Fuji touring series IV or Raleigh Technium 440?
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 18
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Fuji touring series IV or Raleigh Technium 440?
I've got a Raleigh technium 440 right now that I've been riding a bit, pretty good shape, mediocre components, not incredibly attached to it. I've now got a line on a Fuji touring series IV, I'll mostly be using it as a short distance commuter (5 miles a day or less), use for some longer rides for excercise (25-50 miles) and may do some actual overnight touring at some point,
I don't really know much about bike geometry, will the fuji be a good all-arounder? Any insights on what you folks would want to have given the option of having one of the two? Experiences with either model?
I don't really know much about bike geometry, will the fuji be a good all-arounder? Any insights on what you folks would want to have given the option of having one of the two? Experiences with either model?
#2
Thrifty Bill
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Mountains of Western NC
Posts: 23,526
Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more
Mentioned: 96 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1236 Post(s)
Liked 964 Times
in
628 Posts
I've had two of the Fuji TS IV in the last year. Its one of the great, vintage touring bikes. Lots of value there, so if you can get it at a good price, I would be all over it regardless.
#3
FBoD Member at Large
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Woodbury, MN
Posts: 6,094
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 30 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
7 Posts
I've got a Raleigh technium 440 right now that I've been riding a bit, pretty good shape, mediocre components, not incredibly attached to it. I've now got a line on a Fuji touring series IV, I'll mostly be using it as a short distance commuter (5 miles a day or less), use for some longer rides for excercise (25-50 miles) and may do some actual overnight touring at some point,
I don't really know much about bike geometry, will the fuji be a good all-arounder? Any insights on what you folks would want to have given the option of having one of the two? Experiences with either model?
I don't really know much about bike geometry, will the fuji be a good all-arounder? Any insights on what you folks would want to have given the option of having one of the two? Experiences with either model?
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Chattanooga
Posts: 1,154
Bikes: '93 Bridgestone RB-1, '91 Specialized Allez Epic, '85 Raleigh Team Pro, '78 Andre Bertin, early '90s F. Moser Leader AX , '85 Centurion Equipe, '98 Litespeed Tuscany, '89 Klein Quantum, '80 Nishiki Superbe, '83 Peckham, '84 Fuji Opus III
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 12 Times
in
9 Posts
What Bill says. It hardly gets better than the Fuji Touring IV. Get it even at "retail" and sell the Technium for some payback. You'll be happy. You'll likely become attached the Fuji and it will likely grow in value.
As always condition matters.
J
As always condition matters.
J
Last edited by afilado; 08-08-10 at 09:29 PM. Reason: spell
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: San Diego
Posts: 744
Bikes: Too many to list, all titanium or steel.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times
in
7 Posts
I've got a Touring Series V, and used to have a Technium frame. Got rid of the Technium, and will never part with the Fuji. It is probably my favorite ride, used for commuting (when I commute), occasional group rides, riding with the kids, and touring (once I get to finally do some long distance rides). I vote for the Fuji. I've flipped 2-3Fuji's over the past year (have got a Royale right now) and I'm always impressed with the ride once I get them into selling condition.
#6
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 18
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Well I went to look at the Fuji today fully intending to buy it, it was listed at $195 and I figured it would be super nice and I'd leave with it for $150. Not what I'd expected, the bike was fairly scratched up, had a replacement seat, replacement bar wrap, needed a tune-up etc. I don't think the wheels were original either, they were Ukai 27"ers. Tires were not great etc. He told me that he knew that he paid too much when he got it for $400, and I wholeheartedly agree. I didn't feel like I could pay any more than $100 for it, but left without making an offer because I didn't want to insult the guy. Also, what's up with the indentations on the bottom in the picture below? Is it dented, or are all of the frames like that? A little lost as what to do with it, make an offer? Walk away?
What are thoughts?
What are thoughts?
#8
Señor Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Boston Burbs
Posts: 1,637
Bikes: Bedford, IF, Hampsten, DeSalvo, Intense Carbine 27.5, Raleigh Sports, Bianchi C.u.S.S, Soma DC Disc, Bill Boston Tandem
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
Edit: too slow on my kickstand comment.
Edit #2: I think I found the bike on CL and she's too big for me (64cm). If it fits, go back and make an offer (or pay full price). It's a + - $400 bike in good condition.
Edit #2: I think I found the bike on CL and she's too big for me (64cm). If it fits, go back and make an offer (or pay full price). It's a + - $400 bike in good condition.
Last edited by 4Rings6Stars; 08-09-10 at 08:40 PM. Reason: too slow
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Western North Carolina
Posts: 434
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
At less than $200, I think that's a good deal regardless of the dents from the kickstand. I don't think those kickstand dents will negatively affect frame strength at all. Those Fujis are nice old touring bikes and for what you want will be a far better bike than the Technium in my opinion. I'd be in favor of returning to the seller, offering $150, but paying up to the $195 he's asking to take it home.
Also, I am fairly certain that those black anodized Ukai rims are the originals. I've seen other similar vintage Fuji tourers with the same rims on them.
Also, I am fairly certain that those black anodized Ukai rims are the originals. I've seen other similar vintage Fuji tourers with the same rims on them.
#10
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 18
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
So much for keeping a secret. I'll probably go back and give it another look. Maybe I just had higher hopes for a museum quality bike. I'll update tomorrow with how it went.
#11
Senior Member
At less than $200, I think that's a good deal regardless of the dents from the kickstand. I don't think those kickstand dents will negatively affect frame strength at all. Those Fujis are nice old touring bikes and for what you want will be a far better bike than the Technium in my opinion. I'd be in favor of returning to the seller, offering $150, but paying up to the $195 he's asking to take it home.
Also, I am fairly certain that those black anodized Ukai rims are the originals. I've seen other similar vintage Fuji tourers with the same rims on them.
Also, I am fairly certain that those black anodized Ukai rims are the originals. I've seen other similar vintage Fuji tourers with the same rims on them.
#12
Banned.
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 27,199
Mentioned: 34 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 378 Post(s)
Liked 1,410 Times
in
910 Posts
Two different bikes. For commuting, the Fuji, by far. The Technium is light, and if you had some better components lying around, a fun build that ends up pretty light, just not a huge "in demand" bike, unless you can find a black/gold/red Pro or maybe Team Pro? model.
The Fuji, as a commuter, is gonna look like that eventually, may as well start out that way.
The Fuji, as a commuter, is gonna look like that eventually, may as well start out that way.
#13
Iconoclast
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: California
Posts: 3,176
Bikes: Colnago Super, Fuji Opus III, Specialized Rockhopper, Specialized Sirrus (road)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#14
Photographer
Join Date: May 2006
Location: The other Cape, Cape Ann
Posts: 3,116
Mentioned: 27 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 105 Post(s)
Liked 98 Times
in
53 Posts
Those are the original rims and nice ones to boot. If those are in good shape that's a plus.
What kind of seat post is that? I can't tell by the photo but it doesn't look Japanese ...
Scott
What kind of seat post is that? I can't tell by the photo but it doesn't look Japanese ...
Scott
__________________
ClassicFuji.posthaven.com.archive
IG @scottryder.surf.cycle
IG @scottryder.fine.art
ClassicFuji.posthaven.com.archive
IG @scottryder.surf.cycle
IG @scottryder.fine.art
#16
FBoD Member at Large
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Woodbury, MN
Posts: 6,094
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 30 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
7 Posts
Can't tell about the post but the RD isn't original, according to the catalog pages anyway...'83 was speced with a Cyclone GT, '84-'86 with Mountech GTL...none with a Le Tech
#17
Photographer
Join Date: May 2006
Location: The other Cape, Cape Ann
Posts: 3,116
Mentioned: 27 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 105 Post(s)
Liked 98 Times
in
53 Posts
mmmm, a Campagnolo seat post.. you don't see those to often on a Fuji
Scott
Scott
__________________
ClassicFuji.posthaven.com.archive
IG @scottryder.surf.cycle
IG @scottryder.fine.art
ClassicFuji.posthaven.com.archive
IG @scottryder.surf.cycle
IG @scottryder.fine.art
#18
Fuji Fan
#19
FBoD Member at Large
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Woodbury, MN
Posts: 6,094
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 30 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
7 Posts
I drove four hours one way to pick up this Touring Series IV. As you can tell, it needed some major love. Check the rust on the chrome fork crown. And the short cage 105 RD. Chain speaks for itself. How about the mis-matched brake levers? Check the cable routing of the aero lever. Sick. I had to pick up five bikes to get this one. Three of the five were total trash (straight to the curb), all of them in poor shape. I gladly paid quite a bit for this project.
Here's the finished project.
Here's the finished project.
Last edited by khatfull; 08-10-10 at 08:06 AM.
#20
Fuji Fan
^ Yes, I thought mine was rough, but I guess it isn't too bad.
#21
Thrifty Bill
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Mountains of Western NC
Posts: 23,526
Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more
Mentioned: 96 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1236 Post(s)
Liked 964 Times
in
628 Posts
#22
FBoD Member at Large
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Woodbury, MN
Posts: 6,094
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 30 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
7 Posts
Yes, typical oxalic acid recovery. Of course, oxalic does not replace chrome where it is gone, nor does it fill in pitting. From a distance, it looked really good (versus the total rust look of the before pic). Up close, you can see the pitting, but most of the chrome was still there. Too much flash on this pic, I took it inside the garage. Bike moved on, or I would just take a better pic. At least it is taken from the same perspective as above.
#23
Thrifty Bill
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Mountains of Western NC
Posts: 23,526
Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more
Mentioned: 96 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1236 Post(s)
Liked 964 Times
in
628 Posts
I used car wax after the treatment. Paraffin might be a better choice.
The fork crown issue was kind of extreme, but if you look closely, pretty much all of the fasteners (seat post clamp, chain ring bolts, canti brake bolts, etc) were in similar condition. Some I just replaced (like the chain ring bolts, caught them on clearance at Niagara about a year ago and backed the truck up), others got the OA treatment. Paint on the frame was in remarkably good shape.
The fork crown issue was kind of extreme, but if you look closely, pretty much all of the fasteners (seat post clamp, chain ring bolts, canti brake bolts, etc) were in similar condition. Some I just replaced (like the chain ring bolts, caught them on clearance at Niagara about a year ago and backed the truck up), others got the OA treatment. Paint on the frame was in remarkably good shape.
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: San Diego
Posts: 744
Bikes: Too many to list, all titanium or steel.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times
in
7 Posts
My TSV came with a LeTech Front derailer and a Mountech rear. I wonder if there was some mid-year part changes going on. I'm very happy with my set up.
#25
Fuji Fan
https://classicfuji.com/OpusIII_1983_Page.htm