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Fuji a Good Deal?

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Fuji a Good Deal?

Old 11-17-20, 12:27 AM
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Fuji a Good Deal?

Hi,

I am completely new to cycling (and this forum, Hello!) and am looking for a decent single speed/fixed gear for the price. As a college student I can't spend too much so I have been doing research and stumbled upon this 56cm Fuji Feather from 2014 being sold locally for $200. Initially it looked like a solid value...

Upon asking for more pictures it turned out the paint is chipped in many places on the frame and there is a small dent on the frame near the front end of the top tube, about 1/2 wide and not too deep. The chips don't show any rust that I could tell. I talked the owner down to $165 after looking at it and test riding it. I enjoyed the ride and I felt comfortable riding it. I didn't notice any rust on the frame and the owner claimed there to be none as well, but I did notice that the brake springs were rusted so that worried me. The front wheel would also not stay in place and turned toward one side when bike was held from the seat, but I'm not sure if this is normal or not. My concern is that the parts are not worth the value of just buying a new Fuji Feather or waiting for a better one to come along for not much more and that the frame is too badly damaged with the chips and dent for the price. The seat is a cheap seat from amazon looks like, the crankset is unmarked and rather generic looking in terms of build quality and the wheels don't look much better either, though seem to be in good condition. Tires will probably need replacing soon but not too sure. Also has new bar tape on the drop bars. I would post pics but can't yet.

My questions are: this a good value or can I do better? Do Fuji Feather bikes usually sell for this? For what it is, is it a good starter bike for short rides, getting into cycling, and commutes?

Thanks
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Old 11-17-20, 07:07 AM
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https://archive.fujibikes.com/2014/Fuji/feather4

There's the original specs so you can compare what is original and what might be a replacement part. The Fuji Feather has a pretty nice frame and so-so parts. I think the current models are priced around $600.00 or so.

The dent in the top tube was probably caused by the drop bars banging into it. They make a rubber protector which can cover that area going forward. I doubt the dent is going to cause any structural issues, just cosmetic.

Only you can decide whether there is too much damage to the paint. Some don't care, some are very picky and even the smallest chip bothers them. You decide. Of course you could always place some decals strategically around the bike or get some touch-up paint.

You aren't going to get much for $200.00 (or the $165.00 you negotiated) in any case, so if you are new to cycling and just want to jump in and get your feet wet, then this may represent a decent starter bike.
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Old 11-17-20, 08:15 PM
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165 discounted for a complete Fuji Feather second hand? That's very good value.

From what you descriptions; The bike probably accidentally crashes with handlebar banging into the top tube, weather its crashes with the wall or road. But if dent not looks so terrible and deep, its so totally rideable. Fuji Feather is CroMo double butted 4130, its very strong and bombproof.

This really seems solid. I would go. If you check the top tube dent, try to turn handlebar to the most left/right. If handlebar is hit the toptube to the dent, so its handlebar bang and dented the toptube. Nothing fatal. And you tested the ride yourself, you feel nothing wrong and feel good. Go for it.
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Old 11-18-20, 09:43 PM
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It's an OK bike after riding one I was not a fan but the price isn't super horrible. It isn't great but trying to find a bike for that price is tough without it being total crap. The frame is at least 4130 cromoly even if generic stuff better than most of the hi-ten gaspipes you will find so it wouldn't be a terrible candidate for some minor upgrades and if you like vintage looking bikes this hits a good mark.
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Old 11-20-20, 07:51 PM
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Originally Posted by grs32
Hi,

I am completely new to cycling (and this forum, Hello!) and am looking for a decent single speed/fixed gear for the price. As a college student I can't spend too much so I have been doing research and stumbled upon this 56cm Fuji Feather from 2014 being sold locally for $200. Initially it looked like a solid value...

Upon asking for more pictures it turned out the paint is chipped in many places on the frame and there is a small dent on the frame near the front end of the top tube, about 1/2 wide and not too deep. The chips don't show any rust that I could tell. I talked the owner down to $165 after looking at it and test riding it. I enjoyed the ride and I felt comfortable riding it. I didn't notice any rust on the frame and the owner claimed there to be none as well, but I did notice that the brake springs were rusted so that worried me. The front wheel would also not stay in place and turned toward one side when bike was held from the seat, but I'm not sure if this is normal or not. My concern is that the parts are not worth the value of just buying a new Fuji Feather or waiting for a better one to come along for not much more and that the frame is too badly damaged with the chips and dent for the price. The seat is a cheap seat from amazon looks like, the crankset is unmarked and rather generic looking in terms of build quality and the wheels don't look much better either, though seem to be in good condition. Tires will probably need replacing soon but not too sure. Also has new bar tape on the drop bars. I would post pics but can't yet.

My questions are: this a good value or can I do better? Do Fuji Feather bikes usually sell for this? For what it is, is it a good starter bike for short rides, getting into cycling, and commutes?

Thanks
if your going to be locking it up outside your dorms or school buy it and you won’t lose sleep if someone snags it or gets banged up.
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Old 11-20-20, 10:03 PM
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Maybe take a look on Bikeisland.com?
They often have pretty decent scratch and dent offerings in the single-speed/fixie/track category for cheap.
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