Bicicletta89

I got my first road bike (first of any bike since college) last June because I wanted to get around during the plague with less public transit and DC is very bike-friendly. It’s a 1970s Fuji Gran Tourer which I loved right off the bat. Sad to see that they don’t get a lot of love around here.

I know the Gran Tourer wasn’t a high-end performance model but it seems fine to me and I can get around fairly quickly on it. The build quality seems fantastic as far as I can tell. I realize $420 was probably a bit overpriced but it’s in fantastic shape (I’m only the third owner), the pandemic has REALLY put the squeeze on the bike market (at least here in Washington), and I thought I should get one I could try out for fit (would hate to order something really expensive and find out on arrival it was too big or too small)...all the charts put me on a 56-58cm frame but really 54cm is just right for me.

I use it for commuting, pleasure riding, exercise, and the like. So far haven’t gone on a ride more than ten miles each way but feel like I could go much further.

I love how it looks and how it rides, but do I just not know anything better? Would springing for a fancier faster vintage bike have made a huge difference? I need fenders and a rack so I figured anything racier might not have that huge of a weight difference anyhow after all that.

Any other Fuji Gran Tourer riders out there? What’s your experience been?

polymorphself 

Oh, they do. It’s possible you haven’t been with us long enough yet. Here’s a thread that is 9 years strong and 41 pages and counting dedicated to vintage Fujis: https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...ings-fuji.html

Your bike is awesome and just the type many of us like here. Not high end sure, but not entry level and definitely quality. For commuting around DC you’re not likely to find much in a steel frame that will make a big difference to you compared to your Fuji.

I personally would get rid of the kickstand, reflectors and fork disc, swap the stem shifters for bar end or down tube, and maybe swap the rack for a more streamlined looking one, perhaps from Velo Orange or some such.

The first bike I ever overhauled was a 1981 Fuji Royale.

Velo Mule

Thanks for posting pictures. That is a nice looking bike. Fuji's get plenty of love around here. I like the fenders, racks and lights. Good thing to have, especially when you are riding daily and can't account for weather.

As you point out, this is not a fancy top of the line bike, however, even the bottom end Fuji's are well made and came with good components.

The seat does not look original. Which is ok, seats often get changed to obtain comfort. It looks like leather. If it is comfortable keep it. If it is not comfortable, give it some time to break in, apply some neatsfoot oil or other leather treatment and see how it goes.

USAZorro

Interesting fireplace.

Have had a '71-ish Fuji Finest for about 15 years and 3 or 4 configurations. Has been through many miles and 3 Seagulls with me. Even saw me safely over a very bewildered groundhog who darted in front of me, and then past a motivated pit bull about two minutes later. At one point, I was thinking of downsizing (perish the thought). I thought it through that if I were to go down by one bike, that would be it - but, if I could only have one bike - that would also be it.

cb400bill

I picked up this 1979 Gran Tourer years ago. It was still new in the box in 2008. While not a weight weenie bike I found it to be a comfy rider. I’m sure it makes a nice commuting bike.

A coworker currently owns it.

Murray Missile 

Meh, they're "OK"......

Recently completed:




Still to do:


NOS 1982, almost have all the pieces, everything is NOS or period correct in appearance new except the crankset and it looks like nearly new:





And "gone but not forgotten":


This one was over 20 years ago, I had to have the saddle and bars much lower to ride it, this was fresh off the work stand. I miss this one but no way I could ride it now.

WT160

I had a blue Fuji s12s that I liked a lot. It was heavy, but very well made and rode great. It was a little too big for me, though, and I had trouble with sharp turns, so I sold it last spring.

Pompiere

Last fall, my local bike shop did a clinic on refurbing an old road bike, so I asked what they had in the back. The only two bikes in my size were a Fuji Gran Tourer and an S12-S LTD. The Gran Tourer was better cosmetically, but I thought the S12-S was a diamond in the rough, so I bought it. Over the winter and spring, I stripped off the homemade decals and rattle-can paint and started over. I'm pretty happy with how it turned out.


Fuji Gran Tourer

Fuji S12-S LTD (before)

Fuji S12-S LTD (after)

RobbieTunes

One of the most underrated models I've seen is the S12-S
Rode next to, ahead of, and behind one on @rhm's La'Hombra, Phil_gretz ?
Fuji, in my experience = smooth overall.
As they transitioned to alumin-carbon and then carbon, they stayed smooth.

When one of my friends finally rec'd his citizenship, I built him a bike.

WGB 

League Fuji

Nobody looks twice as paint is bad, but it rode very well. Stopped locking it up unless I was in a bar or away from it for a long time. Only "issue" was that the rear brake bridge seems very low which prevents a wider selection of tires. Unfortunately, if I have the bridge raised I'd need a re-paint or powder coat so now it's time for it to ride off....


As regular rider with tubulars and Brooks (and yes I know the tires didn't match...)

For sale as I've upgraded, but I do have an Espree that will be my winter bike

T-Mar

Fuji was one of the Big Four of Japanese bicycles manufacturers, which also included Bridgestone, Miyata and Panasonic. All were full range, mass volume manufacturers that offered very good value for the money, though some members have issues with some of Bridgestone's quirky designs. There is lots of love for all of these Big Four on the forums.

The most important upgrade to the bicycle has already been made;. the switch to new wheels with aluminum rims. This drops a lot of rotating weight and improve braking, particularly in the wet. One of the problems with upgrading to a another bicycle is that the lighter bicycles are typically sportier, which means they may not have eyelets for racks and fenders, and tyre clearance for commuting friendly wide tyres and fenders is usually compromised. Lighter bicycles aren't that much faster, except during acceleration and climbing. To get much lighter, and maintain the Rack, fender and wide tyre capability, you're probably going to have to step up to a fairly expensive grand touring model. Higher end hybrids and ATBs can also make good, relatively lightweight commuters. However, I'd wait until after the pandemic has subsided and prices dropped and selection improved..

Right now, the only thing I'd do, is start switching to taking your overall pictures from the drive side, so that members can see the drive train.

Mr. 66

The Berkeley lost about ten pounds in my rebuild. I replaced all the steel I could with alloy.

Bicicletta89

Thanks! I’m really enjoying the bike.

That Royale is beautiful. Red paint with chrome accents and white bar tape is always a classic look. I love it.

yeah, I’ve since ditched the reflectors. What is a fork disc? Yeah, pletschers are clunky but the mousetrap is so practical (haven’t needed a bungee yet) and I do have a real soft spot for their looks. (Plus I got this one for $5!) Those VO ones sure are pretty though and would go well with this bike for sure.

Downtube shifters are a good idea. As I’ve gotten more comfortable riding in the drops I’ve found that when I’m in the drops reaching up to the stem is a little more awkward than reach to the downtube would be. If I ever start spending most of my time in the drops that may be the way to go. However, being higher up on the hoods does make it easier for me to have a wider field of vision while riding in traffic.

That Fuji thread is a great resource. Thanks!

Bicicletta89

Wow! Yeah, mine came with one aluminum wheel in front and a 70s steel wheel in back. Replaced it with a new polished aluminum wheel from Velo Orange. I’m amazed at what a difference even just one wheel made.

Planning on getting a matching VO wheel for the front. They aren’t cheap, but I really dig the high flange and old school polished finish.

Bicicletta89

That’s what I figured wrt lighter bikes. I have no interest in racing, so that minimal difference makes no real difference to me. As it is, I can get around reasonably quickly without lots of sweatiness or fatigue so that’s good for me. And I do love the aesthetics of this bike.

Right there with you on the wheels. Came with one steel wheel in back and it was so much heavier. Even just riding it over some wet grass once decreased braking power enough to freak me out. Would’ve been way worse in the rain.

Drive train action!

Bicicletta89

That light blue is a great color. Haven’t seen that one before.

Bicicletta89

Thanks! Yeah, the seat is a Brooks I bought and put on. The previous owner had a faux leather Gyes saddle that was pretty new, but it was uncomfortable and the pleather would flake off at the slightest little scratch.

Gary in NJ

My first new bike was a 1975 Fuji Special Tourer. Great bike...if I can find one local...I'm buying it.

WGB 

@Bicycletta

Colour is "Sonic Blue"

Phil_gretz

I've had roughly two dozen Fuji bikes over the last 15 years or so. Several have been really nice riding bikes. I'm thinking of the 1982 Team with its sealed bearing hubs and anodized bronze rims. That was a surprisingly enjoyable bike. I also had a 1989 Club with Shimano light action gear on it (including BioPace chainrings), and it had a sporty feel and a solid ride. I recently had a beautiful Fuji America that rode much better than I had expected. Very nice.

They're all gone now, but I've kept my 1988 Saratoga as my overall tourer. Decent bike, for certain. I've developed a fondness for Fuji bikes, now, that I lacked because of unfamiliarity during their entry into the bike boom. Making up for lost time, I guess.

greg3rd48 

I finally took my '78 Newest garage queen out for a 30 mile spin yesterday. It was long overdue.

Pompiere

I found this 1989 Club Fuji over 10 years ago at a yard sale. It was badly neglected, but all the pieces were there. When my son was 15, I passed it to him. He has it at college now. After a mishap with the downtube shift levers, I replaced the shift/brake levers with 105. It got a set of 8 speed wheels to go with the new levers. With the low initial price and frugal used parts shopping, I still have less than $100 in it.

My son's 1989 Club Fuji.

GMS 

My 1st nice bike was a white S-10S in early 70's. Painted it twice and frame still hanging in the garage. I built up a Trek 720 touring frame in 1982 and use the Nitto bar and stem from the S-10S.
Also have this The Finest in my collection now along with another early S-10S. Sure miss my 84 Mt Fuji that I sold 30 years ago.


Still looking for correct saddle for this one. The frame is completely chromed with a translucent blue.

ramzilla

I wish I could have kept this one. But, If I kept all my favorite bikes forever then I'd have to store at least two dozen bikes somewhere.

cv350

My first Fuji was a pre-owned S12-S. It was a Craigslist find and was in mint condition. I later sold it to a friend, and would say the S12-S rekindled my interest in classic & vintage bikes.

This Opus III is my current project.