Vintage Fuji bike
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Vintage Fuji bike
Hi, new to this forum. Looking for information on this Fuji bike. Year and a rough estimate of value. I can't post pictures. Serial number is
FA 509599
FA 509599
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I'm going to go with it being a 1983 model and the catalog page I posted is the correct one. I believe the color is Rainbow Blue. Are you interested in purchasing it? Are you handy with tools? Reason I ask is because it will need a full refurb. Bearings need to be cleaned and repacked, or even replaced if worn. The tires and tubes will likely need replacement so there's that. A "tune-up" in a bike shop probably would set you back $150.00 and that doesn't include any parts which might be in need of replacing.
The brake hoods are trash and will need replacing. All of the consumables are probably ripe for replacement.
As it sits, I wouldn't pay more than $100.00 for it if I were going to keep it, fix it up, and ride. As a flip candidate, less.
The brake hoods are trash and will need replacing. All of the consumables are probably ripe for replacement.
As it sits, I wouldn't pay more than $100.00 for it if I were going to keep it, fix it up, and ride. As a flip candidate, less.
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Thank you so much for the information! I can fix whatever needs to be fixed, that's no big deal. I actually enjoy doing that. They're asking $100.00 for it. I'm wondering if I put the work in it, and spend another $150.00 or $200.00 would I be able to get my money back if I decided to sell it at some point? What causes the brake hoods to do that, heat? They almost look melted. Does it look to be original? I like original bikes.
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Just gave it a quick glance but yes, everything appears original. Check the handlebar stem as it appears to be too high. There is a horizontal mark on the stem that indicates the minimum insertion point. Same for the seat post, by the way. Just make sure they aren't over-extended as that could end very badly.
As far as getting your money back, the market for such bikes only goes so high unless you are in a high-priced market. Location does matter. Fixed up it is still worth less than $200.00 in my opinion.
There are maintenance videos on Park Tool's website that might be helpful. There are many on youtube as well, some better than others.
Edit: Forgot to address the hoods. That's from age. You can find replacement hoods for Dia Compe brakes. Interesting that the photos in the catalog don't show hoods. They might have been added after purchase.
As far as getting your money back, the market for such bikes only goes so high unless you are in a high-priced market. Location does matter. Fixed up it is still worth less than $200.00 in my opinion.
There are maintenance videos on Park Tool's website that might be helpful. There are many on youtube as well, some better than others.
Edit: Forgot to address the hoods. That's from age. You can find replacement hoods for Dia Compe brakes. Interesting that the photos in the catalog don't show hoods. They might have been added after purchase.
Last edited by TugaDude; 06-21-22 at 12:23 PM.
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Leaning toward it being an '85 now after noticing the stem shifters in the catalog versus the downtube shifters on the subject bicycle. Maybe the color is what they called Green Blue?
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Thank you so much for the information! I can fix whatever needs to be fixed, that's no big deal. I actually enjoy doing that. They're asking $100.00 for it. I'm wondering if I put the work in it, and spend another $150.00 or $200.00 would I be able to get my money back if I decided to sell it at some point?
If you want to get your money out of an old bike, you have to buy incredibly cheap, you have to do all the work yourself, and you have to aim higher.
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The serial number indicates that the frame was manufactured during January 1985.
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The '85 Espree has a better frame (quad butted tubung vs. double butted), fork and components than the '83. I've had an '83 and rebuilt an '85 for someone. The '85 Espree was very comparable to my '86 DelRey I just sold. Neither one would be a money maker or even a "break even" at $100 purchase price. Free, doing all the work yourself and already havng most of the parts you might break even with the '85. If you just want a nice riding vintage bike and the satisfaction of doing it yourself I wouldn't hesitate to invest in an '85.
1983 Espree
1985 Espree w/ upgrades
1986 Del Rey full overhaul.
1983 Espree
1985 Espree w/ upgrades
1986 Del Rey full overhaul.
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