New Fuso 1st Gen
03-10-24, 12:14 PM
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New Fuso 1st Gen
I thought I would share my latest project. It's a first generation Fuso. Having done some research on the Fuso website, this one belonged to rjhammett in the past. Mr. Hammett restored the frame by powder coating it back to one of the original Moulton colors of red/charcoal grey (by far the best combo with the red/silver being a close second) and by acquiring the decals from Moulton himself. Being an earlier Fuso, it has a metal head tube badge and the fork has the Fuso name cast in the crown which are nice touches.
I received it as a frame from a different owner, so I stripped my '87 Circuit of all its components with the exception of the headset and put it on the Fuso. It's all Suntour Sprint components (friction) even with Sprint hubs and the original Araya black early "aero" rims off the Circuit. I think "aero" back in 1987 meant slightly rounded unlike modern day aero rims. I haven't removed the plastic "dork disk" yet but I don't have a Suntour rear cassette removal tool and haven't committed to just breaking the disk off. I will need to adjust/tighten the shift levers since the derailleurs tend to slowly pull the chain out out of trim. I had a new retro, white Turbo saddle on the bike that looked REALLY nice but the saddle was like riding a wood board, so I reverted back to a favorite saddle, a WTB Rocket.
It rides nice. It supposedly has a longer trail in the fork per Moulton's blog compared to most bikes. It felt a little squirrelly when I first stood out of the saddle on a test ride (which I think was a fluke) because I haven't replicated that sensation. I'll have to pay attention on any descents to see if the trail/stability stands out. All in all, it will definitely be in the rotation with the other favorites.
I received it as a frame from a different owner, so I stripped my '87 Circuit of all its components with the exception of the headset and put it on the Fuso. It's all Suntour Sprint components (friction) even with Sprint hubs and the original Araya black early "aero" rims off the Circuit. I think "aero" back in 1987 meant slightly rounded unlike modern day aero rims. I haven't removed the plastic "dork disk" yet but I don't have a Suntour rear cassette removal tool and haven't committed to just breaking the disk off. I will need to adjust/tighten the shift levers since the derailleurs tend to slowly pull the chain out out of trim. I had a new retro, white Turbo saddle on the bike that looked REALLY nice but the saddle was like riding a wood board, so I reverted back to a favorite saddle, a WTB Rocket.
It rides nice. It supposedly has a longer trail in the fork per Moulton's blog compared to most bikes. It felt a little squirrelly when I first stood out of the saddle on a test ride (which I think was a fluke) because I haven't replicated that sensation. I'll have to pay attention on any descents to see if the trail/stability stands out. All in all, it will definitely be in the rotation with the other favorites.
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03-10-24, 12:40 PM
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Very VERY Nice!
I did note that you kept the Dork Disk. A totally useless piece of safety equipment till it isn't... Ha
Yep... After wrecking two derailleurs and trashing the spokes on three wheel sets I finally learned my lesson and replaced them on any bike I may ride in the brush...
I did note that you kept the Dork Disk. A totally useless piece of safety equipment till it isn't... Ha
Yep... After wrecking two derailleurs and trashing the spokes on three wheel sets I finally learned my lesson and replaced them on any bike I may ride in the brush...
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No matter where you're at... There you are... Δf:=f(1/2)-f(-1/2)
No matter where you're at... There you are... Δf:=f(1/2)-f(-1/2)
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03-10-24, 11:41 PM
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A great builder that we see far to little from. 
Another one of many I should get built up.
Another one of many I should get built up.
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03-11-24, 12:22 AM
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There’s a lot to be said for three-colour panelled paint schemes as these Fusos and many 1980s Merckx team frames demonstrate. Fades, by comparison, seem to have faded while these have endured.
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03-11-24, 08:55 AM
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Excellent bike!
DM is probably my favorite frame builder.
I like his story and philosophy. His frames are not overly ornate, just well made & to be ridden. I remember his advertisements in 80s cycling magazines but never had an opportunity to own one until a few years ago.
DM is probably my favorite frame builder.
I like his story and philosophy. His frames are not overly ornate, just well made & to be ridden. I remember his advertisements in 80s cycling magazines but never had an opportunity to own one until a few years ago.
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03-11-24, 09:04 AM
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Mine also was cobbled together from my old ride, an aluminum Klein. This is a much better riding bike!
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