Fuji Touring size
 

Hey, guys!

I'm still deciding what bike to buy (and it's going to be my 1st touring bike, so please, sorry for another stupid question), and well (due to a very low budget) one of the options is Fuji Touring. So, what Fuji frame size is going to be better for long-distance touring?
My measurements in cm:
Actual Inseam 84 Cm
Trunk 61 Cm
Forearm 33 Cm
Arm 60 Cm
Thigh 57 Cm
Lower Leg 54.5 Cm
Sternal Notch 144 Cm
Total Height 175 Cm
Weight 84 kilos

Looks like 54 and 56 both match, but the problem is that I can't try a bike in a store due to the lack of Fujis in my country.
Any thoughts? What's theoretically better?

Performance bike sells Fuji brand, don't they? ask them. ??

"size" = seat tube length , BB axis to top of seat tube

How about a different brand you can try, to find out about the size, standing over it?

lots of your data may mean you get a different stem , extra , to replace the parts in the box.





....

Thanks! Yeah, I've sent a question to Performance. I was just curious if there was anyone here who has the bike and could help.

I think the M/L (56) might be the better choice to get that taller head tube (which isn't all that tall anyway) and would give you more options-- you can easily shorten the stem if the longer top bar on the bigger frame has you feeling too stretched out...

Give it a few weeks, maybe someone who does, will see this

They do. I've never actually seen one sitting in a PB, though, and at least the ones around me I seriously doubt you'd get much beyond "lets look up the chart on the computer", touring is just not their specialty.

EDIT: just saw the OP isn't in America, disregard. Do you have a bike that fits you well now? If so, compare measurements from that to the Fuji sizing chart and pick whatever is closest. I gravitate towards picking the bigger bike if I were between two sizes, but fit is personal, and others may suggest going smaller.

Good advice.
I personally prefer a larger fit as well. My reach is dis-proportionate to my height.

To add, I bought a used touring bike last fall I was on the higher end of the sizing chart on that bike. Test rode it, seemed fine. Brought it back home (out of Province). Discovered once I installed fenders, Toe overlap surfaced. But that bike became my winter commuter, all good.


Hope this helps,


-Snuts-

Do you like being laid out more over the bike or do you like a slightly more upright position? Many cycle tourists and commuters prefer the more upright position but basically this is what it boils down to.

Thanks guys. I've never ridden any touring-geometry bikes and never used dropbars, so that's what also confuses me. I've ridden an MTB for around 6 years and had some city bikes before. So, that's why I'm asking stupid questions about tourings :)
I think more upright position would be better. Does that mean a 56cm frame would work? Yeah, to change a stem is totally a no-brainer if needed.

And if anyone has already tried a 2017 Fuji - what are your thoughts? Any pitfalls to be aware of?

I have the 2016 (a 56) that I picked up 2d hand. No real pitfalls. It is a very nicely spec'd bike and a real deal. The parts group is all very good. I would have liked a higher quality wheelset. The rims are very adequate but that is the weakest link in the bike.

I'm taller than you are but my inseam is a bit shorter. I'm happy with the 56 but I also could have ridden the next size down. I think you are likely to be better off with the 54. In any case focus on the top tube length. You can always get the bars a bit higher.

Thanks for the review! What about the rims?
And what can you say about the sturdiness of the bike all in all?
I'm planning to have around 15 kilos of equipment give or take (cameras, electronics + camping + food) in back and rear panniers.
Plus me, around 84 kilos.
Is Fuji going to be allright to carry all that?

Yes. It's a fine bike. 15 kilos is not extravagant so you'll be good. There's nothing wrong with the rims. It is just that everything else on the bike is quite good (deore quality parts including the hubs). Wheels on most bikes tend to be the weakest link. These are fine but if it has been up to me, I'd have a little higher quality rim.

The Fuji isn't going to have any problems with what you are planning for. It's a long time well respected brand and model and has even been re-branded by other companies that didn't build their own touring frame set.

Common to all bicycle manufacturers these days, more and more wheels are machine built with little to no human intervention. The Fuji spec'd wheels have good parts, but I suggest they be re-tensioned and re-trued by a professional, or yourself.

Brad

Thanks guys! Appreciate it!

Another question - What budget front racks fit Fuji? (max $50)

AFIK the Fuji doesn't require a 'special' front rack. If you're interested in low riders, be sure that the left and right halves are joined together, most often by a hoop.

Brad

Brad, I agree with you in that I like that front crossing loop to stabilize the two sides but I'm not sure there is a front rack out there with that option under $50 ?

I found a nashbar low-rider front rack which is $30 and has a hoop. People say that it's an okay one, but the screws must be changed, which is not a problem.

Nashbar Low Rider Front Rack

Is it gonna fit?

I would be surprised if it didn't as most low rider racks use those attachment points (mid fork and a drop out eyelet).

Brad

I'm not sure if either of my front panniers would work with that design since there is a slat like bar at the top and I'm afraid my upper hooks need a more standard tube or bar for which to hook over and lock

If you are switching to upright bars, then for sure get the 56cm. I doubt a 54 is anywhere close anyway. The LBS guys will always put you on a bike that is TOO small and of NO advantage. Steel racks are the way to go. When you switch to different rims, the Velocity Dyad is unbeatable.

Thanks guys!
I've shot questions about sizing both to Performance (twice) and Fuji. But neither have replied.
Looks like I will have to cruise around to find these two sizes in stock before ordering.
GamblerGORD53, thanks, put the rims on my list. Hey, and do you think that 54 is gonna be really small? What if a 56 turns to be really big for me? :)

If you really have to choose blindly, the 54 would usually be considered more appropriate for your height. However, with the taller headtube, the reach on the 56 isn't actually a lot more. You could order both and return the one you didn't like. Looks like a nice bike, especially for the price.

I personally like the same aggressive posture that I use on my road bike. I also like my frames on the small side because I like the bars low and and like ride with my elbows bent a good bit. Because of all that it is pretty easy to compare the geometry of any bike to my road bike and make a decent selection sight unseen.

You may want a different fit especially if you like a more upright posture. So YMMV.