Fujis, anyone?

scullyman

I came across a Fuji Team RC on the internet and have seen some reasonable reviews on US sites. I was wondering if anyone knew anything more about them - are they any good?

I'm looking at the '09 bike which is the same spec as the '10 Pro here:

Fuji SL-1 Pro

The spec seems decent: Ultegra SL, Ksyriums, Ritchey finishing kit etc. and the geometry is pretty standard. However, it's tough to find out anything about the frames.

They seem to be made with a proprietary carbon that they call C7 - described as "high modulus with custom weave strands". This is a step up from the C4 (!) on their lower level bikes in the range. I can't find much about it except that based on stats alone it seems to have a lower modulus and strength than comparable Toray carbons, though they do talk it up in the promo material!

I can't actually try one so does anyone have any thoughts on whether the bikes are any good? It's a decent weight but does it sacrifice stiffness in the frame?

Oh, and a RRP of c.£3k is chucked about but I'd be looking closer to the £1,600 mark hence the question - I'm comparing against the Boardman Pro Carbon.

Thanks!

bikerZA

Apparently they are very nice bikes. I know a couple of people who ride them (don't know the model off the top of my head), and they all seem to rate them as a good bike.

Personally I'm not sure it would be my first choice, I'm a snob for Italian bikes, but if you could get it for £1,600 on a £3k RRP, seems like a very good deal.

scullyman

Thanks, bikerZA. I have heard much the same from other sources, so was just trying to understand whether the frames were any good or just "comfortable".

This is a bit of a controversial comment but I'm looking for the best value for money and I'm not sure I find that with Italian brands... :?

fungus_the_muffin_man

Was it Evans where you saw them?
I saw them there in the flesh when I was looking for my new bike. They're lovely looking bikes and as you say have good kit on them. But like you couldn't find much on them so gave them a miss.

bikerZA

scullyman wrote:

This is a bit of a controversial comment but I'm looking for the best value for money and I'm not sure I find that with Italian brands... :?

Naw not controversial, I think most would be happy to admit they're expensive bikes.. (but obviously worth it )

scullyman

Fungus The Muffin Man wrote:

Was it Evans where you saw them?

Nope, although I knew that Evans sold them. They're currently on offer for £2k.

Which store did you see them in if you don't mind me asking - wouldn't mind the chance to see one in the flesh.

Pross

Is that the same bike more or less as this http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/USED-56CM-Fuji-SL-1-Carbon-Complete-Bike_W0QQitemZ180417411072QQcmdZViewItemQQptZRoad_Bikes?hash=item2a01b73800&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

If so the second hand price on these seems high lthough the spec is very good, shipping price is huge :shock: plus tax on top!

kingrollo

One thing I have heard - is they give a harsh ride for carbon bikes - dunno how true this is - for £1600 - you can get carbon ultegra bikes from

Ribble
Planet X
Kuota

and probably a few others !

scullyman

Thanks, guys. Ride quality etc. is the sort of thing I'm interested in, really. I'm trying to make sure that I get the best possible start point to upgrade from so frame quality is important.

huuregeil

A friend has a Team RC, I rode it very briefly, seems a very nice frame definitely in the out and out race bike mould, plenty stiff and nice handling, rather than a "sportive" carbon bike. He loves it and has done everything on it, from racing to big days in the mountains. If you can get it for £1600 I think you're onto a winner.

Evil Laugh

The bike is brand new on ebay for £1500 from a bike shop in Wigan..

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/09-Fuji-Team-RC-5 ... 286.c0.m14

Evil Laugh

scullyman wrote:

Thanks, guys. Ride quality etc. is the sort of thing I'm interested in, really. I'm trying to make sure that I get the best possible start point to upgrade from so frame quality is important.

I'd try one if you can. They had some at Evans in East London. Spittalfields, is that the one?

I've ridden the CCR range and despite all the better parts I could get for my money with a Fuji they didn't feel anywhere near as good as a Cannondale or Trek carbon frame. The ride quality was dead, detached and harsh in comparison.

I was however looking for a sportive type bike so take from that what you will.