I Wanted a Fuji America: I Bought a Fuji Touring IV! (Before and After)
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I Wanted a Fuji America: I Bought a Fuji Touring IV! (Before and After)
After much searching and failed attempts, I finally have my Fuji Touring Bike. I have been unsuccessfully searching for a Fuji America when a Fuji Touring IV presented itself. I've always had an affection for Fujis.
Without going into too much of a sob story, my dad gambled away his family. Growing up, we had very few things; and what we did have was often taken away. I did have this old Fuji road bike that had no value. This was one of the few items that I was able to keep.
Although I lost out on several Fuji Americas, the Fuji Touring IV just feel into my hands. A gentleman was prepared to throw it out when I offered him some cash. Although I didn't have the cash at the moment, I quickly borrowed it from a friend. I am now the pleased owner of a Fuji Touring bike. Also, I am a big fan of green bikes, and I think this one is beautiful!
(I would have liked to have kept the Mountech derailleurs but they were broken. I went with the Shimano because it is what I had available)
Before:

After:

More Before:






Without going into too much of a sob story, my dad gambled away his family. Growing up, we had very few things; and what we did have was often taken away. I did have this old Fuji road bike that had no value. This was one of the few items that I was able to keep.
Although I lost out on several Fuji Americas, the Fuji Touring IV just feel into my hands. A gentleman was prepared to throw it out when I offered him some cash. Although I didn't have the cash at the moment, I quickly borrowed it from a friend. I am now the pleased owner of a Fuji Touring bike. Also, I am a big fan of green bikes, and I think this one is beautiful!
(I would have liked to have kept the Mountech derailleurs but they were broken. I went with the Shimano because it is what I had available)
Before:

After:

More Before:







#2
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More After Pictures















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A "C&V" guy can't ask for much more! If that thing got thrown into the back of a garbage truck and got crunched it would have been the crime of the century! Incredibly nice catch/save! The paint looks "primo". Were there actually any scratches? Under all that schutz it came with was it like brand new? Looks like new in the "after" pix!
Now that you have this super nice touring machine it's time for the hard part ... Metro Detroit to Big Sur!
Now that you have this super nice touring machine it's time for the hard part ... Metro Detroit to Big Sur!










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wow, that looks like it's in great shape.
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A "C&V" guy can't ask for much more! If that thing got thrown into the back of a garbage truck and got crunched it would have been the crime of the century! Incredibly nice catch/save! The paint looks "primo". Were there actually any scratches? Under all that schutz it came with was it like brand new? Looks like new in the "after" pix!
Now that you have this super nice touring machine it's time for the hard part ... Metro Detroit to Big Sur!

Now that you have this super nice touring machine it's time for the hard part ... Metro Detroit to Big Sur!










I'm as surprised as anyone as to its condition. I had no idea that it would turn out so well. The scratches are very few. The decals do show very minor wear.
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Awesome.
What was wrong with the Mountech?
What was wrong with the Mountech?
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Great work! Those touring Fujis were very special (I've had a few, none my size unfortunately).
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Great job, the Touring Series line, the III, IV and V are really nice bikes. If you're really into touring, the IV is a better choice compared to the America model ..
btw, is the frame pump shown in the first photo, any chance that's a Primus? I'm looking for a black Primus for my Opus III.
Scott
btw, is the frame pump shown in the first photo, any chance that's a Primus? I'm looking for a black Primus for my Opus III.
Scott
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Fantastic before and after Bikeman! Great work - great score! 
PS - Does it say what I think it says on the pedals? "Low Fat" - What a catchy name!

PS - Does it say what I think it says on the pedals? "Low Fat" - What a catchy name!

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Great job, the Touring Series line, the III, IV and V are really nice bikes. If you're really into touring, the IV is a better choice compared to the America model ..
btw, is the frame pump shown in the first photo, any chance that's a Primus? I'm looking for a black Primus for my Opus III.
Scott
btw, is the frame pump shown in the first photo, any chance that's a Primus? I'm looking for a black Primus for my Opus III.
Scott
Sorry, the pump is not. It is a Zefal.
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After our last dispute, I thought you might enjoy a different background on the first "after" picture.

I've never noticed the name on the pedals before, and I've used them on several bikes. I've removed them because they need serviced. Great observation.
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When I bought the tires, I was very concerned about the sidewall color. It looks more orange than gum. However, they look great on this bike. They are Michelin Touring if I recall correctly. They are a basic entry level tire.
Thanks Chris!
Thanks Chris!
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Wow, nice score and great results. It went to the right person, meant to be yours.
Reminds me of my Specialized Expedition find. Unfortunately, my decals have some damage, and the bike's a bit big for me. But these high quality dedicated tourers are loaded with such nice details.
Reminds me of my Specialized Expedition find. Unfortunately, my decals have some damage, and the bike's a bit big for me. But these high quality dedicated tourers are loaded with such nice details.
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Wow, nice score and great results. It went to the right person, meant to be yours.
Reminds me of my Specialized Expedition find. Unfortunately, my decals have some damage, and the bike's a bit big for me. But these high quality dedicated tourers are loaded with such nice details.
Reminds me of my Specialized Expedition find. Unfortunately, my decals have some damage, and the bike's a bit big for me. But these high quality dedicated tourers are loaded with such nice details.
You are absolutely correct about the features. It still needs some minor work, but it has been fantastic so far!
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Congratulations!
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Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
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https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...innocent-buyer
Buy his $500 Huffy bicycle today...

... and he'll throw in a free (albeit "hot") lawn swing!
BTW, that Fuji probably is a $500 bike!
Last edited by cycleheimer; 07-18-12 at 05:22 PM.
#25
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Beautiful bike, Congratulations!
One day Ill get me one of those!
One day Ill get me one of those!