episodic

I'm shopping to replace my cross check that was wrecked in an auto accident recently.

I'd prefer to go with a tourer. Of course I know about the LHT - but my problem is that I really want 700c more than likely, because I will ride this bike in medium fast group rides as well as long distance rides. (I'd probably fit the 54 frame at best).

Of course my budget being what it is, I am shopping around. I want to go LBS route, so bikesdirect is out, etc.

The only other thing I can get locally is the Fuji Touring.

https://www.fujibikes.com/bike/details/touring

I like the look of the bike. It 'seems' like the components are ok. Nothing too fancy nothing too cheap. I have no experience with the hubs they use. Will they be ok for sometime? Are the cup/cone hubs (I know how to service those). I can get this for a little less than the MSRP which would be 300-400 less than the LHT.


I've read some stellar comments on the bike and I've read some not so stellar. They seem to be punctuated by different year models, etc. So if anyone knows anything about this particular year, that is a bonus for me.

Thanks for thoughts

Brittain

I'm not in love with that bike as a tourer because of the 50/39/30 crankset, but since it has bar-end shifters you should be able to switch the crankset out later if it doesn't give you low enough gearing.

MichaelW

By reputation, Fuji tourers are fine, workmanlike bikes that do the job.
I'm surprised that this one uses an old-fashioned 1" threaded headset. I have one on my tourer and consider the current, standard 1 1/8" threadless system better in almost every way, stiffer forks, wider bearing surface and tool-lite adjustment.
Ditto on the big chainrings.
The hubs are unlikely to be cup and cone, more probably a good enough cartridge hub.

himespau 

some people claim the touring bikes over at bikes direct are just rebadged fujis, but I'm not sure if that's really the truth.

bradtx

himespau, That was pretty much my comment, but I think the Windsor Tourist has the same frame and fork with some different parts. For comparison: https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/windsor/tourist.htm .

Brad

himespau 

and I think the motobecane grand touring or whatever it is is just the same frame with better components, no? That'd put it pretty similar to the Fuji Touring for less money - and less service than you'd get from your lbs.

episodic

The bikesdirect thing is a moot point anyway because they are out of my size in both bikes. I'd feel better getting it locally anyway, I can't fathom myself walking into the only LBS for 80 miles with an internet bike

I'll probably spring for the trucker and just get use to 26 in wheels.

bykemike 

I've got a Fuji 2.0 Absolute, I think it's great but I've worked it over pretty throughly. New wheels and hubs, new rear cluster (my low is 26/27), Carbon touring front fork, Kool stops, Brooks, etc.
Maybe have about 750 or so in it but all a little at a time as I could afford it.

Nice bike with relaxed goemetry.

bradtx

episodic, Seems the LHT is a bit of overkill for what you primarily want the bike for, the Fuji seems to fit your desires better. Still a tough choice, best of luck.

Brad

staehpj1

Not an issue in this case, but in my experience the bike shops don't seem to care where you bought your bike. I have never had one treat me poorly if I stopped in with my Windsor. When on a long tour like a coast to coast, most shops treated us like minor celebrities. The local shop knows that we spend lots of money there and treat us like valued customers.

I personally wouldn't buy the LHT for what you describe as what you want to do. It is a well loved touring bike, but kind of a tank. For your needs I'd either get a cyclocross bike or a road bike and a touring bike.

The Fuji is a better choice for an all around bike that does some fast club rides IMO. I was disappointed to see that they went to bar end shifters though.

The current Windsor Touring is not an exact match for the Fuji, but looking at them side by side previous years, I'd say that they looked exactly alike except that the fuji rebadged some parts to say Fuji.

Edit: Forgot to mention... I am not one to do a lot of tweaking, but I would swap out the gearing on the Fuji if I was going to tour in the mountains or even anywhere hilly. I'd probably put a Sugino XD600 crank on it like I did with my windsor.

Spudd

The ‘Trucker is available in a 26” wheel size across the size run, with an option for 700c in 56, 58, 60, and 62cm sizes.