 sp 13-24. I like the large flange hubs on the original wheels and have thought about lacing them up to some different rims but I'm not sure what I want to do yet. I'll go 700c if I decide to try and ride it this winter (700c will allow fitment of studded tires).
I have been in the habit of removing safety brake levers from my bikes, but I left them on this one. For commuting they're actually quite nice, especially in low speed environments like parking lots. I can ride the bar tops and enjoy better visibility and although the leverage is decreased when using the extensions, it's plenty to slow down/stop from 10-12mph.
I really like the bike, and am liking it more the more I ride it (and clean it). As far as fenders I'm not sure what direction I'm going to go yet. I don't really care for cheap black plastic ones so might just save my money for a little longer and get a full coverage set from Velo Orange or similar - BUT I do see on Ebay half a dozen or so sets of off-white or cream-colored Bluemels that I think would look super nice on this bike. For now, I'll just get wet and dirty.
The ride is really smooth and the drivetrain is quiet, it really so far is making a great commuter. I have about 100 commuting miles on it so far. This photo was taken right after I bought it, before I cleaned anything. I'll probably take another pic after fenders are installed and I've replaced the bar tape, cables, and housings. If I go white fenders, I think white cables will be nice. Silver fenders I may go with like a stainless braided cable housing. And I gotta get a frame pump to go on those pegs!
The bike was absolutely filthy, like it had been stored in a barn/garage for 20 years, covered in grease, oil, and who knows what. The Belt saddle was really hard but I oiled it a little and worked the leather around and it's softening a little. I rode that saddle to work for the first time this morning, not sure how I like it yet but I can definitely see the appeal (I've never ridden a leather saddle before). When it's set all the way back on the rails, the nose of the saddle is about 1cm further forward than I generally will set it, so there's some acclimation to that as well.
The original (steel) wheels were super rusty and the bearings need attention so I'm using another newer set of 27" alloys w/ a 6 sp 14-28 freewheel. The 28t cog is inaccessible, maybe due to spacing (?), but I haven't had it happen yet where I was wishing for it; the 24t seems OK. The original rear wheel has a 5 sp 13-24. I like the large flange hubs on the original wheels and have thought about lacing them up to some different rims but I'm not sure what I want to do yet. I'll go 700c if I decide to try and ride it this winter (700c will allow fitment of studded tires).
I have been in the habit of removing safety brake levers from my bikes, but I left them on this one. For commuting they're actually quite nice, especially in low speed environments like parking lots. I can ride the bar tops and enjoy better visibility and although the leverage is decreased when using the extensions, it's plenty to slow down/stop from 10-12mph.
I really like the bike, and am liking it more the more I ride it (and clean it). As far as fenders I'm not sure what direction I'm going to go yet. I don't really care for cheap black plastic ones so might just save my money for a little longer and get a full coverage set from Velo Orange or similar - BUT I do see on Ebay half a dozen or so sets of off-white or cream-colored Bluemels that I think would look super nice on this bike. For now, I'll just get wet and dirty.
The ride is really smooth and the drivetrain is quiet, it really so far is making a great commuter. I have about 100 commuting miles on it so far. This photo was taken right after I bought it, before I cleaned anything. I'll probably take another pic after fenders are installed and I've replaced the bar tape, cables, and housings. If I go white fenders, I think white cables will be nice. Silver fenders I may go with like a stainless braided cable housing. And I gotta get a frame pump to go on those pegs!
07-16-18, 11:06 AM
#815
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Still tinkering with this but here's the current configuration of my Fuji S12-s 650b conversion.
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Steel is real...and comfy.
Steel is real...and comfy.
07-16-18, 11:25 AM
#816
Virgo
Originally Posted by jamesdak
Still tinkering with this but here's the current configuration of my Fuji S12-s 650b conversion.
07-16-18, 12:08 PM
#817
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Originally Posted by Phamilton
That's really nice. Did you have to change the brakes? What kind of fenders are those?
Yep, went to a set of Dia-Compe Centerpull brakes.
The fenders are Velo Orange metal ones. Not the best choice. Those tires pick up everything and then the metal fenders amplify the noise of each little rock picked up.
__________________
Steel is real...and comfy.
Steel is real...and comfy.
07-16-18, 12:43 PM
#818
Senior Member
Originally Posted by jamesdak
Yep, went to a set of Dia-Compe Centerpull brakes.
The fenders are Velo Orange metal ones. Not the best choice. Those tires pick up everything and then the metal fenders amplify the noise of each little rock picked up.
The fenders are Velo Orange metal ones. Not the best choice. Those tires pick up everything and then the metal fenders amplify the noise of each little rock picked up.
07-16-18, 01:17 PM
#819
Senior Member
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Originally Posted by HTupolev
How much clearance do you have between tire and fender at the brake bridge and fork crown?
No idea to be honest. I can pass a 6 mm metal ball through no problem. The tight clearance is tire to the fork, about 4 mm per side. The rear has more clearance between the tire and chainstays. The tires are 650 x 42B.
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Steel is real...and comfy.
Steel is real...and comfy.
07-16-18, 04:16 PM
#820
Virgo
The tire clearance on these old bikes is impressive. If I were to convert to 700c, it looks like I could run a 38, maybe larger, without fenders, or a 32 or 35 with.
I checked the serial and mine is evidently a 73.
I checked the serial and mine is evidently a 73.
07-16-18, 05:46 PM
#821
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Originally Posted by Pompiere
My son's 1989 Club Fuji. I found it at a yard sale about 10 years ago really cheap. The seat post was stuck and tires were rotten, and the seat was shredded, but it had all the original parts. I got it road worthy, but my son was not a fan of the downtube shifters after crashing while reaching down to shift. I found a pair of 105 brake/shift levers for $5 at an antique mall, so I put those on. They were 8 speed and while they worked okay with the 7 speed hub, he needed better gearing, since he isn't in the flat lands any more. The crash messed up the rear wheel and I wasn't able to get it completely straight. Today I swapped in a set of wheels, found at another yard sale, with an 8 speed 11-30 cassette. The shifting is much better, too.
07-16-18, 06:42 PM
#822
Full Member
Originally Posted by jamesdak
Still tinkering with this but here's the current configuration of my Fuji S12-s 650b conversion.
I rode this bike for several years before finally ponying up for a Raleigh Super Tourer a la Gugificazione 650b conversion. I really liked it a lot. Ended up selling it to a good friend who rides with me on the weekends sometimes.
For what it's worth, I noticed the fender noise decreases a bit after a while, almost like the fender needs to be broken-in with some mud or debris.
07-17-18, 05:05 AM
#823
Senior Member
Got my 89 on the road finally a couple weeks ago. Replaced the bent handlebars and brake lever, new cables, etc. New tires, respoked th front rim, ended up putting on a 7 speed freewheel. Still working on getting fit right, but as far as I go, it is my lightest bike at 26 lbs, and has a nice fast feel.
07-17-18, 04:14 PM
#824
Senior Member
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I'm up to 5 of them now if you count the NOS '82 Monterey frame set that I have all the parts for but haven't assembled yet. Followed by an '83 Espree; '86 Team Fuji; '86 Del Rey and an '83 Royale II.
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".....distasteful and easily triggered."
".....distasteful and easily triggered."
07-23-18, 11:49 PM
#825
Roll Swift on the Thrift.
Join Date: Jul 2018
Posts: 54
Bikes: Nishiki Olympic, Fuji Grand, 1980? Scwhinn Le Tour, 1970 Concord Deluxe, American Flyer Emperor, 198(x) Cannondale road bike, Trek 720 Multi Trak, 198(x) Cannondale mountain bike, 198(x) Motobecane road bike, 196(x) Sears cruiser, 1960 Scwhinn Racer
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I have a Fuji Grand SE. In this thread, I have not seen one mention of this model. Anyone with experience with a Grand SE? Mine is one of my favorite of my bikes.
Using the website I found on here, I looked up the old sort of catalogues of Fujis and the only year I saw listed for the Grand was 1981. The strange thing is, it lists the shifters as being on the bars, but mine are down tube. I think it showed the Grand SE with those secondary brake levers (I learned a clever name for them here recently: Is it "Donkey Levers" or something like that? Ha!) but my Grand SE does not have them!
Using the website I found on here, I looked up the old sort of catalogues of Fujis and the only year I saw listed for the Grand was 1981. The strange thing is, it lists the shifters as being on the bars, but mine are down tube. I think it showed the Grand SE with those secondary brake levers (I learned a clever name for them here recently: Is it "Donkey Levers" or something like that? Ha!) but my Grand SE does not have them!
