72 Fuji Newest, perhaps gaudy update
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72 Fuji Newest, perhaps gaudy update
I posted earlier on this well used 72 Fuji Newest that I purchased last year. It looked to have spent its last decades as a commuter.
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...-newest-2.html
As nearly nothing on it was stock except the well used crank, I built it up how I wanted. Even the crank arms were gouged and I used a file on the flats to level it and then sandpaper. So, in my mind, anything goes. I don’t have the talents of others here, and truthfully good from 5 feet is good enough for me. The numerous scrapes and nicks on the frame made this an easier choice too.
Rideable condition
That was where I was at but then being newly retired in wintertime, I had too much time on my hands. My other bikes are pretty sedate looking, so my mind wandered a bit. The stock graphics that I put on harken to the flower power era, so I thought to take it a step further. It was fun, and I can always change it back. Flame away at me, but remember, nothing was really stock to begin with.
Mostly slightly later period parts, but fitting on this I thought.
Dia Compes would be standard
VX GT and 14-32 narrow six speed
NOS Suntour ratchets
VX again and 42-46 half step
Late 70s Record hubs and Super Champion rims.
I am way less talented than the group here with their amazing custom and Italian and other very high end machines, but I had a lot of fun. Truthfully, at my age and skill level, I perhaps wouldn’t really be able to appreciate the qualities of those bikes either. 15-30 miles on one of my mid level mass produced bikes set up nicely and on a nice day is what pleases me.
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...-newest-2.html
As nearly nothing on it was stock except the well used crank, I built it up how I wanted. Even the crank arms were gouged and I used a file on the flats to level it and then sandpaper. So, in my mind, anything goes. I don’t have the talents of others here, and truthfully good from 5 feet is good enough for me. The numerous scrapes and nicks on the frame made this an easier choice too.
Rideable condition
That was where I was at but then being newly retired in wintertime, I had too much time on my hands. My other bikes are pretty sedate looking, so my mind wandered a bit. The stock graphics that I put on harken to the flower power era, so I thought to take it a step further. It was fun, and I can always change it back. Flame away at me, but remember, nothing was really stock to begin with.
Mostly slightly later period parts, but fitting on this I thought.
Dia Compes would be standard
VX GT and 14-32 narrow six speed
NOS Suntour ratchets
VX again and 42-46 half step
Late 70s Record hubs and Super Champion rims.
I am way less talented than the group here with their amazing custom and Italian and other very high end machines, but I had a lot of fun. Truthfully, at my age and skill level, I perhaps wouldn’t really be able to appreciate the qualities of those bikes either. 15-30 miles on one of my mid level mass produced bikes set up nicely and on a nice day is what pleases me.
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#3
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The lugs on that bike are lovely (esp. the chrome...). What's up with the cable clamp on the chainstay- is the little bit that looks like a BB cable guide just to keep the chain off the stay?
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Actually that is a stock piece I believe. I was confused when I got the bike as it does look like a cable guide. Perhaps in 1972 that was the easiest way to do it. Pics I see of the Newest and Finest from the era all have this, and I believe it is a chainstay protector as well.
Last edited by sd5782; 03-17-22 at 10:33 AM. Reason: Content
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Very nice bike !
I wouldn't call the color scheme "gaudy", it's more stylized
I wouldn't call the color scheme "gaudy", it's more stylized
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It’s a beautiful and very period correct build of a fine bicycle. I always appreciate the thoughtful approach that you take with your bicycles, and find a lot to admire and emulate in your posts. Keep up the great work, and keep enjoying those lovely classics.
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#8
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Got to have fun with these bikes - what else would be the point? I like what you did, and that chainstay protector/cable guide is pretty slick. Those Fuji Newests are really classy with the chromed lugs, I'd love to land a 24" one of these days. Ya gotta shine up those Dia Compe centerpulls, though!
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Great job, I love what you did with the paint on the crankset!
Scott
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#10
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The ride turned out to be very very pleasing. Low trail and very steady on line. Also a very compliant almost soft ride even with a 74degree headtube. 25# as it sits with that big heavy 32T freewheel adding maybe an extra pound over stock. Even though it was rough, it would be difficult to find one like those posted on the Fuji site so I’m glad I bought it. I can’t think too many were sold