meaculpa

I'm in midst of planning a rebuild a Schwinn Super LeTour frame I got off CL last week, then saw this Fuji:

FUJI S12-S ROAD BIKE - $175 (MARS/CRANBERRY)
https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/bik/4534932541.html

Talked to seller, he's never ridden it, measured it at 22in from bb to top of seat tube, said it "looks new" to him. So I may drive out to see and test-ride. Wondering if it might be a better value since it seems to be in decent shape & has original components?

Also, I cannot tell from the Fuji catalogue if it fits wider (32-35) tires.

OTS 

There is a lot of info here.
If it can accept a 650B conversion I think you are safe.
Check it out.https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...my-garage.html

oddjob2

Why change the rims out? 27 X 1 1/4 is effectively a 32cm width.

VintageRide

The S12S will accept 38mm 650b tires with 45mm fenders as I did a conversion on a 1981. The fenders were 700c V.O. versions I simply re contoured to fit better. Rides very nicely ( better than the 27" 32mm tires ) and it makes a great low trail rondo bike if desired. All you need are Dia Compe 750 center pull brakes, the frame accepts 650b like it was made for them.

Bianchigirll 

The seller has never ridden it. I would venture to say someone has been or rode it at one time. Handlebar tape doesn't just fall off in the garage. That looks a little bigger than a 22 to me.

Is that fork OK?

jacksbike

Quite certain that this model was sold in 21 and 23" sizes, no 22". Looks nice for the price, but no tape, rubber lever covers splitting. Fork looks OK- some of these Fujis had a long fork rake.

meaculpa

Very informative thread, thanks!

meaculpa

I am hoping its 23", 21" will be a touch too small (I stand 5'10.) I plan to haggle the price if the components aren't in good shape. Tape isn't an issue, derailleurs, bb, hubs & headset on the other hand...

I assume its a low trail frame which would be exactly my project, a front rack+handlebar bag (alternating with a wald basket) for commute and randonneuring.

meaculpa

VintageRide: I was looking at a Stag recently before I decided to try these slightly older frames. How do you think the Fuji compares, for example I know it will ride completely differently from my Bianchi Volpe which was a medium trail all-rounder. Even though I am likely to test ride it tomorrow, I'm antsy with preconceptions (never having ridden a bike quite like this).

SkyDog75

The pictured bike is definitely bigger than 21".

etherhuffer 

Thats a 23 for sure. I agree to look at the fork. Bent backwards?

meaculpa

If it is bent...I could counter-offer 1/3...like say $50-70? Honestly, for the seller (a somewhat brusque older fellow who said he finds and sells bikes) to describe it as "Condition: New", it seems that he understands the approximate quality of the frame but is being disingenuous as he admits he's never ridden it & wouldn't comment on the state of the components, the drivetrain, etc when I asked specific questions (ie how do the cranks spin?) just said that it "looks new to me". And if the fork is bent, I'll have to forget test riding it.

etherhuffer 

Just make sure the line of the head tube is the same as the upper fork. If there is a difference, its been crashed. The interntet pics make it hard to tell.

VintageRide

meaculpa - I have not actually ridden it with anything but the 650b setup but it will be low trail with the 27" wheels and am confident you will find it offers a good ride, the front end steering might feel a bit light compared to the wider tires and extra weight I have on mine but since I have ridden both I can't say I absolutely favor one over the other but would give the nod to the Fuji for a more forgiving ride, it would probably be quite nice with 42mm Hetres. The Stag is lighter and feels more lively but I really like the Fuji as it feels steadier and more compliant.When I eventually get a proper front rack mounted bag the Stag should feel a bit more steady as well. I would try the Hetres except I really do not want to remove the fenders to try and prefer to use them on my bikes. The best part is that it feels great with the 38mm Soma tires on it, I will just say it is one of my favorite bikes that I have owned over the years, much better than a Rivendell Bleriot I had with Hetres on it as an example. I hope I helped in your decision.

eschlwc

i see it comes with a neat looking helmet, but i'd prefer just a saddle.

Hudson308 

The 19" (?) '81 S12-S I rebuilt for my wife has fat 27x1-1/4" Club Roost cyclocross tires on it that barely clear the stays. There's no clearance for fenders on hers, but 650B and/or smaller tires should give you the space you need, as VintageRide has shared.

meaculpa

Thanks for taking the time to describe your experiences in such detail VintageRide.

If I am going to understand the differences, I simply need to ride 1) 650b & 2) low trail bikes and mull that over while cognizant of your (& others) described experiences. My best way into that world seems to be this Fuji experiment. Its either that or take a big $$$ jump and build up a new built-for-650b platform like the Stag. All I know is I've got to get a functioning all-rounder going soon cause its no fun commuting on my Gary Fisher mtb.

One experience I can count on is that, prior to crashing the Volpe, I'd been experimenting with the Compass 700x38 (rear)/ GB ELH 700x30 (front). The 38 volume felt really good, especially for a commute is only 1/2 road & 1/2 everything else.

In terms of tire size, I don't want to be boxed in by frame limitations eg the rear triangle + fenders. The 38 barely cleared my PB Cascadia fenders but no problems arose in the many months of that iteration. This goes to Hudson308's point of 650b conversion on the Fuji.

If this frame doesn't work out though (damaged or whatever...), my next move would be to make the Super Le Tour into a commuter until I find 'my next bike'.

crank_addict

I purchased new (1979 or 80?) an S12-S Ltd. Primarily used it for some heavy touring. Terrific rider and served the purpose very well. As expected, probably my fault for over loading but would be a noodle on some screaming ascents. Scary!

Fork: Do carefully look that fork over. Odd when I think of it, but mine was sort of like that from NEW! It was ever so slight or was it an optical illusion? Compare to other images of this model and they do have a peculiar blade / rake going on. Perhaps some factory tweak???

VintageRide

In my case putting the Fuji S12S together to try out low trail actually helped me make the decision to order the Stag frame and as I mentioned despite the Stag being purposely designed as a low trail bike the Fuji more than hold it's own, and I tend to prefer vintage bikes for the more lively ride in most cases compared to modern steel frames with over sized tubing. At this point the only equivalent frame would be something like a custom Boulder All Road in light weight tubing so obviously, except for braze ons and a possible better fit vintage bikes are a relative bargain when you think of it. I had the Fuji spaced to 135mm to accept a modern Shimano 9 speed drive train using Campagnolo 10 speed Ergo shifters with a Shift Mate and really, all that is missing are the front rack mounts ( I used p clamps ) and internal wiring for a generator hub, although I am using XT hubs with battery operated lights. Of course, I would love to have a custom rando bike but considering the cost difference, for those of us who cannot afford 4000.00 + the S12S is a great alternative. It cost around 2000.00 including the frame to build it up as it is but, as my "younger" 53 year old brother after riding it said - "it sure rides smooth!". I doubt I will go back to higher or neutral trail bikes again myself, I have an early '80's Raleigh with Reynolds 531C tubing which is fun to ride and I only kept it because of that, although it is very light feeling in the steering it feels right, I also like the look of the chrome stays and forks and the option of having a more traditional saddle bag set up sometimes but I do favor the low trail bikes more, especially on longer rides.
One last thought on the Stag is that outside of the lack of of being able to use internal wiring for a dyno hub and a fork that could have been made with thinner blades for more shock absorption ( not critical though with the Hetres ) it is well thought out and a very nice riding and handling bike. Even though it uses a 1" thread less steering tube it can be cut and threaded for use with a traditional stem if desired. It would have been nice had it been lugged instead of welded as well - I had a Steelwool Tweed that used lugs along with Tange Prestige tubing for the same price so it obviously can be done but I guess that is nitpicking a bit but I can't help but think if someone offered such a frame made in Taiwan for 800.00 or so it would sell quite well. I am sure it could be done, just surprised it has not.

bikemig 

Why is it "no fun" to commute on an mtb? Mtbs can make, I think, excellent commuters. The reason I am asking is that you may be able to configure your Gary Fisher so becomes a better commuter. Certainly a 26 x 1.5 tires gives you a nice plush ride that can't be all that different from a 650b x 38mm tire.

illumin8em

Sorry to bump an old thread, but I'm curious why you decided to pass on the Fuji?