Mixte in the City

Longtime readers may remember my 1983 Fuji S12-S (18) mixte documented in this post. Well, following the purchase, it sat in limbo while I accumulated parts and ambition. Yesterday, I got a little busy with it, launching it on its journey to become a nice city bike for Mrs. Otaku. Sorry for the non-driveside photo, but this was in the heat of wrenching action.



Really not much other than replacing the bars and controls, but it already radically changes the nature of the bike. It isn't apparent in the pics, but the cable housings are now very shiny/blingy braided steel. The shifters are vintage Shimano M700 thumbies from the 1980's and the brake levers are contemporary Shimano BL-R440. Despite a difference of over 20 years in production date, they seem to work well together.



Here is a view from the cockpit:



And as a reminder, here is what the bike looked like to begin with.



Mrs. Otaku is pleased so far. Fenders, racks, maybe lighter pedals and a wide leather saddle should be coming along. I'm sort of thinking that this might be a nice 650b candidate.

Scott's First Ride Of 2009

Scott Ryder, the eminent and aptly named Fuji scholar writes:

"We had a great ride yesterday. In the 50's, sunny with light wind. Potholes the size of moon craters filled with muddy water. Plus lots of snowmelt keeping the roads pretty wet. My '77 S10-S is the nearest bicycle I have to being called a "beater" but I certainly don't treat it with disrespect. It just gets the nod when I need something to be rock solid, comfortable and dependable.

My basic day touring set up. A Cannondale handlebar bag which holds my wallet, cell phone, extra tube and tire tools, camera and big enough to stow a rain jacket and misc. other stuff.



Suntour Vx GT rear, Suntour Vx front, Sugino Maxy's with drilled chain rings and MKS touring pedals.


Fujita Professional saddle with Cannondale tire sock which holds an extra water bottle.


Suntour Cyclone shifters.


The water bottle cage is one of the velcro kind, works really well and easy to switch off to my other bikes.


What it looked like when I bought it on EBay for $75 and no shipping charges.


And just so you can put a face to my emails .."

Suntour Derailleur Encyclopedia

Astute followers of this blog may notice a new link in the Useful Info section to "Suntour Derailleur Encyclopedia". In general, those interested in old Fujis, or just vintage cycles often have a concurrent interest in Suntour. The link in question deep links into the Suntour section of Disraeli Gears, which is a phenomenal collection of derailleur information.

It is a well constructed, lushly illustrated resource with some priceless narrative gems such as this comment that closes a scathing review of the Suntour Superbe Tech derailleur:

"Continuing the theme of hubris, the Superbe Tech is often described as ‘the most beautiful derailleur of all time’, so I have deliberately included this mid-length pulley cage, ‘L’, example - the most thoroughly scratched derailleur in this collection. Pride that dines on vanity, sups on contempt."

Enjoy!

What is Y.F.C?

John, the proud owner of this Fuji Featherlight, writes with the following query:

"Hey, it's me again. I just found a cool retro-fuji leather racing saddle, made by fujita, on the sides it says

'fuji seamless y.f.c.'

Any idea what y.f.c. stands for?"

John,

No, sorry, I can't help with that, but maybe a reader who knows will share an insight.

Best,

Fuji Otaku

p.s. gotta picture?

1980 Fuji Cambridge III

Some detail shots for reference. I'd like to pick one of these up for a styling city bike - some nice bits are the sloping top tube and what appear to be forged rear dropouts with double eyelets. The chrome chainguard is a nice touch.

1976 Fuji America

Here are some detail shots of a stock 1976 Fuji America for reference purposes. There are number of differences in components between this year and my 1980 model, which is still pending a photo shoot and writeup, as it is partially disassembled.

The Otakus Take A Ride

Yesterday was clear and cold (upper 30's, low 40's) in our (or my, at least) nation's capital. So the Otaku clan saddled up for a ride.

Mrs. Otaku rode a quietly elegant 1985 Trek 720.



This bike has too much nice stuff to mention, but I'll try: 32h Croce D'Aune hubs laced to Campy Omega Hardox rims, Suntour Cyclone Front/Rear derailleur, CLB brake levers from Chris K's private stock at Velo Orange, Shimano XTR bottom bracket, Stronglight Headset, VO Grenouille brakes, ITM stem, Nitto Randonneur bars, Honjo fluted fenders, Brooks Countess saddle. C-Record dt Shifters.

My Trek 620 is the traction unit for baby Otaku's cozy Burley trailer. We hit the road and soon intersected with one of the seedier warrens of the Georgetown Branch Trail.





Crossing over Rock Creek into Chevy Chase, the social climate warms considerably. My son likes to watch the horses at Meadowbrook Stables, but from the comfort of his trailer:



The cold was not slowing down this budding equestrienne.



Rock Creek Parkway is largely closed to motorized traffic on weekends, giving the Otakus a safe, straight shot to the heart of D.C. We were aiming for Hayne's Point.



It isn't called Rock Creek for nothing.



And the stream valley gives the opportunity for a number of interesting bridges.





Our little flock takes a quick break. It is quite cold, outside the trailer anyhow, from which Otaku Junior still refuses to emerge.



Memorial Bridge from a low angle behind the Lincoln Memorial. This area is actually a little grungy - bad pavement, litter, detritus in the water.



We finally arrive at Haynes Point. The place isn't quite the same since they removed the awakening statue.



We take a very quick and chilly break. Otaku Junior, in maroon, risks a brief foray from the comfort of his litter.



Mrs. Otaku's special cycling onigiri provides sustenance. Believe it or not, my kid wolfs this stuff down.



The Trek 720 is looking good.



It was quite windy and cold at Haynes Point, so without further ado or photography, we hightailed it home up the Capital Crescent trail.

Here is another shot of my 1985 Trek 620 warhorse, which actually carries 1986 decals and paint styling.



This bike includes Dura Ace RD-7700-GS rear derailleur (I love these..), Specialized Triple Cranks, CR-18 wheels, rear hub is Campy Croce d'Aune, front is Schmidt Dynohub. Early Nitto mini rack. Brooks Conquest saddle. Berthoud stainless fenders. Bridgestone Solar powered fender mounted taillight. Rivendell Silver dt shifters. Canti brakes are Tektro knockoffs of Mafac frogless. All these parts are from the original build in 2000 w/the exception of the taillight, a recent addition to replace my dynamo powered taillight, and the brakes.