New Rider Looking to purchase either Raleigh Cadent F0 or Fuji Absolute 3.0
 

Hello! I am new to riding and need something that will get me up hills, but not looking to go 20 miles or anything as this will primarily be a commuter bike. I'm looking at either purchasing the Raleigh Cadent F0 or Fuji Absolute 3.0. The Fuji would come with a lifetime warranty (at the shop) and has a very small dent in the top tube. I've had a couple shops look at it and they say it's just cosmetic, so the bike price would be around $390. The Cadent would be $450 with a year warranty, but if it's a better bike I'd rather purchase it. I honestly know nothing about bikes and would love to take a break from running some days. Thanks so much guys and I look forward to hearing from you!

I like the Fuji & performancebikes.com has a closeout on 2010 3.0's for $299 new -- takes a couple of weeks to get it.

I commute from 5 to 30 miles one way, like it a lot (switch from MTB)

Wow. I just got a flyer in the mail from Performance Bike. They have the 2011 Absolute 2.0 for $600!?! That may be too good to pass up!

Beware of Fuji.

Most people who have actually owned one aren't exactly thrilled with them.

I am currently commuting 3 days a week on an Absolute 3.0 for 9 miles each way plus errands. I really like this bike.

Price and components usually have its say in the end. But, geometry and comfort on the bike should be included. If it is, price might be secondary. From my point of view, two strong brands - must be tested!

Wow, you have stats to back this up or does a negative thread or two by noobs on a website totally negate a reputation built over the past 112 years?

+1, the Raleigh's seem to be underrated these days and I like their lineup.

Settle down Mr. Fuji!

Most people I speak to (and Fuji is a pretty heavily promoted bike in Australia) along with most posts you read on here that mention Fuji are not too happy with them. I can speak from personal experience.

Have you ever dealt with their after market service?

Please go and have your bad day somewhere else in future...and maybe remove the "d" from the end of your name...might be more appropriate.

Also...you say "the Raleigh's seem to be underrated these days and I like their lineup." Who's underrating them...I'm certainly not. Do you have stats to back this up?

I appreciate the thoughts both good and bad on the Fujis. I did see a few threads on here that make me question their quality as of late. It seems like they are becoming part of the "store brand" in the Performance Bike shops around here. I have to admit that by doing that, it makes me wonder if they are taking a step down in the quality. Still though, it's a $1000 bike almost marked down by half. I figured was worth a look...until I saw the 2012 sneak preivew link on the Specialized website today. I think I may just wait on one of those instead.

There will always be a flashier bike :)

Been putting between 100 and 160 miles a week on my Absolute 3, works fine. Not sure what all the furor is about, are you going to race it?