pimp4cheddar

Hey folks.

I've been searching on this forum in ninja mode for awhile and decided I should just join.


For about an entire year I would go out and rent a road bike (twice a week) and ride, and slowly fell in love with the feeling of being on a bike - so much I decided I should bite the bullet and pick one up. So me being me - it took me 3 months to find the right bike as I weighted out every option humanly possible!


I was looking for my first bike and read a ton - everyone says to buy the best bike you can afford and make sure it's the best frame out of all choices.

I went around and rode a ton of different bikes...both carbon and alum.

I had always rented a bike and would rent a Revenio 3.0 (105 fitted alum) - so I didn't want to buy anything less than that. So with this being my first bike I said I want a nice lightweight alum bike with at least 105 components. As I started looking at bikes, the options clouded my judgement and I started telling myself, "no biggie, if I get this bike it's only $100 more than the other bike" and next thing you know I was considering $2,000 bikes (so I had to go back to the basics of what I wanted).

I searched craigslist for deals but I couldn't find the perfect bike in my size that hadn't been banged up.


The final two bikes I was stuck with was a 2013 Fuji 1.3 $900 from Performance Bike or a 2014 Cannondale Caad10 $1,500 from a LBS.


The Caad10 has a cult following and was cool...but it didn't sweep me off my feet. It felt great...but didn't make me tingle - granted it felt better than many of the other bikes I had been on. The Fuji made me sing...

I was told the right bike is one you feel like you can ride with your eyes closed. I felt really happy and in total control of the Fuji so I took the plunge and picked one up during their double point weekend so I not only got a beautiful bike for $900, I also got $180 in store credit. It was such a better deal than the Caad10, plus I felt much better on the Fuji than the Caad10.


With me being so new - I couldn't really tell the difference between a carbon and alum bike so I said I'll go alum as I'll end up upgrading anyway down the line!



I don't know why you don't see many Fuji owners on the road or even on here...but I'm definitely proud to say I own one. I'm getting used to riding in the streets as I'm used to bike trails.


It's past 1:00am so I'll post some pics tomorrow morning but I'm excited and just wanted to say hi. I obviously have a ton of questions and I'm definitely open to insight and critics!


Adding new pics:

lyrictenor1

Congratulations! I don't have my 2013 Roubaix 1.0 anymore (upgraded to an SST), but I really enjoyed the frame (put a good 3500 miles on it since October last year). I would have kept the frameset and built another bike with it, but I needed the cash. I felt the same way you did when I first rode a Roubaix : it just felt "right" for me. Enjoy your new ride!

BTW, I demo'd a CAAD10. It was nice, but it didn't feel as good as the Fuji to me.

a1penguin

Fuji is making a comeback. They are making quality bikes and not charging you for the privilege of owning their brand name! Finding a previous year Fuji on sale at Performance is a total win. I do see Fuji bikes on the road. I think you made a good purchase. Fit is the most important criteria when bike shopping and the Fuji really agrees with you. Can't wait to see the pics.

06SpiceRed

Congrats! As you can see <------ I ride a fuji.....or 4 and the Mrs just got her first one too. I started out with one that I got through EP pricing and gave it a shot and loved it. I have since added to the collection, not only because of the pricing I get, but because they genuininely have a great product. The are definitely making a solid comeback which is great to see. I also thing they have some of the best color schemes out there!

RPK79

Go Fuji! I find I climb much faster on my Fuji since it calls forth the power of Mount Fuji and smites all lesser hills like those in my region.

t.braxt

Glad to see you joined the sport. Looking toward to pictures. Have fun!!!!!

rekon

Sweet bike! Congrats!! I was in a similar dilemma a few months ago. I almost bought this bike over my CAAD10. The only reason why I went with a CAAD10 is because I found a lightly used one on CL that was significantly cheaper than the Fuji. Post pictures!!

pimp4cheddar

I appreciate the warm welcome! I finally uploaded a few pics - nothing crazy. I still have to get fit for the bike, change the bar tape to black, buy a new saddle (later on) and lower the stem a little:

RPK79

Awww. It's already comfortable around you enough to expose its soft underbelly.

lyrictenor1

Sweet looking ride! I had the black 1.0 LE (which looked sharp), but the white rocks as well! Enjoy!

schiiism

I bought a jersey with sakura blossoms to wear riding my Fuji so it would feel more at home




Congrats on your new Fuji, I just bought mine recently too and I couldn't be happier

RPK79

Cute jersey.

rms13

What's wrong with the bar tape? If it's comfortable I would ride it till it wears out. But flip that stem so it angles down ;-)

Vicegrip

Good bike. I just bought a 1.3 for my Dear Wife and she loves it. 105 works well and the wheels are very good for a bike in this price range.

I have about 10,000 miles on a SST. Original rear wheel had an issue and Fuji upgraded the set rather than mess with it. No bragging rights crabon bike that gets it done well and more than holds its own with the $$$ bikes it rides with.

goenrdoug

Nice new ride! Congrats! Welcome!

Please review rule 49: Velominati ? The Rules

pimp4cheddar

Wow...was not aware of the rules. I'll definitely read up on them lol

But yes - the white saddle gets really dirty that way!

Lazyass

Sweet bike, especially for that price.

Sepulvd

Nice bike. I ride a fuji as we'll it's a Stratos R. FUJI are making nice bikes.

goenrdoug

You can't be too careful around here: https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycli...-yell-you.html

pimp4cheddar

I'm at about 16mph on my rides...I have a lot of learning to do - trust me...

pimp4cheddar

Buying new bar tape and looking for a black stem.

I'm going with the Sram SuperSport bar tape...as it feels amazing and looks great in black.


Any recommendations for a black stem?