1984 Fuji Touring series III
#1
kVp & m*s
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Upstate NY
Posts: 311
Bikes: Schwinn Paramount... someday
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 101 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
1984 Fuji Touring series III
I have been looking for a vintage touring bike for a while now so when I had the chance to buy this I did not hesitate. It wasn't cheap, but I think it was a fair price. Hard to judge with the value with the modern components. I'll be posting in the appraisal section too to see what the experts think. I guess it kind of hurts the value as a collectable, not that it is a particularly rare bike, but all original carries some weight. On the other hand the upgrades make it more functional as a rider.
So, here is the list of modern parts:
-Tiagra hub
-Sram 8 speed cassette
-CR18 rims
-Sanyo Generator front hub
-Koolstop pads
-Shimano downtube shifters
-Cinelli handlebars
-gatorskin tires
-deore LX m580 rear derailer
-Velo Orange front rack
Was also wondering about the frame tubing. VA-lite, a proprietary tubing from Fuji. I've been reading that quality was somewhere between chromoly and Hi-ten?
Paint is rough in some spots and filled in. Here are some pics...
fuji 1.jpg
fuji 2.jpg
fuji 4.jpg
fuji 5.jpg
fuji 3.jpg
So, here is the list of modern parts:
-Tiagra hub
-Sram 8 speed cassette
-CR18 rims
-Sanyo Generator front hub
-Koolstop pads
-Shimano downtube shifters
-Cinelli handlebars
-gatorskin tires
-deore LX m580 rear derailer
-Velo Orange front rack
Was also wondering about the frame tubing. VA-lite, a proprietary tubing from Fuji. I've been reading that quality was somewhere between chromoly and Hi-ten?
Paint is rough in some spots and filled in. Here are some pics...
fuji 1.jpg
fuji 2.jpg
fuji 4.jpg
fuji 5.jpg
fuji 3.jpg
Last edited by Lovenutz; 08-09-17 at 10:06 PM.
#3
Bikes are okay, I guess.
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Richmond, Virginia
Posts: 6,938
Bikes: Waterford Paramount Touring, Giant CFM-2, Raleigh Sports 3-speeds in M23 & L23, Schwinn Cimarron oddball build, Marin Palisades Trail dropbar conversion, Nishiki Cresta GT
Mentioned: 69 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2647 Post(s)
Liked 2,446 Times
in
1,557 Posts
Nice bike with sensible upgrades. The original was not so special as to be a collectible, so I would not worry about the changes made to it. And very close to my size. Good find.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 833
Bikes: '68 Raleigh Suberbe, '92 (German) Centurion Equipe, '85 Schwinn Peloton, 1983ish Zunow Road Racer project, '69 Squanch Super Tourer, 1980 Bianchi Super Corsa, '82 Austro-Daimler Vent Noir, '89 Miyata 914 project, 1982ish Bianchi Rallye
Mentioned: 25 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 294 Post(s)
Liked 9 Times
in
9 Posts
Super nice. I've been looking for any of the Fuji Tourings but they are rarely for sale around SF or on eBay.
I don't know if the later versions have that nice chrome fork crown. Does the III have the spare spoke holder on a chainstay?
I have a similar era Japanese touring (Schwinn Voyageur) and have considered a dynamo hub for it.
I don't know if the later versions have that nice chrome fork crown. Does the III have the spare spoke holder on a chainstay?
I have a similar era Japanese touring (Schwinn Voyageur) and have considered a dynamo hub for it.
#7
Fillet-Brazed Member
Sweet bike. I'd like to have one too, especially the III because I like the classy silver color scheme. Many seem not to be all original these days.
The upgrades are nice but all original would be desirable to me. I think the stem may have also been swapped.
This website - https://www.classicfuji.com/TouringSe..._1984_Page.htm
is pretty informative.
I'm not sure how good or bad VALite is, but I think Fujis of this era look really well made, solid, and cool.
Depending on the local market, I'd say $250-350.
The upgrades are nice but all original would be desirable to me. I think the stem may have also been swapped.
This website - https://www.classicfuji.com/TouringSe..._1984_Page.htm
is pretty informative.
I'm not sure how good or bad VALite is, but I think Fujis of this era look really well made, solid, and cool.
Depending on the local market, I'd say $250-350.
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2015
Location: San Marcos, CA
Posts: 550
Bikes: Too many, but sometimes not enough.
Mentioned: 32 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 225 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 18 Times
in
14 Posts
Lovenutz, you've got a nice bike there. All the changes from original are definite improvements, at least functionally. Value wise, they're maybe a wash, or might detract a bit. Get yourself an LED front light, and maybe a bag for the front rack and you're all set for just about any sort of light touring / long distance riding. It's not a super high end bike, so you shouldn't feel too beholden to keeping or restoring it to original.
Looks like you have room for some cushy tires. If you like the blackwall look, I can highly recommend the Vittoria Voyager Hyper tires. They're on semi-permanent closeout at Planet-X, for around $15-20 depending on current sales. They're available in 32, 35, and 38mm, and are pretty supple, with a reasonably thick, slick tread. Not quite Compass tire nice, but for the price they're a fantastic bargain. I've had 3 pairs of the 35mm tires swapped between a number of bikes, and they give a very fast, cushy ride inflated to 50-60 psi
Looks like you have room for some cushy tires. If you like the blackwall look, I can highly recommend the Vittoria Voyager Hyper tires. They're on semi-permanent closeout at Planet-X, for around $15-20 depending on current sales. They're available in 32, 35, and 38mm, and are pretty supple, with a reasonably thick, slick tread. Not quite Compass tire nice, but for the price they're a fantastic bargain. I've had 3 pairs of the 35mm tires swapped between a number of bikes, and they give a very fast, cushy ride inflated to 50-60 psi
#9
kVp & m*s
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Upstate NY
Posts: 311
Bikes: Schwinn Paramount... someday
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 101 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Super nice. I've been looking for any of the Fuji Tourings but they are rarely for sale around SF or on eBay.
I don't know if the later versions have that nice chrome fork crown. Does the III have the spare spoke holder on a chainstay?
I have a similar era Japanese touring (Schwinn Voyageur) and have considered a dynamo hub for it.
I don't know if the later versions have that nice chrome fork crown. Does the III have the spare spoke holder on a chainstay?
I have a similar era Japanese touring (Schwinn Voyageur) and have considered a dynamo hub for it.
Sweet bike. I'd like to have one too, especially the III because I like the classy silver color scheme. Many seem not to be all original these days.
The upgrades are nice but all original would be desirable to me. I think the stem may have also been swapped.
This website - https://www.classicfuji.com/TouringSe..._1984_Page.htm
is pretty informative.
I'm not sure how good or bad VALite is, but I think Fujis of this era look really well made, solid, and cool.
Depending on the local market, I'd say $250-350.
The upgrades are nice but all original would be desirable to me. I think the stem may have also been swapped.
This website - https://www.classicfuji.com/TouringSe..._1984_Page.htm
is pretty informative.
I'm not sure how good or bad VALite is, but I think Fujis of this era look really well made, solid, and cool.
Depending on the local market, I'd say $250-350.
#10
kVp & m*s
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Upstate NY
Posts: 311
Bikes: Schwinn Paramount... someday
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 101 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Lovenutz, you've got a nice bike there. All the changes from original are definite improvements, at least functionally. Value wise, they're maybe a wash, or might detract a bit. Get yourself an LED front light, and maybe a bag for the front rack and you're all set for just about any sort of light touring / long distance riding. It's not a super high end bike, so you shouldn't feel too beholden to keeping or restoring it to original.
Looks like you have room for some cushy tires. If you like the blackwall look, I can highly recommend the Vittoria Voyager Hyper tires. They're on semi-permanent closeout at Planet-X, for around $15-20 depending on current sales. They're available in 32, 35, and 38mm, and are pretty supple, with a reasonably thick, slick tread. Not quite Compass tire nice, but for the price they're a fantastic bargain. I've had 3 pairs of the 35mm tires swapped between a number of bikes, and they give a very fast, cushy ride inflated to 50-60 psi
Looks like you have room for some cushy tires. If you like the blackwall look, I can highly recommend the Vittoria Voyager Hyper tires. They're on semi-permanent closeout at Planet-X, for around $15-20 depending on current sales. They're available in 32, 35, and 38mm, and are pretty supple, with a reasonably thick, slick tread. Not quite Compass tire nice, but for the price they're a fantastic bargain. I've had 3 pairs of the 35mm tires swapped between a number of bikes, and they give a very fast, cushy ride inflated to 50-60 psi
My Fuji America though is 700c and in need of some new rubber.
Last edited by Lovenutz; 08-06-17 at 09:24 PM.
#11
Full Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Cape Cod
Posts: 469
Bikes: Lotus Odyssey - Shogun 400 - '75 Raleigh Tourist - Raleigh Grand Prix - Gitane Tour de France- Schwinn Le Tour - Univega Maxima Sport (winter bike) Trek 950
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 27 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
5 Posts
there's one listed on Cape Cod Craigslist, my size, 64cm. All original but definitely ridden hard & put away wet. If close by would be a good resource for original bits. Started at $100 asking & down to $60.
#12
Senior Member
If yo ever decide to get rid of the Belt saddle, let me know! My '75 Fuji S-10S is still wearing it's original Fujita Belt, but it is showing it's age after 40+ years and tens of thousands of miles of use!
Just for my own edification, does your Belt have a metal reinforcement on the underside? My original doesn't, and either does the brown one I got for my Univega Gran Tourismo, but a 'spare' I had picked up a few years back (that has the lacing holes) does.
Just for my own edification, does your Belt have a metal reinforcement on the underside? My original doesn't, and either does the brown one I got for my Univega Gran Tourismo, but a 'spare' I had picked up a few years back (that has the lacing holes) does.
#14
Senior Member
There isn't really such a thing as "hi-ten" steel BTW. All it means is high tensile. Technically 4130 cro mo is hi ten. There are hundreds of alloys and tempers of carbon steel. It follows that the quality of steel used in "hi ten" frames varies enormously. Some is pretty nice stuff.
At any rate, cool Fuji! Nice classic Japanese touring bike for sure. I remember those from the time.
#15
kVp & m*s
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Upstate NY
Posts: 311
Bikes: Schwinn Paramount... someday
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 101 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
If yo ever decide to get rid of the Belt saddle, let me know! My '75 Fuji S-10S is still wearing it's original Fujita Belt, but it is showing it's age after 40+ years and tens of thousands of miles of use!
Just for my own edification, does your Belt have a metal reinforcement on the underside? My original doesn't, and either does the brown one I got for my Univega Gran Tourismo, but a 'spare' I had picked up a few years back (that has the lacing holes) does.
Just for my own edification, does your Belt have a metal reinforcement on the underside? My original doesn't, and either does the brown one I got for my Univega Gran Tourismo, but a 'spare' I had picked up a few years back (that has the lacing holes) does.
And sorry Coug, I'll be hanging on to this one for a while. It's going on my America. The catalog shows that the America came with a Fujita F-17 so this will be closer to original. The Avocet Touring I that on there now is going on the the Series III... It's more comfortable anyways.
2017-07-23 17.28.15.jpg
fuuuuuuuji.jpg
Last edited by Lovenutz; 08-09-17 at 10:05 PM.
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Seattle WA
Posts: 2,841
Bikes: 2009 Handsome Devil, 1987 Trek 520 Cirrus, 1978 Motobecane Grand Touring, 1987 Nishiki Cresta GT, 1989 Specialized Allez Former bikes; 1986 Miyata Trail Runner, 1979 Miyata 912, 2011 VO Rando, 1999 Cannondale R800, 1986 Schwinn Passage
Mentioned: 72 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 796 Post(s)
Liked 522 Times
in
367 Posts
I looked at a Fuji Touring III on ebay last year when I was overwhelmed by vintage mid 80s Japanese touring bike fever, your bike looks great and I agree with the other the upgrades are sensible and probably add to the ride experience. I found a Schwinn Passage in my size locally instead also a bit more than I would usually pay but not bad and it calmed my fever. I made a few changes to my mostly but not completely stock as found bike to make it a good fit - cockpit items mostly
[IMG]Pass hill day by Ryan Surface, on Flickr[/IMG]
[IMG]Pass hill day by Ryan Surface, on Flickr[/IMG]
#17
kVp & m*s
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Upstate NY
Posts: 311
Bikes: Schwinn Paramount... someday
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 101 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
@ryansu Wow nice! I really like your Passage. I was looking for one of those Tenax framed Schwinn bikes. I had a chance on a Voyageur but missed it. My Fuji came with another set of wheels with knobby tires, another cassette, and two sets of fenders. And all the 'upgrades' I was planning on were already done. I couldn't say no.
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Seattle WA
Posts: 2,841
Bikes: 2009 Handsome Devil, 1987 Trek 520 Cirrus, 1978 Motobecane Grand Touring, 1987 Nishiki Cresta GT, 1989 Specialized Allez Former bikes; 1986 Miyata Trail Runner, 1979 Miyata 912, 2011 VO Rando, 1999 Cannondale R800, 1986 Schwinn Passage
Mentioned: 72 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 796 Post(s)
Liked 522 Times
in
367 Posts
Thanks @Lovenutz I am really enjoying the Passage and its plush stable ride, I hope you have a similar experience with the Fuji III. I can see why the Mid 80's gets referred to as the Golden Age of Japanese touring bikes
#19
Banned.
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Oakland, CA
Posts: 398
Bikes: Swobo Sanchez 3x1
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 137 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Thanks I've been threw the old Fuji catalogs a few time. It's really interesting to me. Va-lite was some kind of vanadium, aluminum, manganese alloy. The Touring IV and V of the same year are all chromoly. So I am assuming its somewhat lower quality. I payed 300 for it which I assumed was a higher end of the value, but I've finally got my touring bike.
#22
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Niagara
Posts: 15
Bikes: Carlton Corsair, Dawes Galaxy, Fuji Touring III, Bianchi, Gitane
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Fuji Touring lll
Pic of my Touring lll. Non standard rear derailleur, brake levers, Alex 700 rims/hubs, fenders.
#23
Senior Member
Where are you finding this information? I've seen a couple casual references to aluminum being used as an alloying element in Va-lite, but I'm not sure I believe it. Not a normal component of vanadium steel AFAIK. Vanadium, Chromium, Manganese, yes. Al? doubtful.
#24
kVp & m*s
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Upstate NY
Posts: 311
Bikes: Schwinn Paramount... someday
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 101 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Might be tough to read. If you go to the link it's easier to see.
fuuugi.jpg
https://www.classicfuji.com/1982_04_I...tion3_Page.htm
#25
Senior Member
I'm going off what I read in the 1982 catalog. It's in the italicized part. It says Fuji developed VAlite in tandem with one of the worlds leading bike tubing manufacturers. I think Ishiwata?
Might be tough to read. If you go to the link it's easier to see.
Attachment 575704
https://www.classicfuji.com/1982_04_I...tion3_Page.htm
Might be tough to read. If you go to the link it's easier to see.
Attachment 575704
https://www.classicfuji.com/1982_04_I...tion3_Page.htm