pweav

Hey everybody. My name is Pat. I've been a beginner rider for about 20 years. Recently, my interest in 80's Japanese road bikes really took off. I purchased a 1982 or 1983 Team Fuji from craigslist for about $100 about two years ago and rode it pretty consistently about 40-50 miles a week for a year until it was stolen from my basement. Dejected, I kinda put my riding interest on the back burner until a few weeks ago when I decided to look for another bike. This is when I learned about frame size. I purchased a beautiful 1985 Nishiki Cresta touring bike from CL - again, $100. Rode the bike a bit and realized I needed to lower the seat, so I lowered it all the way. Felt pretty good. I googled "road bike size" and learned. I measured the Nishiki...63cm. WAY too big. Again, I felt dejected, but I figured I'd just post the bike on craigslist for $100 and try again. It sold in a matter of hours.

So, here I am at square one. I think I want to try a 58cm frame (I'm 5'10", 32.5" inseam), and there's a 1983 Fuji Del Rey in near mint condition (garage kept, 100% original, even has owner's manual) on CL for $150. Also see a 1989 Panasonic Sport DX for $100 (doesn't look nearly as clean as the Fuji).

Think these will fit? Should I go for it? Which one? I'm sick of looking. Just wanna ride.

Lacumo

Welcome to BF! The best way to see if they fit right or not is to take them out for a test ride. That should answer most questions pretty quickly.

Deal4Fuji

Welcome to BF ! I really like my '82 Fuji Supreme, I hope the Del Rey fits you

pweav

Thank you for your welcoming me. I did purchase the 1983 Fuji del Rey 58cm. Like I said, it was advertised as "near mint condition", "garage kept", etc. Drove 60 miles to pick it up to find that although there was no rust or damage, the bike was hiding under what appeared to be 30 years worth of dirt, grease, sweat, and general grime. Also, the bike was equipped with just about every accessory I could imagine (cargo racks, cargo bags, an air pump clipped onto the frame, headlight, kickstand, toe-clips, bell, etc.). It was unsightly, and when I tried to take it for a quick spin, the chain broke in three places. But, I drove 60 miles, the bike seemed to fit, and considering the absence of rust or apparent structural damage, I figured I could spend some time trying to restore it back to a respectable vehicle. Offered $75 and struck a deal!

First thing I did was strip all the accessories from the bike. Then, removed old brake lever hoods (which were deteriorated to the consistency of semi-hardened tree-sap) and handle bar tape. It took me two days of after-work scrubbing to clean the bars and levers. Next, I removed, cleaned and polished all other components (brake calipers, derailleurs, shifters, crankset, etc.). Polished and cleaned everything with excellent results - everything cleaned up real nice! Gave the frame a nice bath, replaced chain and all cables, scrubbed rims and spokes with 000 steel wool, re-assembled bike, tuned and adjusted brakes and derailleurs, installed new brake lever hoods and bar tape.

Took it for a quick 10 mile spin yesterday - I am absolutely thrilled with how this bike turned out!

Here's some pics...whattya think? I'm kinda bummed that I didn't think to take "before" pics before I started, but very happy with results. This is my first restore. Can't wait to get home and ride today!

Deal4Fuji

Great job and good deal at ½ price !