Eddoug1

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

TugaDude

You can upload photos to your gallery and we can view them there. Does this Fuji have decals which indicate the model?

Eddoug1

yes it does. It says valite . I have pictures in my gallery on my phone, how do I make them shareable?

TugaDude

Valite isn't the name of the bike but the name of the type of steel tubing it is made from.

TugaDude

I saw the photos. It is a Fuji Espree and it appears to be in decent but neglected condition. I will look up some more info for you.

TugaDude

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.

Eddoug1

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.

TugaDude

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.

Eddoug1

Again, thank you so much for the information! I'm undecided as to what I want to do at this point. Going to think on it a bit.

TugaDude

Keep in mind the main thing is the fit. No bike is a good deal if you don't want to ride it, so making sure it is the right size for you is crucial.

TugaDude

TugaDude

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?

TugaDude

The '85 version features a better fork than the '83. So that's a plus if it is actually an '85.

zukahn1 

Seems odd but Fuii upgraded there forks on late 70's stuff than downgraded 80 or so then up down a couple of time .I have frame set in my parts bin that a low sport tour from about 79 that is a near match. Does it have the full forged Suntour no tab or strait Suntour GS no tap drops.



























does

wrk101

The short answer is no. Very few vintage bikes are worth putting $150 or more into them, or $100 either.

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.

T-Mar

The serial number indicates that the frame was manufactured during January 1985.

Murray Missile 

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.