jagar

Hi! I'm currently looking for a relatively cheap old road bike for commuting and came across a Fuji Special Road Racer, apparently in 'like new' condition for $260.

I imagine its a little on the pricey side but wondered if its totally ridiculous or just a bit expensive, relative to the quality of the bike?

Any help very gratefully received!

zukahn1 

A lot of this would depend on actual condition and market the asking price does seem a bit high by $50-100 if it is indeed like new ready go condition. If you could link us to some pics or add tell US your location it would help on pricing.

cycleheimer

Need pix. The 45 year old grease, tires, tubes, rim liners, bar wrap, cables and brake pads have hopefully been changed at that price. Everything should be properly adjusted, the paint pristine, and it should also have it's original Belt leather saddle. I saw a 1977 model on Craig's List for $80. It had the Belt saddle and quite a few nice vintage touring accessories. Ir needed to be thoroughly gone through, but looked very complete, non-abused (although slightly neglected), and very decent looking. The 1 1/2 hour drive up to it was the stumblng block.

wrk101

$260 for that model here would qualify as ridiculous. Maybe your market is stronger.

ramzilla

Fuji made the Special Road Racer in the early 1970's. So considering it's about 45 years old, 'like new' condition sounds a little suspicious. I'm a big fan of these old Fuji's. They came equipped with very nice high tensile steel frames that are remarkably light. And, Suntour parts that function very well. The only downside with them is the old chrome steel wheels. If you replace the wheels with brand new alloy wheels it can be a dependable ride. It would have to be in fine condition w/new tires, repacked bearings, new bar tape &, new brake pads to be worth anywhere near $260. Most of these old Fujis in un-restored condition are only worth around $100 or so.

Don Buska

As already mentioned these were a little heavier gauge Hi-Ten Steel. They did convert from the original steel rims to aluminum alloy in 1974 and later. I have a recently restored 1975 version. They will weigh in at around 26lbs with accessories, vs 23-24lbs for the higher end models Fuji offered in that time frame (The Finest, The Newest). I completely rebuilt mine with new polished AL rims and higher end componentry from a frame only purchase. Had it out for a 40 mile ride a couple of weeks ago (as shown except with a much better Selle Anatomica saddle). So far my total investment is $771.72 which I know I'll never be able to sell it for! I'd be lucky, very lucky, to get half that money back. However, I restore and build to enjoy and the perhaps sell down the road when I get tired of it and move on to the next project bike.

jagar

Thanks so much for the comments! I'm in NYC, so probably a pretty expensive market in comparison to elsewhere I guess! I'm a newbie on here so I'm not allowed to post links as yet but your feedback is very useful.

I think I'm just going to go for it, then I can send a photo once I do and you can tell me if it was a terrible decision or not!

cycleheimer

Jagar .. this one? This one is a 1975 or 1976 model. It is missing brake lever hoods, and the pedals have obviously been switched. This one might have.. or might not have... been given a partial "spray over" with touch up paint. If it is this one, something else to check for. Looks like the Belt leather saddle is there, which is a plus.

cycleheimer

The one I had seen on Craig's List for $80 .... a 1977 model. Fuji upgraded this model nicely over the years it was produced. The down tube SunTour Power Shifters were great, but they stopped using Belt leather saddles on later models. The chrome plating on the stays was also dropped later, although they started to use chrome moly main tubes. The extra accessories on this particular bike are quite nice.

jagar

Hi cycleheimer, yes that's the one! Excuse my ignorance, is the possible painting a good or a bad sign?!

Amazing that the other one you posted was for $70! Was that in NYC?

cycleheimer

Respray, if that is the case, just isn't "like new". It also reduces the value. It came up on the Hudson Valley (NY) CL. Newburgh. $80, but may be gone. It needs about $70 invested in tires, tubes, rim liners, cables, brake pads, etc. That is buying online at a discount. Niagara Cycle is usually the best bet. Then it needs to have the bearings cleaned and regressed, wheels possibly trued, brakes and derailleurs adjusted, etc. Stuff you can do while watching TV, or listening to the radio. Not that big a deal at all if this is your "hobby". Even at $260 for the green SRR alot of this might have to be done.

cycleheimer

This 1985 Fuji Espree that "needs TLC" has been posted on CL for awhile at $90. For $40 it would be a nice project for somebody who can do their own work, and wants it for personal use. I think the Espree is the model that replaced the SRR/S10S/S12S.

jj1091

This one just popped up on C/L locally, $200.

https://jacksonville.craigslist.org/...539359626.html

Don Buska

Note these didn't have brake lever hoods when new. Check them out at the Fuji catalog site.
I've seen a great deal of pedal swapping. Some people don't want to the old style strap clip pedals and swap out for larger comfort pedals. If your commute is going to be a few miles those pedal would be fine. If you looking at 10+ miles a day I'd go with pedals with clips, either old style strap or new shoe clips.

Don Buska

It looks rather nice. If in person it looks like it hasn't been abused I'd agree go for it. It's only money and they just don't make them like that anymore. It's way better than what you could get new for the same money

cycleheimer

I had that same bike in the same size and color as a kid. I think I paid $135 used for it back in the late 70s from a local bike shop. I have liked Fujis ever since!

cycleheimer

My 18-speed 1981 S-12-S ....

cycleheimer

I kind of remember them having a type of white heavy vynl brake lever hoods, as opposed to the gum hoods.

wrk101

By that time, it was a much better bike. Much better frame, better components, better everything really.

Don Buska

Dang I think you have a great memory. At first glance I thought they weren't covered, but looking again they do appear to have white covers. I bet those didn't last to long either they would get dirty fast or yellow with age

Deal4Fuji

an extreme example

oddjob2

https://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/b...533130162.html

Clean condition, but if it has steel rims (magnet), $150 tops. If it has alloy rims, maybe $180-$195.

cycleheimer

The salvation ... Cane Creek brake lever hoods. About $10 a pair.

Don Buska

Yes I'd say I'd have to agree

koolerb

I paid $50 for one a few years ago. At $260 I'd say the seller is very optimistic.