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$300 Vintage Touring Bike Showdown: 1983/4 Fuji Series IV vs. 1986 Schwinn Voyageur

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$300 Vintage Touring Bike Showdown: 1983/4 Fuji Series IV vs. 1986 Schwinn Voyageur

Old 08-04-16, 03:06 PM
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$300 Vintage Touring Bike Showdown: 1983/4 Fuji Series IV vs. 1986 Schwinn Voyageur

Hi-

I'm checking out two touring bikes in the next couple of days (finally bit the bullet and sold my commuter) and was wondering if the group has strong feelings one way or another. The Schwinn asking price is a little higher than the Fuji, but it's close enough that it doesn't make much difference to me. I plan on riding both and seeing what fits best, so I just want to know what sets these two apart in terms of handling and load carrying ability. Want mostly for loaded touring. Thanks!





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Old 08-04-16, 03:14 PM
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Ask the guys over in touring, too.
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Old 08-04-16, 03:32 PM
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It would be helpful to know what the components are as that will help distinguish the bikes. My gut is that there isn't a big difference between the two so, as you suggest, fit is critical. Also I'd pay attention to the condition of the wheels. They are more expensive to replace than other wear items. Check to see if they are badly out of true; sometimes you can fix that, sometimes you can't. Personally I like vintage fujis and I would lean towards that; plus I think it looks better. But YMMV.
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Old 08-04-16, 04:23 PM
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Doesn't the Schwinn have the Wolber 58 wheels? Those seem to be well regarded.
I looked at a 87 Voyageur last year that had almost all original equipment and was decent but was not up to snuff cosmetic wise so I passed. The only thing I personally don't like about the 86 thru, I believe, 89 is the way the seat stays connect to the top tube. That's likely just me though.
I like the Fuji color better.
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Old 08-04-16, 04:24 PM
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Frames look to be of different sizes based on headtube size - Fuji looks to be maybe a 23"/58cm or 24"/61cm, and the Schwinn a 25"/63cm??? The Schwinn is double-butted Columbus Tenax, and the Fuji is quad-butted VALite. Drivetrain components are Shimano on the Schwinn, SunTour on the Fuji. The Schwinn does have a mid-for braze-on for rack, and the Fuji does not. With similar frame sizes, they weigh about the same at 24 pounds (for 23"/58cm).

Fuji specs: https://www.classicfuji.com/1984_12_T...iesIV_Page.htm

Schwinn specs: https://bikecatalogs.org/SCHWINN/1986...1986Ltwt31.JPG

To-MAY-toe, To-MAH-toe. I'm a Fuji guy, so I lean that way. BUT get whichever one fits you best!!!

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Old 08-04-16, 04:35 PM
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Originally Posted by Pemetic2006
Doesn't the Schwinn have the Wolber 58 wheels? Those seem to be well regarded.
The Schwinn's rear appears to be 40H with a 36H front. This is supposed to make for a stronger rear but if you biff a rim it might be harder to find a replacement. I've sold both bikes and test-ridden both but never for a significant distance and I would eagerly grab either but would probably prefer the Fuji.


Looks like both have adequate clearance for fenders front and rear but be sure that is the case if you also plan to use fatter tires than come on either bike. Check for tire clearance between the chainstays, as well. Many '80s bikes were pretty tight in there.

Last edited by thumpism; 08-04-16 at 04:39 PM.
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Old 08-04-16, 04:48 PM
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FWIW, the Schwinn has mid-fork mounting points, and the Fuji doesn't.
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Old 08-04-16, 04:54 PM
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Gotta go with the one with the spare spoke holder on the chainstay - - Fuji! So cool.

But I have a slightly earlier Voyageur and it's a great bike too.

Go for the better fit.
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Old 08-04-16, 05:17 PM
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Originally Posted by thumpism
The Schwinn's rear appears to be 40H with a 36H front. This is supposed to make for a stronger rear but if you biff a rim it might be harder to find a replacement. I've sold both bikes and test-ridden both but never for a significant distance and I would eagerly grab either but would probably prefer the Fuji.


Looks like both have adequate clearance for fenders front and rear but be sure that is the case if you also plan to use fatter tires than come on either bike. Check for tire clearance between the chainstays, as well. Many '80s bikes were pretty tight in there.
Good point about the 40 spoke rear. I just bought a Panasonic Touring Deluxe and it has its original wheels......both 36.
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Old 08-04-16, 06:00 PM
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My 1984 Fuji Touring Series IV also has a 40 rear, 36 front.
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Old 08-04-16, 06:16 PM
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And I'm a Schwinn guy. No experience whatsoever with Fuji. I personally like the blue one, and those mid-fork brazeons are a big plus IMO. Get the one that fits you better.
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Old 08-04-16, 07:27 PM
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Fuji, you get a funked in Brooks Pro and those bikes have a great rep AND you get to tear off the foam crap and put new tape on it, cmon!
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Old 08-04-16, 07:35 PM
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That Voyageur is a 1989. I just sold one last weekend. Nice bike. Shimano light action derailleurs.
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Old 08-04-16, 07:46 PM
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And both have rear rack mounts albeit different ones, plus the Schwinn has 3! bottle mounts. Never had a C+V Fuji, but have always been a fan and have 2 newer ones right now, great bikes but gotta vote for the Schwinn in this case.
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Old 08-04-16, 09:15 PM
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That Fuji is classy!
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Old 08-04-16, 09:59 PM
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Dang! Quite the debate. I can't wait to try them both. And I'll try not to take them both home with me. That would not go over too well.
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Old 08-04-16, 10:03 PM
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The Fuji looks like it's been upgraded to a more modern wheel set. I don't think that bike originally came with dark anodized rims. Maybe a 700c size (?), which arguably gets you a better selection of tire choices. Better saddle, too, if you like a Brooks. (I know I do)

I found the Schwinn on CL, but not the Fuji; got link for more pix?
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Old 08-05-16, 05:29 AM
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Originally Posted by Pemetic2006
Good point about the 40 spoke rear. I just bought a Panasonic Touring Deluxe and it has its original wheels......both 36.
The Fuji is specced the same, 40 rear, 36 front -- BUT what wheels are on it now? They look original.

Originally Posted by Lascauxcaveman
The Fuji looks like it's been upgraded to a more modern wheel set. I don't think that bike originally came with dark anodized rims.
Yes, the Fuji came with black rims with buffed (natural aluminum) sides. Read the description I had linked to earlier!


.

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Old 08-05-16, 06:23 AM
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Originally Posted by Cougrrcj
Frames look to be of different sizes based on headtube size - Fuji looks to be maybe a 23"/58cm or 24"/61cm, and the Schwinn a 25"/63cm??? The Schwinn is double-butted Columbus Tenax, and the Fuji is quad-butted VA lite.
Good eye on the sizes. They are indeed a 24" Fuji and a 25" Schwinn. I usually fall somewhere in the middle. If I can stand over the Schwinn, it will likely fit my long reach better.

Fuji main triangle is actually chro-mo
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Old 08-05-16, 06:28 AM
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Originally Posted by Lascauxcaveman
I found the Schwinn on CL, but not the Fuji; got link for more pix?
Fuji is not listed (no scooping!), but here are a couple more pics:



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Old 08-05-16, 06:31 AM
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Schwinn is more dedicated for touring, imho. fork mounts and 3rd bottle.
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Old 08-05-16, 11:22 AM
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Originally Posted by JReade
Schwinn is more dedicated for touring, imho. fork mounts and 3rd bottle.
Agreed. If fit and condition is basically same and you are actually doing loaded touring, Schwinn. Fuju is cooler though.

You can't go wrong! Treasure moments like this.
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Old 08-05-16, 11:37 AM
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Originally Posted by artclone
Agreed. If fit and condition is basically same and you are actually doing loaded touring, Schwinn. Fuju is cooler though.

You can't go wrong! Treasure moments like this.
The Fuji is way cooler. Riding the Schwinn in a couple hours; Fuji tomorrow morning. Will keep you posted.
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Old 08-05-16, 12:05 PM
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eagerly awaiting your ride impressions
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Old 08-05-16, 10:19 PM
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Originally Posted by hansmanos
Fuji is not listed (no scooping!), but here are a couple more pics:
Those bikes are both pretty cool, and both are on my list. Let me know which one you DON'T buy, then I'll start scooping.
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