I am a new to bicycle touring and am looking to buy a good bike that will some day take me across the US. I have looked at the cannondale t800 and t2000, the trek 520, and the fuji touring. of these i am tempted to get the fuji touring, largely due to its lower price. what do people think of this bike? am i right in thinking that it is the best best bike for its cost, about $850? Also if there are any college aged people who want to bike from VA to the west coast this summer please let me know. Thanks, Joe

Based on its "specs" and Fuji's reputation, that is a very good bike for the price. "Cycling Plus" tested it recently, and gave it scores that compare well with touring bikes CP tested that sell for twice the price.

In my town, the one store "chain" that stocks Fuji bikes never carries the touring model. Currently, the "hot" market seems to be "racy" looking road bikes, so that is what they stock. When I decided to get a bike for "loaded" touring, I ended up going with a bike that is about twenty years old (from the 1980 to 1985 "Touring Boom" era).

I currently own the Fuji Ace which cost me $500. The only problem I have ever had with it is the mistakes made by the ignorant shop I got it from (the price wasn't beatable tho, but now I've paid that back in repairs), and then the fact that the tires twerb really easily. I've done several 1000+ mile bicycle tours in 2 week periods, and I don't have any other realy complaints about it. Rides like a dream.

Cannondale isn't my favorite company, they tend to be like the Ambercrombie and Fitch of Cycling. Stick Cannondale on anything and it's awesome, it seems. Thats the asthestic quality, however, I do not know much about the quality of their bicycles (maybe it's worth all the praise). This is just my opinion of course. I have nothing but praise for Trek, however, my own Pa has one of these and he's given it over 15000 miles, with only a couple of self-done overhauls.

Well, my Dad allways told me that it wasn't the bicycle that matters, it's you. It's debateable, but I think the biggest issues when going for touring bicycle is Comfort, Reliablity, and then Efficency. The more expensive bicycles, in my opinion, only really shine when you start doing SERIOUS touring, I mean, 120 miles a day and such. Then efficency and weight come into play more than comfort.

I think you'll have more of a problem finding Bicycles gloves with enough padding then a good, comfortable, reliable bicycle, myself.

If you don't mind piecing one together, you could build up a Surly LHT. I just got my frameset Friday, and it's a nice setup. Should have it built by mid Nov.

I bought one earlier this year and I'm really pleased so far. It's a decent touring bike for us cheapskates.
https://www.nordicgroup.us/bikerec/#Touring

Very minor complaints:
The rear spokes were improperly tensioned. LBS re-trued the wheel and everything is OK.
The rear rack initially looked strong, but it flexes too much under load.
Seat was painful (for me). Swapped it out for a Brooks.
Probably a few pounds heavier than most, but once it's loaded, it's not a concern.

If there is a Performance bikeshop nearby, you might want to check them out. They usually don't carry the touring model, but I got lucky and found one my size off the rack. It was on sale for around $600 (including $60 worth of TeamPerformance coupons).

I'd go with the Fuji. They have been doing touring bikes for a very long time and although it is going to weigh a little more (hence the price difference) it will be more reliable and versatile. Cannondale is chiefly a road bike maker and design the majority of their bikes for charity rides and other less stressful riding. Loading up a fuji is usually easier than loading up a cannondale in other words.
I am college aged, by the way, and am always looking to do tours. Unfortunately I live in Mass. If you're ever in the area just let me know!

I'm 1300 miles into an East Coast tour on my Fuji, and have been very pleased with it so far... though I *did* break the original-equipment rack, which I had to replace a week or so ago. I'd not hesitate to recommend it, though I'd probably wait a month or six weeks if I were you, since I was able to pick mine up at a SIGNIFICANT discount in the fall last year.

-chris
www.bigbikeride.com

I bought a Fuji touring bike in 2001..I have been quite pleased with it...As stated somewhat heavier, but if you carry a 40 pound load maybe that is a good thing...Seems stores that carry Fuji bikes rarely stock the touring bike . That was the case with me.
I do not like the sensation of weight on the panniers...Since I have bought a Yakima trailer...Have yet to complete a long tour with that arrangement..
As said very pleased with the bike....The mechanic who put it together...Had some problems with the original spokes..Upgraded them...A heavier DST spoke..That solved the problem...The mechanic treated me well on that score...Charged me two wheels (labor) for one- since I deserved better spokes..No other problems. Bike gets a lot of use..It is also my commuting bike.