Road Test/Bike Review (1980) Triple Chainwheelers
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Road Test/Bike Review (1980) Triple Chainwheelers
This article reviews the FUJI America, the MIYATA Gran Touring, the UNIVEGA Gran Turismo, and a custom MARIPOSA.
Note: Page navigation gets weird after page 84 where the first 3 bikes are presented. The description for each bike continues on different pages (Fuji, p86; Miyata, p88; Univega, p89).
The article become linear again at page 90.
Note: Page navigation gets weird after page 84 where the first 3 bikes are presented. The description for each bike continues on different pages (Fuji, p86; Miyata, p88; Univega, p89).
The article become linear again at page 90.
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Interesting how John Schubert had to make the case for why you really needed a triple. Plus 2 of the 3 triples are 86 bcd (the 2 SR) triples and one is a 110 bcd triple (the sugino mighty tour). I've been wondering when 110/74 became the norm; it certainly wasn't in 1980.
When I built up my early 70s Fuji Finest (which has I suspect a very similar frame geometry to the Fuji America) with an SR 86 bcd triple as well. The Fuji Finest was marketed as a racing bike but today we would call it a sports touring bike and it certainly could be used for loaded touring as well. It has plenty of room for 32c tires and fenders.
When I built up my early 70s Fuji Finest (which has I suspect a very similar frame geometry to the Fuji America) with an SR 86 bcd triple as well. The Fuji Finest was marketed as a racing bike but today we would call it a sports touring bike and it certainly could be used for loaded touring as well. It has plenty of room for 32c tires and fenders.
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Gorgeous bike! Looks comfy too.
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WTB: Bicycle Guide issues 1984 (any); Jun 1987; Jul, Nov/Dec 1992; Apr 1994; 1996 -1998 (any)
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Interesting article about how the half step + granny worked bitd. I have an 87 Trek 520 that has half step with granny and a newer 6 speed Shimano mega range with 34t large cog, indexed 6 speed shifting and works like a champ
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Excellent article. 27" easy touring gear my ass..... at this stage of life i use 18 or lower.
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Excellent article. 27" easy touring gear my ass..... at this stage of life i use 18 or lower.
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I've used a Stronglight 99 triple on a 78 Trek 730 with 42cm chainstays and Suntour Cyclone derailleurs. It has worked splendidly for years. I don't understand how it works well in 2010, but not 1980 with the same equipment.
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Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.