mwandaw

I saw a Fuji Absolute 4.2 tandem advertised in the Orange County (CA) Craigslist. Since my wife and I are thinking about buying another tandem, I did a Google search for this bike and came up with almost nothing. We still wanted to try the bike, so we met the owners and gave it a test ride. Our impressions are listed below with the hope of helping anyone else who might be interested in one of these tandems.

First, here are the only links that seemed useful to me:

BikePedia
2007 Fuji Absolute 4.2
2006 Fuji Absolute 4.2

Road Bike Review
Fuji Bicycles Absolute Tandem Tandem Bike

Our Ride Impression

Before riding, we gave the bike a quick inspection. It is a "hybrid" style bike with flat bars, grip shifters, 700 x 30c tires, nine rear cogs and a three-sprocket crankset for a total of 27 speeds. The bike we rode was apparently a 2006 model with dark gray paint, and it looked good. The wheels spun freely, the front wheel was true, and the rear wheel was close to true. Fuji claimed a weight of 34 pounds, but our scale said 38 pounds with pedals, but otherwise completely stock with no accessories. Overall, the bike seemed to be nicely made.

When we hopped on, our first impression was that the bike felt light and responsive. The Shimano Deore rear derailleur moved through the gears positively. Shifting in the front was not positive or quick, but we did end up on the desired sprocket. The V-brakes required a firm grip. The saddles were good for OEM equipment. I'm 5'9", my wife is 5'3", and after some quick adjustments the fit of the 21"/17" bike seemed OK. It might be too small for a larger team.

As we spent some time accelerating hard and riding at a fast pace I began to think that the front handlebar was flexing a lot. Eventually I realized that the soft foam handlebar grips were responsible that sensation. However, we never did get rid of the feeling that the bike was not just light weight, but also best for light duty.

I can't say that I actually observed the frame flexing, but some things we noticed make me think that it was. My wife and I both finished our ride with the feeling that the bike was "wimpy". When we pedaled hard, the chain rubbed lightly on the front derailleur. Was it just out of adjustment, or was something flexing? We have ridden our Trek T900 (also sort of a "hybrid") on all sorts of paved and unpaved roads, and it has always felt solid and confidence-inspiring. We did not feel that way about this Fuji. We recently rode a 2002 Cannondale RT1000, and even though it felt lightweight and responsive, it felt as solid as a rock compared to the Fuji Absolute.

In the end we decided that the bike was not for us. That's too bad, because we were hoping to buy it and upgrade and change some components in order to end up with a nice, low-cost road tandem.

We are not a powerful and fast team. However, we certainly ride quickly at an "enthusiast" level on our own and with our friends in the Orange County Rebel Riders. We would not be satisfied with this bike, but I think that someone who wants to ride for casual fun would like it. It seems to be well-made, and the flat bars and light weight would make it inviting to casual riders. Plus, if you can find one, you can probably buy it for a great price.

We enjoyed our test ride. For us it's a lot of fun to compare how different makers try to solve the same puzzle. Many thanks to "Sam" and his wife, who were selling the bike and took the time to let us try it.

wheelspeed

Well, good that you got it out on a test ride. Although you felt it wasn't for you, you now have another data point for a later informed decision.

Looks like a good thorough test too. (You even weighed it!) Should come in handy for someone down the road.

In defense of a lower cost tandem, a hybrid with a resilient frame could be a good combination for people who aren't a strong team but want a soft ride and mostly ride on bike-paths, etc. But it does sound like you should be looking for a road tandem.

zonatandem

Good for ABSOLUTE casual riding, bikepaths and around the block. Heavy to be sure.
Like there are all kinds of oranges, there are all kinds of tandems.
The C'dale is many leagues above the Fuji in all respects.
Yes, have ridden both brands of bikes.
Pedal on!
Rudy and Kay/zonatandem

AdventureBiker

Wow. I'm so glad I found your write up. I'm seriously considering a low cost tandem for the fiancee and myself. Im an experienced cyclist and she is a complete beginner. Neither of us have any tandem experience but I am considering one so we can ride together yet ride at our own abilities & level. I was looking for something affordable & low cost (not low end) and I found one of these Fujis online practically brand new (the ad says it's been ridden twice as a shop demo). The price seems to be really good considering perceived build quality and spec (I havent seen the bike yet in person). I searched google for more info on this model and basically have come up with nothing at all other than your excellent review. Thank you very much!!!

WPH

Dude


We own one of these bikes and like it - see this writeup: https://www.bikeforums.net/tandem-cyc...e-4-2-hit.html. It has a short rear cockpit so won't suit a taller stoker. But for the $$ I think the bike is good - plenty stiff and light enough at 17kg with mudguards, adjustable stoker stem and cyclocross tires (lightness would be easy). Certainly it is stiff enough for me as the captain, and feels stiff compared to our older Trek T200. All the kit is perfectly fine, a set of proper tandem cross-over cranks, strong (but heavy) wheels and decent gears (Deore) and brakes (Tektro Vs). Ours cost <$700 in perfect condition. Nothing new comes close to the quality for that price!

FWIW my brother has a KHS Milano, also available at good prices, which is probably a bit better than the Fuji and often turns up with drop bars and STIs - better than flat bars in my book. You will see I converted my Fuji to drop bars for a few $$.

Good luck with your search. Stay in touch.


WPH

AdventureBiker

Thanks for your input. I am really interested in this bike and am encouraged by your review.