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Fuji Nevada v1.0 (2006) - MTB Review

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Fuji Nevada v1.0 (2006) - MTB Review

Old 06-07-06, 12:08 AM
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Fuji Nevada v1.0 (2006) - MTB Review

To kick off this analysis, I have to say I like this bike. I like
it a lot, for several reasons, although perhaps some improvements
down the right may want to be considered.

A big advantage of this bike, are the derailleurs Shimano Acera, and
rear derailleur Shimano Alivio. When coupled with the Shimano
Acera EZ Fire shifter, the performance in changing gears instantaneously,
seamlessly, and frequently is flawless...and as pleasing as my other
bike's Shimano SORA derailleur and shifters (on a Fuji Ace.) This is
critical to keep up the momentum, speed, and drive in maintaining
a certain cadence.

Next, the tires, and MTB aspect comes into the play, such that
gravel, dirt roads feel as comfortable to ride on, as your living
room sofa or chair. It just rides over bumps, small holes and what
not effortlessly, due to the Suntour XCM 28mm front suspension.

Another absolutely critical aspect, is the braking capability,
especially for those like me, riding in major cities. The ProMax 3.0
Brake set (rotor) will leave rubber on the asphalt and roads, such
is the immediate and unmistakable braking capability of this system.
Bear in mind, however, I am a type of ride that doesn't need to
wear gloves to ride a bike, weigh 200 lbs, and have done a lot of
weight lifting in the past, such that my gripping power is robust.
Perhaps those with smaller fingers, hands or more delicate skin
will consider hydraulic brakes (also rotor) found on more expensive
models and systems that need a lot less squeezing strength from
the hands and fingers. Really great set of brakes, altough I am
aware of the risks and care needed of keeping the rotor or brake
wheel perfectly straight, as once bent, it probably will need
replacing. Brake pad costs are also a further unknown, or how
often they need replacing.

One essential aspect, that convinced me to avoid Walmart, or entry
level MTB bikes, as was the case with my hybrid and road bikes
(also from Fuji) was the fact that there were multiple sizes...I
had the 22 inch frame, and it really is a great feeling to have
the proper fit frame, such that power from the legs is adequately
applied to the crank, something that doesn't happen if the rider
is not fitted to the bike.

Some other observations.....the MTB is heavy, despite being made
of aluminum .....and as such, will require more energy and power
to maintain speed than a road bike (obviously, the tires, and
width of the wheels are a factor, too) yet the quality of
the components shines as maintaining a fast cruising speed is not
difficult with this bike.

Regarding the frame, Fuji Altair 2 custom butted aluminum and
7005 aluminum rear triangle, there's no doubt its robust, and
clearly, this design and the materials will resist a lot of
abuse that riders may want to place on it...more than overkill
IMO.

Another possible future improvement, relates to the current
inability to elevate even slightly the handlebars.

Another improvement, could be the crank size, and torque ratio
which I find a bit small....true, to climb a hill, a small crank
wheel is probably a great help, yet if going downhill, the crank
simply is unable to deliver higher speed potential from its small
wheel size. The TruVativ ISOFLOW has a great feel, and is flawless.

A questionable choice in matters of durability has to do with
the seat post and seat clamp.....how long does the design last
before the metal possible bends or weakens before it fails
altogether ? The clamp works fine, but .....in a few years, will
it still be strong enough to prevent the seat post from sliding down ?

A final observation, is that on the Nevada v1.0, it's a bit awkward
to "sprint" on a stretch of good road, by standing up slightly
on the MTB, as the Suntour XCM 28mm front suspension will tend
to bob up and down, like a yoyo, as the power is applied from the legs
to the crank....I noticed this can easily be adjusted so it can oscillate less.


Overall, as compared to my Fuji Crosstown hybrid, this is definitely
an enormous improvement. I hate the Crosstown's SRAM MRX Plus twist-shifters
that are a major annoyance, and seem to constantly change on their own.
Also, the Shimano Altus MegaRange rear derailleur on the Crosstown
seems unreliable and prone to failing. The crosstown also has a
SR/Suntour XCC-100 forged aluminum crank, which isn't bad....but
I feel, as with the Nevada MTB, is relatively small ....and the
torque ratio, as such, limited in potential when the rider wants
to peak at a higher speed on the road.

The conclusion, is that a major overhaul of components on the
Fuji Crosstown hybrid should be carried out, no doubt, even it
this means an increase in retail price. The SRAM MRX Plus twist-shifters
have to be trashed, as does the Shimano Altus MegaRange rear derailleur.
The Pro Max v2.0 linear pull brakes are a further evil, but with
some work, perhaps can be tolerated.

Last edited by kevmetric; 06-11-06 at 12:47 PM.
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Old 06-07-06, 07:58 AM
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Fuji makes a hell of a bike, I have an 02 Sunfire.
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Old 06-11-06, 12:45 PM
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It rides great, especially for RAINY and I am hoping, SNOWY weather ...suspension had
to be adjusted, however, as it was too soft.

Here's a picture:
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