$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
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!
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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Ask the guys over in touring, too.
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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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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.
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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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!!!
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!!!
Last edited by Cougrrcj; 08-04-16 at 04:26 PM. Reason: added specs links
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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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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.
But I have a slightly earlier Voyageur and it's a great bike too.
Go for the better fit.
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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.
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.
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My 1984 Fuji Touring Series IV also has a 40 rear, 36 front.
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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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That Voyageur is a 1989. I just sold one last weekend. Nice bike. Shimano light action derailleurs.
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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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That Fuji is classy!
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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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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?
I found the Schwinn on CL, but not the Fuji; got link for more pix?
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● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
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Last edited by Cougrrcj; 08-05-16 at 05:34 AM.
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Fuji main triangle is actually chro-mo
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The Fuji is way cooler. Riding the Schwinn in a couple hours; Fuji tomorrow morning. Will keep you posted.
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eagerly awaiting your ride impressions
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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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● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●