Right now Performance has the 2005 Fuji Professional on special for $2450 (was $3100):

http://www.fujibikes.com/2005/bikes.asp?id=3

Here's the kicker -- I just got a 10% coupon in the mail from Performance, which is good at all Performance shops on any bike in the store (INCLUDING those on sale).

Plus I'm a Team Performance member.

So, the $2450 bike less coupon (10%) less Team Performance kickback (10%) now comes to approximately $2000. I've been shopping comparable Trek Madone 5.2's for over $3000 (with a lesser parts spec). I already own a Fuji Team so I know the 54cm geometry will fit me fine. I've been trying to find fault with this bike, but I can't. The frame (CF just like the Scott CF1), wheelset (Velomax Circuit), drivetrain (Dura Ace), crankset (FSA carbon), saddle (Selle Italia), and cockpit (Ritchey Pro) all seem excellent. The bike has a claimed weight of 16.4 pounds. Based on my test at the local Performance, this is an accurate weight.

Is this something I should jump on? Or should I hold out and save my pennies for another carbon bike?

Thx...Doug

Ride it - if you like it and can afford it, then buy it.

Ride it - if you like it and can afford it, then buy it.

I already gave the bike a test spin on Saturday. I liked it very much -- the frame was stiff yet gave a very compliant ride. However, I didn't know the "Velomax" name so I was a little leery of the wheels. Then last night I read some reviews on RBR about those wheels and they appear to be very high quality.

I currently own a Fuji, so I am definitely over the "brand snobbishness" of Fuji vs. Specialized, Trek, etc. My Fuji Team has been an excellent bike (except for the Ritchey Pro rear hub going bad - but that's a different story). I am a very conservative shopper and like to take my time whenever I make a major purchase, but these prices from Performance are only good for the next 3 days. There are still a few other brands I want to try, but by then the Performance deal will be gone :(

I've missed the boat in the past on other "deals" because I took too much time shopping around. The Fuji is already very high on my list, as is the Trek Madone and Scott CF1 (both a bit pricey though). I've ruled out Giant TCR (in between frame sizes), Specialized (too pricey and gimmicky), Cannondale, and Fetish bikes. I still wanted to try Jamis Xenith, Orbea Onix, and a few others. Should I just stop my search and get this Fuji? Is this one of those deals that is too good to pass up on?


Thx...Doug

I personally think that frame looks cool, if it is the black one that says "Fuji" in small type a bunch of time on the downtube. It was ridden by one of the US pro teams this year, so it must be pretty good. If you like Shimano, the new DA seems like a winner. $2k? Hell yeah.

I personally think that frame looks cool, if it is the black one that says "Fuji" in small type a bunch of time on the downtube. It was ridden by one of the US pro teams this year, so it must be pretty good. If you like Shimano, the new DA seems like a winner. $2k? Hell yeah.

Agreed. Fuji is making good bikes, and has been getting excellent press. I bought a Professional '04 alum bike on a similar Proformance deal and like the bike alot. The next generation is alot cooler in terms of looks. Definately a nice bike. Performance should have the Jamis in stock, so ride it before you buy the Fuji. I love the Jamis twist of new and old school.

at about $2k looks like a great buy to me...go for it.

Fuji is kind of unique in the fact they are one of the non-euro brands who have been making bikes as long as anyone, basically from the beginning. Not too many brands have been in business over a 100 years can tout that...Bianchi is about the only other one I think of off the top of my head. The name doesn't elicit that Italian panaché, but they make great bikes. The quality is high, the prices are very competitive if not a down right bargain, and they are trying to stay on the forefront of bike design while still making quality products real people can actually afford. I sort of think of them as the Honda of the bike world. Not real flashy, but solid and reliable and have a good track record.

One of the coolest bikes ever was Fuji Titanium that they made in about 1987 or 88. I think that was the first ever Ti bike. Now that was really flashy for the time.

The components look great. I'm sure the frame is good quality. If you like the fit, it's a much better deal than Trek.

Right now Performance has the 2005 Fuji Professional on special for $2450 (was $3100):

http://www.fujibikes.com/2005/bikes.asp?id=3

Here's the kicker -- I just got a 10% coupon in the mail from Performance, which is good at all Performance shops on any bike in the store (INCLUDING those on sale).

Plus I'm a Team Performance member.

So, the $2450 bike less coupon (10%) less Team Performance kickback (10%) now comes to approximately $2000. I've been shopping comparable Trek Madone 5.2's for over $3000 (with a lesser parts spec). I already own a Fuji Team so I know the 54cm geometry will fit me fine. I've been trying to find fault with this bike, but I can't. The frame (CF just like the Scott CF1), wheelset (Velomax Circuit), drivetrain (Dura Ace), crankset (FSA carbon), saddle (Selle Italia), and cockpit (Ritchey Pro) all seem excellent. The bike has a claimed weight of 16.4 pounds. Based on my test at the local Performance, this is an accurate weight.

Is this something I should jump on? Or should I hold out and save my pennies for another carbon bike?

Thx...Doug

I'd say go for it. I've owned 2 fuji's (my current Motobecane appears to be a re-branded Fuji) and love 'em. I still wish I had my Fuji Ace - components not the greatest but I loved that steel frame.....

The bike is super light and nice spec'd bike. I have been looking at new bikes for the last month and my LBS has been good enough to give me a few loaners to try. Each of the bike I rode for about a week or 100-150 miles. The Fuji Team Issue full dura-Ace with velomax wheels was one. I have to say this bike was super fast on the sprints and going up hill. I just wanted to go on its own. The draw back was the very harsh ride. I felt EVERYTHING!! I couldn't imagine doing more than 20-30 miles on this bike. I also test rode a Colnago C-40 (used from '03) that was full campy record carbon. Not as light but a much nicer bike overall. STill good on climbs and much more stable at speed. He was offereing this bike at less than the Fuji. The last bike I tried was the Merlin Proteus. What can I say about this bike? I fell in love! It had the best of both. I ended up spending more and settling for an Ultegra gruppo instead of the full Dura-Ace or the Campy Record. But this frame was awesome and i can slowly upgrade components if i ever felt like it (which I probably wont). BTW my bike that I used to ride was a TREK2300 full Ultegra. That bike in all aluminum had a smoother ride than the Fuji. But the FUji was by far the lightest and fastest. Dont limit yourself. There are so many nice bikes out there and just because it says carbon doesn't mean its better.

If only it has the DA crankset ;)

If only it has the DA crankset ;)

Funny you should say that! The Proteus is full Ultegra EXCEPT for the cranks. I did upgrade those to DUra-Ace! :D

The bike is super light and nice spec'd bike. I have been looking at new bikes for the last month and my LBS has been good enough to give me a few loaners to try. Each of the bike I rode for about a week or 100-150 miles. The Fuji Team Issue full dura-Ace with velomax wheels was one. I have to say this bike was super fast on the sprints and going up hill. I just wanted to go on its own. The draw back was the very harsh ride. I felt EVERYTHING!! I couldn't imagine doing more than 20-30 miles on this bike. I also test rode a Colnago C-40 (used from '03) that was full campy record carbon. Not as light but a much nicer bike overall. STill good on climbs and much more stable at speed. He was offereing this bike at less than the Fuji. The last bike I tried was the Merlin Proteus. What can I say about this bike? I fell in love! It had the best of both. I ended up spending more and settling for an Ultegra gruppo instead of the full Dura-Ace or the Campy Record. But this frame was awesome and i can slowly upgrade components if i ever felt like it (which I probably wont). BTW my bike that I used to ride was a TREK2300 full Ultegra. That bike in all aluminum had a smoother ride than the Fuji. But the FUji was by far the lightest and fastest. Dont limit yourself. There are so many nice bikes out there and just because it says carbon doesn't mean its better.

You observation is interesting, albeit quite different than a few other comments I found searching this board for "Fuji Professional". I have never ridden the Fuji Team Issue so I don't know how it rides. I think the only thing in common between the Team Issue and Professional is the frameset and drivetrain.

"Harshness" in ride quality comes from many factors: frame, tires, wheels, saddle. The Fuji Team Issue has deeper-section wheels than the Professional. Maybe the difference in wheels makes the Team Issue a "harsher" ride than the Professional? I rode the Professional over a cobblestone path and was surprised how smooth it was.

2 other posters noted the Fuji Professional had a more compliant ride than the Trek Madone 5.2. I rode the Fuji and the Trek in short rides and thought they both felt very similar. Maybe that's because I'm used to the harsher feel of my current aluminum rig.

Did you compare the Trek Madone against the Fuji or the other bikes you tried? If so, how did it compare in your opinion?

Thx...Doug

I did get to ride the trek madone as well as the specialized roubaix (whatever french spelling :( ). Unfortunately, that was a different bike shop and had no demo bikes so I only got to ride them around the block or so. No real climbing, gear, sprints, etc...
Haaving said that and having had these other bike for a week at a time I can't give a valid comparison. As a matter of fact I am still on the COlnago because my bike is supposed to be in today!!!
My observations are based on the fact that yes the frame is the same. Talking with the bike shop owner (great shop BTW. Not too many let you have bikes to try for a week at a time. STRICTLY CYCLES, Ft. Lee, NJ. Although they should for the money you pay for some of these rigs!). He was explaining to me that he would expect a harsher ride from that frame because of the size tubing they used. Similiar to Cannondales. They have reputations as some of the stiffist frames out there and they always had the biggest set of tubes on there bikes. I am sure the ride could be softened with some modifications, but the colnago had Ksyrium SL and they are known as stiff wheels and the ride between the two was night and day. The colnago invites you for long distance rides where the fuji was aching to go find the biggest climb you could. I'm not knocking the Fuji. I just couldn't have a bike that starts to be painful after 20 miles. It really depends on the type of riding you plan on doing or want to do. I am recreational cyclist. I prefer mountainbiking and took up road cycling to improve the XC. I still ride anywhere between a 100-200 miles a week. I no longer compete so I am looking for performance with the most comfort. Hope this helps you out.

Funny you should say that! The Proteus is full Ultegra EXCEPT for the cranks. I did upgrade those to DUra-Ace! :D

Is there anything wrong with the FSA carbon crankset that comes stock on the Fuji? I see a lot of bikes in the $2k - $3k price range with this crankset.

Thx...Doug

Nothing wrong eith them at all! The top of the liine ones are very expensive and dont offer too much of a weight savings (as far as I'm concerned). If I wanted to go for light carbon cranks i would go with the stronglights or storck's. But there is that droooool factor!!! :D
Other than that i know a few guys on them and they love em

I did get to ride the trek madone as well as the specialized roubaix (whatever french spelling :( ). Unfortunately, that was a different bike shop and had no demo bikes so I only got to ride them around the block or so. No real climbing, gear, sprints, etc...
Haaving said that and having had these other bike for a week at a time I can't give a valid comparison. As a matter of fact I am still on the COlnago because my bike is supposed to be in today!!!
My observations are based on the fact that yes the frame is the same. Talking with the bike shop owner (great shop BTW. Not too many let you have bikes to try for a week at a time. STRICTLY CYCLES, Ft. Lee, NJ. Although they should for the money you pay for some of these rigs!). He was explaining to me that he would expect a harsher ride from that frame because of the size tubing they used. Similiar to Cannondales. They have reputations as some of the stiffist frames out there and they always had the biggest set of tubes on there bikes. I am sure the ride could be softened with some modifications, but the colnago had Ksyrium SL and they are known as stiff wheels and the ride between the two was night and day. The colnago invites you for long distance rides where the fuji was aching to go find the biggest climb you could. I'm not knocking the Fuji. I just couldn't have a bike that starts to be painful after 20 miles. It really depends on the type of riding you plan on doing or want to do. I am recreational cyclist. I prefer mountainbiking and took up road cycling to improve the XC. I still ride anywhere between a 100-200 miles a week. I no longer compete so I am looking for performance with the most comfort. Hope this helps you out.

Was the riding position different between the bikes? The Professional and Team Issue are both race bikes, so they are designed to give the rider a much more aero, low-slung riding position. I'm not familiar with the other bikes so I don't know if they are more comfort or performance oriented.

An aero position gives the illusion of a "harder" ride than an upright position on the same bike. Try it -- ride a race bike in its intended position. Then move the bars higher. The same bike will feel very different -- more "plush" in the upright position.

The Fuji also has a very short wheelbase, which also tends to give the illusion of a harsher ride (just like cars with a shorter wheelbase usually ride "choppier" than cars with a longer WB).

Personally, I like the ride of lower-slung race bikes. That's why I have been shopping the Madone (not Pilot), Specialized Tarmac (not Roubaix), and Fuji Pro.

I'm also an avid MTB'er and I like a race position on the MTB as well.

Thx...Doug

Of course the position was different. You will be hard pressed to take 2 very different manufactures and have the same setup. I set the bikes up to where i thought i was comfortable. The shop allowed me to switch stems, spacers and seats to better suit my demo needs. Even after feeeling comfortable there was a difference after the ride. Both bikes were setup as low aero positions and they both hurt my back a bit. (was still too stretched for my liking), but like i said the Older Colnago would have been great for long rides without losing much efficiency. the fuji was screaming for hills and sprints at the cost of too much comfort in my opinion. Then again Ive never understood how some guys can ride those little carbon saddles for more than 5 miles! lol

I've owned the Velomax Circuits for over 2 years. They are absolutely bombproof.
Not one single problem. Still as true after thousands of miles as the day I got them.
I am in awe at this wheelset. I finally had the bearings repacked this year. That's the only service I've done to them.

Two thumbs up to Velomax.

My observations are based on the fact that yes the frame is the same.

The 05 Fuji Team superlight or otherwise is not the same frame. The Team frames are full aluminum and the '05 Professional is full carbon. The '04 Professional is Alum. with carbon seat stays, and yes that frame was a bit of a Jackhammer. I rode mine for around 500 miles before selling the frame to help cover yet another bike purchase. However, I took it on a 70 miler over chip seal and it was fine. I was not all beat up when it was over.
Contrary to popular thought, the Motobecane SL is not the same frame as the Fuji. It has completely different geometery: much more stretched out, with a much more relaxed seat tube angle and longer Top Tube. Fuji's race bike geometery is very tight, which can lend a harsher ride. Very quick and nimble, yet stable and confident on decents.

The 05 Fuji Team superlight or otherwise is not the same frame. The Team frames are full aluminum and the '05 Professional is full carbon. The '04 Professional is Alum. with carbon seat stays, and yes that frame was a bit of a Jackhammer. I rode mine for around 500 miles before selling the frame to help cover yet another bike purchase. However, I took it on a 70 miler over chip seal and it was fine. I was not all beat up when it was over.
Contrary to popular thought, the Motobecane SL is not the same frame as the Fuji. It has completely different geometery: much more stretched out, with a much more relaxed seat tube angle and longer Top Tube. Fuji's race bike geometery is very tight, which can lend a harsher ride. Very quick and nimble, yet stable and confident on decents.

Try to keep up Alex. The bikes we are talking about is the PROFESSIONAL and the TEAM ISSUE. Both carbon frames.

Try to keep up Alex. The bikes we are talking about is the PROFESSIONAL and the TEAM ISSUE. Both carbon frames.

You are right. I was assuming he was asking about the difference between the bike he had and the new professional, but the question had shifted and I didn't notice the "Issue."

Right now Performance has the 2005 Fuji Professional on special for $2450 (was $3100):

http://www.fujibikes.com/2005/bikes.asp?id=3

Here's the kicker -- I just got a 10% coupon in the mail from Performance, which is good at all Performance shops on any bike in the store (INCLUDING those on sale).

Plus I'm a Team Performance member.

So, the $2450 bike less coupon (10%) less Team Performance kickback (10%) now comes to approximately $2000. I've been shopping comparable Trek Madone 5.2's for over $3000 (with a lesser parts spec). I already own a Fuji Team so I know the 54cm geometry will fit me fine. I've been trying to find fault with this bike, but I can't. The frame (CF just like the Scott CF1), wheelset (Velomax Circuit), drivetrain (Dura Ace), crankset (FSA carbon), saddle (Selle Italia), and cockpit (Ritchey Pro) all seem excellent. The bike has a claimed weight of 16.4 pounds. Based on my test at the local Performance, this is an accurate weight.

Is this something I should jump on? Or should I hold out and save my pennies for another carbon bike?

Thx...Doug





Doug,

I am looking at the same bike, I was wondering where you recieved your 10% off cupon from? I am also a team performance memember, and would like to take advantage of this additonal discount. I am looking to order next week! Please let me know where I can find this Cupon.

P.S. Awsome Bike for the Money. My best friend Raced the Team Carbon Bike all year and just raves about it. (SUPER LIGHT and Stiff) I believe his bike weighs about 15.9 LBS. For the Price there is not to many bikes that compare.


Thanks
Shawn :

Doug,

I am looking at the same bike, I was wondering where you recieved your 10% off cupon from? I am also a team performance memember, and would like to take advantage of this additonal discount. I am looking to order next week! Please let me know where I can find this Cupon.

P.S. Awsome Bike for the Money. My best friend Raced the Team Carbon Bike all year and just raves about it. (SUPER LIGHT and Stiff) I believe his bike weighs about 15.9 LBS. For the Price there is not to many bikes that compare.


Thanks
Shawn :
Hi Shawn -

I got the 10% coupon in my regular Performance spam (god those guys send you a lot of crap when you get on their email marketing list). IM me on any of my IM accounts so you can give me your email address -- I'll send you the 10% coupon. The deal ends today, so you gotta hurry!

Thx...Doug

Hi Shawn -

I got the 10% coupon in my regular Performance spam (god those guys send you a lot of crap when you get on their email marketing list). IM me on any of my IM accounts so you can give me your email address -- I'll send you the 10% coupon. The deal ends today, so you gotta hurry!

Thx...Doug



Thanks Doug, I jsut sent you an email, so you would have my email address.

Thanks Doug, I jsut sent you an email, so you would have my email address.


Doug, I just got back from the store, they just gave me the 10% off, I told them that I left the Cupon at home. I had to order a 61CM bike. Thanks for the infomation that saved me about 250 Big Ones. Should be riding my new bike in a week or so!!!! :p

Thanks,
Shawn

[QUOTE=dgangi]Right now Performance has the 2005 Fuji Professional on special for $2450 (was $3100):

http://www.fujibikes.com/2005/bikes.asp?id=3

Here's the kicker -- I just got a 10% coupon in the mail from Performance, which is good at all Performance shops on any bike in the store (INCLUDING those on sale).

My Performance has 10% off anything instore in Northbrook IL.