--Forwarded Message Attachment-- Date: Wed, 19 Mar 2008 23:04:50 -0400 From: tymncycle@gmail.com To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Subject: [CR]Fuji America on ebay
Has anyone seen this?
It looks like it's in pretty nice shape, and I was always fond of the old Fujis, especially the Finest and America models. One question though... ar e the crankset and rear derailleur right for the America, in 76? That appear s to be a VX derailleur, and I'm not sure when that was introduced. And I know it was on the 77 S-10S, as I owned one of those, so it strikes me as odd that it would be on an America, a much pricier model. Same goes for th e crankset... from the picture, that looks like the swaged Maxy, not the forged Mighty Tour, but maybe it's just the photo. Again, seems to me the America would have something like the MT, not a Maxy, as the S-10S had the Maxy. I can't honestly say I know that much about the America model as far as what years it was offered, exact specs, etc. Any Fuji experts out there ?
Tim
Tim Fricker bikes@vienna, llc Vienna, VA, USA
Hi Tim,
Not an expert but I am the original owner of a 1979 Fuji America and I re
cently
purchased an all original 1981? S12-S 18 speed that was neglected but ligh
tly used.
I took the S12-S COMPLETELY apart except freewheel and spokes. Cleaned,lub
ed and
adjusted everything. Stripped the bike down to the bare frame and fork. Ne
ver did that before.
I believe everything is original including the tires(Silver Star 27X1x1/8"
(not cracked or hard)
I did replace the gum boots on the brake levers. The S12-S has similar com
ponents to the America
The same 53-44-36 chain wheels the same 14-30 Suntour perfect 6 sp regular
freewheel,126mm frame space.
But the America has Sugino Mighty tour 171mm cranks, the S12-S has Fuji-Su
gino cranks that look
very similar to the Sugino new Maxy that is on the 1976 Ebay America.
Check out: http://www.classicrendezvous.com/
The earlier Americas,up to about 1981+- were nicer looking bikes with chr ome accenting etc,more of a road racer look then the later heavy duty touring bikes of the mid 80 's. My 1979 America I believe is the first year for 18 speeds. Last year I cha nged to a 7 speed Shimano Maxy 14-34 and a Sram pc58 chain as recommended in Sheldon Browns' (RIP)website. The overall smoothness and shifting has improved dramatically. The Barcon shifters aren't as positive as the down tube shifters (S12-S) but they are easy to reach. The Americas have nice frame details and are a good blend of a racer and a tourer of their era. Interes tingly both bikes are 58mm seat tubes (c-t), have about the same stand over ht of about 33",but the S 12-S has a wheelbase that is 41.5" verses 40" for the America. Both bikes came with Dia Compe G side pull brakes but the bike shop recommended Gran Compe 400 when I bought it back in 1979. They have a high quality look that belongs on a sweet bike. I probably will sell the S12-S and would like to find ano ther Fuji America with a slightly smaller frame for just goofing around on in town rides. I'll try to answer any questions.
Bill Bikash
Boston,Mass USA