Fuji has some strange names for their road bikes. They have the Finest (women's model), the Newest (men's model), and one I'm calling the Cheapest. For $500, you can buy a road bike with an aluminum frame, cromoly fork and downtube shifters. That's right, downtube shifters. I didn't even know anyone made downtube shifter bosses that could be welded to an aluminum frame. For one thing, I think it's great that someone is making an entry level road bike, and even greater that they're not trying to dumb down or cheapen up integrated shifters. Instead, they're relying on tried and true technology. Only 8 speeds though. Arghh. Totally incompatible with everything that's out there now. Why make it hard on the customer? What are they saving by making an 8 speed derailler and sparing one cog? If it were a 9-speed, at least the customer could easily replace the cassette and chain. Also, there might be a side market for the downtube shifters they are having their Chinese factory produce. 1x9's are not right now. Think Bianchi Castro Valley. Anyway, everything old is newest again.
Photo from www.fujibikes.com
2 comments:
I suspect the shifter bosses are riveted on, not welded to the frame. Weird choice for Fuji, though -- as are many of the choices they've made over the years...
Riveted on? Oh man, that sounds crappy. I suppose if they glop the paint on thick enough, the rivets won't rattle. Not exactly the way I wanted downtube shifters to come back, but oh well, they're bringing road bikes to a broader audience.
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