4Rings6Stars

An 84 Fuji del Rey is the reason I fell in love with vintage bikes and the reason I'm here. Since then, I have become a bit of a bike snob and I've sold off all my Japanese bikes and have left Fujis behind, chasing around American bikes and bikes bearing the name of some fat Belgian guy instead. Looking at this bike brings me back and reminds me why I love bikes--it's simple but beautiful, built to work and to last.

Short story on how I acquired this beauty, then some mediocre pictures.

Up late doing homework tonight, I checked craigslist as I normally do to distract myself from my riveting finance and accounting homework and I see this ad, posted only a few minutes earlier:
"A 12 Speed Team Fuji Bicycle with a Kryptonite lock is for sale . The bike is in excellent shape as it is rarely used. I'm moving out of the state ."

No pictures but it's in my neighborhood, price is right and sounds interesting so I shot off an email. I email back and forth with the seller and find out he is only two buildings down from me and he's a night owl too so I head over. His apartment is nearly empty since he's in the process of packing and off in the corner, upside down with flat tires, is the most beautiful Fuji I've seen (in person - Scott and Keith, your bikes don't count I only see them in internet fantasy land). He is the original owner and told me the bike was purchased in Cambridge in the 80's and has sat upside down in his apartment since then.

The hoods have deteriorated, minor brake marks on the front rim and lots of dust but immaculate condition otherwise. Appears to be 100% original down to the tires, housing, bar tape and chain. The gold Ukai rims and Fujita annatomical saddle are very cool. https://classicfuji.com/TeamFuji_1983_Page.htm

It's too big for me (it's a 55) and I'm still a snob and only ride modern Campy but I'm still going to have a hard time parting with this one.

Here are some terrible quality iphone pictures, somebody please find my camera charger!! I haven't even wiped the dust off, I'll try to post some better quality 'after' photos later.

4Rings6Stars

Oh yeah, best part of the deal was that he threw in a Yakima bike tray for a roof rack and I've been searching craigslist for one!

Chef Bigs

If you send it to me promptly I'll make sure it is properly taken care of. Wouldn't want it to get neglected and collect more dust.

realestvin7

Those rims are ridiculous. Neat.

mapleleafs-13 

Hey nice score! The gold rims are awesome, looks like it's in really good condition. What color is it? Looks like dark brown or black? And what components are on it, just standard shimano?

Btw I still need that campy spacer kit!!! Sell it to me!!!! Lol

kc0yef 

I know where a nice pantographed fuji crankset is...
nice the gold rimes are well perfect eighties...

smoothness 

ha...i totally emailed this guy around 2 AM asking if it was still available...darn you 4ring.

KonAaron Snake 

I still really dig the Miyatas and Lotus bikes - no matter how nice some of the other stuff is.

They also don't break your heart if damaged/stolen.

4Rings6Stars

It's dark brown, build is listed in the linked catalog page but is all Suntour and Sugino, no Shimano.

The rims are ridiculous but I like them. The chain and freewheel are also gold, under literally 1/8" of dust.

My good luck ran out this morning when I flatted on my commute to school...no more commuting on 23's.

ScottRyder 

Very nice Alex, very nice. I've always wanted to find a Team or a Del Rey in absolute mint condition .... and in my size.

Come on up some time and all show you the fantasy Fuji group. I have a new one that I KNOW you'll like, you Campy snob!

Scott

Orrery

Nice score! I saw that this morning and emailed but was too late The early bird gets the worm!

mikeinroch

I have the same bike, that one looks like a beautiful example, all stock, and it must be very low mileage to have that much gold anodizing still on the rims. New hoods and tires and it'll be good to go. I've never ridden any other nice road bikes, but I really like mine, it's seems like a nice compromise between racy and comfortable. I commute on it 3 seasons and have raced in duathlons with it. My rim sidewalls are now totally grey, even though mine ran a second tubular wheelset for a long time.

khatfull

Dibs on the wheels when you part it out.

Nice!!!

ScottRyder 

Whoa! Back off, stay in Minnesota, this is my territory!

Alex, what's the tubing on that, the 9658 or the 331?. The 9658 would be the same as the Pro and Opus.

Scott

Zaphod Beeblebrox 

WHITE WHALE!!!

This was the first C&V bike I ever lusted for. I rode about 15 miles on one that Tom Reingold owned for a little while and was smitten.

Very cool. Add me to the list of people who want it

no, seriously.

khatfull

Hey dibs is dibs dude!

4Rings6Stars

Tubing is 9658.

I measured it at 54x54. Close to fitting and you guys are making me want to keep it... but I'm in the process of thinning the herd so this one will have to go.

I was planning on cleaning it up and selling it in the spring, but if any of you are seriously interested send me a PM.

ftwelder

Here is what they looked like warshed up. I finally found an original (ripped) saddle, chain and toe straps, yesterday!



27 021 by barnstormerbikes, on Flickr

Zaphod Beeblebrox 

Nice, a tallboy!