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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)

Old 07-18-12, 07:24 AM
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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:







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Old 07-18-12, 07:27 AM
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More After Pictures








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Old 07-18-12, 07:36 AM
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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!


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Old 07-18-12, 07:37 AM
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wow, that looks like it's in great shape.
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Old 07-18-12, 07:56 AM
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Nice job cleaning it up! Looks great,
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Old 07-18-12, 08:00 AM
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Originally Posted by cycleheimer
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!


Originally Posted by himespau
wow, that looks like it's in great shape.
Thanks Cycleheimer and Himespau!

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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Old 07-18-12, 08:04 AM
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Awesome.

What was wrong with the Mountech?
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Old 07-18-12, 08:16 AM
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Originally Posted by Pars
Nice job cleaning it up! Looks great,
Thanks!

Originally Posted by The MAX
Awesome.

What was wrong with the Mountech?
Thanks again! A spring was rusted and broke. The derailleur would not take the slack out of the chain. I'm going to use it for parts.
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Old 07-18-12, 08:55 AM
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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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Old 07-18-12, 09:34 AM
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It was destiny my man.
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Old 07-18-12, 09:59 AM
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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.

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Old 07-18-12, 10:22 AM
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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!
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Old 07-18-12, 11:03 AM
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very cool. what are the tires?
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Old 07-18-12, 11:45 AM
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Originally Posted by wrk101
Great work! Those touring Fujis were very special (I've had a few, none my size unfortunately).
Thanks Bill! Thankfully this is my size and it fits perfectly! I'm very fortunate.
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Old 07-18-12, 11:48 AM
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Originally Posted by ScottRyder
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
Thanks Scott! I'm presently in the process of equipping this bike with racks and panniers. I will likely take a short trip next week, but I will likely use my Miyata. I want to ride this ride more locally before I head out on a longer trip.

Sorry, the pump is not. It is a Zefal.
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Old 07-18-12, 11:49 AM
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Originally Posted by auchencrow
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!
Sakae Low Fat pedals are cool. I have a set. Not the easiest to find. either.
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Old 07-18-12, 11:51 AM
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Originally Posted by auchencrow
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!
Thanks Auchen!

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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Old 07-18-12, 11:55 AM
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Originally Posted by Chris Chicago
very cool. what are the tires?
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!
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Old 07-18-12, 11:58 AM
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Originally Posted by realestvin7
Sakae Low Fat pedals are cool. I have a set. Not the easiest to find. either.
Thanks Realestvin7!

I've always liked the pedals, and I've taken them off several bikes before I sold them. Thanks for the info!
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Old 07-18-12, 12:27 PM
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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.
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Old 07-18-12, 03:29 PM
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Originally Posted by WNG
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.
Thanks WNG!

You are absolutely correct about the features. It still needs some minor work, but it has been fantastic so far!
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Old 07-18-12, 03:49 PM
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Originally Posted by bikemanbob
Thanks Bill! Thankfully this is my size and it fits perfectly! I'm very fortunate.
I seem to recall you've scored a slew of awesome touring bikes. You certainly are fortunate.

Congratulations!
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Old 07-18-12, 04:41 PM
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Originally Posted by bikemanbob
Thanks Auchen!

After our last dispute, I thought you might enjoy a different background on the first "after" picture. .....
I'm gonna come in the middle of the night to abscond with that lawn swing.... I'm sure it will help sell my $500 boat anchor.
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Old 07-18-12, 05:18 PM
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Originally Posted by auchencrow
I'm gonna come in the middle of the night to abscond with that lawn swing.... I'm sure it will help sell my $500 boat anchor.
You can read this thread for the background on this "inside" joke ...

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!

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Old 07-18-12, 08:26 PM
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Beautiful bike, Congratulations!

One day Ill get me one of those!
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