Brief History of Fuji
The Fuji bike 1984 Del Ray is this weeks Bicycle of the
Week. The Fuji company was founded in 1899 in Japan by Okazaki Kyūjirō. In 1900 it was established under the trade name Nichibei Shōkai (literally ‘Japanese-American Trading Company’). At first, it was importing and distributing US-products, but later it began bicycle production in Japan. During World War II the company name was changed to Dainippon Cycle, which after the war was changed back to Nichibei Fuji Cycle Company. By the late 1920s, they became Japan’s most popular bicycle.
The Classic Frame and Steering Components
The 21″ Fuji Del Rey frame represents the pinnacle of mid-1980s bicycle craftsmanship, featuring the distinctive geometry that made Fuji bikes highly sought after during this era. This vintage steel frame offers the perfect balance of responsiveness and stability that serious cyclists demanded in 1984, with clean lugs and the characteristic Fuji build quality that has stood the test of time.
The stock fork and headset maintain the bicycle’s authentic character, providing predictable handling and the classic road feel that vintage cycling enthusiasts covet. The original headset components contribute to the bike’s historical accuracy while delivering smooth steering performance that modern replacements often fail to replicate.
The cockpit features a premium Nitto 22.2mm stem with a 70mm quill extension, paired perfectly with 40cm Nitto B114 handlebars. This configuration offers excellent control and an authentic riding position characteristic of performance road bicycles from this period.
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The B114’s classic drop design provides multiple hand positions for long-distance comfort without sacrificing aerodynamic efficiency or technical handling capabilities on descents.
Finishing the steering components is the period-correct Cinelli grey bar tape, which not only complements the aesthetic of this classic Fuji bike but also delivers comfortable grip and road vibration dampening. The thoughtful color choice maintains the bicycle’s original appearance while the quality materials ensure proper control in varied riding conditions.
This combination of frame and steering components exemplifies the craftsmanship and attention to detail that defined premium road bicycles of the 1980s cycling renaissance.
Premium Drivetrain System
The Sugino RT crankset and bottom bracket form the foundation of this Fuji bike’s impressive drivetrain, offering exceptional durability and smooth power transfer that serious cyclists demanded in the mid-1980s. This high-quality Japanese-manufactured component set features precise machining and superior materials, contributing to both mechanical efficiency and the bicycle’s classic aesthetic appeal.
The Suntour gold 14-30t 6-speed freewheel delivers an ideal gear range for versatile riding conditions, balancing both climbing capability and high-speed performance. This meticulously crafted freewheel mechanism remains a benchmark for vintage groupset quality, with its distinctive gold finish showcasing the premium positioning of components during this golden era of cycling innovation.
At the heart of the transmission system, the 52/42t chainrings provide the optimal gear ratio for serious road riding, paired with the reliable SRAM PC-830 chain. This combination ensures crisp shifting and efficient power transfer from pedal stroke to rear wheel. The larger 52-tooth outer ring enables substantial speed on descents and flats, while the 42-tooth inner ring facilitates comfortable cadence on moderate climbs.
The drivetrain is completed by Suntour ARX derailleurs controlled by Power down tube shifters – a quintessential shifting configuration of performance bicycles from this period. The ARX derailleurs represent Suntour’s engineering prowess with precise spring tension and exceptional durability, while the down tube shifters provide the direct mechanical connection and tactile feedback that vintage bicycle enthusiasts celebrate.
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This comprehensive drivetrain system exemplifies the mechanical excellence that established the reputation of classic Fuji bike models.
Braking System and Controls
The braking system on this vintage Fuji bike centers around the renowned Dia Compe G500 calipers, widely respected for their reliable stopping power and precise modulation. These dual-pivot brakes represent the evolution of bicycle braking technology in the 1980s, offering superior mechanical advantage compared to earlier single-pivot designs. The G500’s robust construction and carefully engineered pivot points ensure consistent braking performance across varied riding conditions, from dry descents to wet urban environments.
Dia Compe Brake Calipers and Levers
Complementing these calipers are the sophisticated Dia Compe BL07 aero brake levers, which feature the aerodynamic profile that became increasingly important during this period of competitive cycling innovation. These levers provide excellent ergonomics with their contoured design fitting naturally in the rider’s hands when positioned on the drop handlebars. The lever reach and mechanical advantage are optimized for powerful braking with minimal hand fatigue during extended rides.
The control interface extends to the premium MKS Sylvan Touring pedals finished in elegant silver. These high-quality pedals feature precision bearings and a thoughtfully designed platform that balances foot support with lightweight performance. The Sylvan model represents MKS’s commitment to manufacturing excellence with its smooth rotation, reliable durability, and classic aesthetic that perfectly matches the period-correct components throughout the bicycle.
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Together, these braking and control elements form an integrated system that delivers the tactile feedback and reliable performance characteristic of top-tier cycling components from this golden era of bicycle manufacturing, ensuring the rider maintains confident control over this classic Fuji bike under all riding circumstances.
Wheels and Tires
The wheel system of this classic Fuji bike showcases the renowned UKAI 27×1 1/8 w/o LA 36h wheels on both front and rear positions. These Japanese-manufactured rims exemplify the precision engineering that defined premium bicycle components in the 1980s. The 36-hole configuration provides exceptional structural integrity through optimal spoke distribution, creating a wheel that balances durability with performance characteristics. UKAI’s reputation for producing high-quality aluminum alloy rims is evident in the precise machining and consistent braking surface that ensures reliable stopping power in varied conditions.
Wrapped around these iconic rims are the 27″ Gum wall CST Wire Road/Street Tires, which feature the distinctive tan sidewall aesthetic that dominated performance cycling during this era. These tires offer an authentic period-correct appearance while delivering practical functionality with their balanced tread pattern. The gum wall construction provides a supple ride quality that helps dampen road vibration while maintaining efficient rolling resistance for responsive acceleration and sustained cruising speeds.
27 Inch Wheel The Standard of the Day
This classic road bike wheel configuration features the standard 27-inch diameter that came before today’s 700c sizing. Its larger size delivers better momentum at speed and slightly taller gear ratios. The wire bead design locks securely to the rim. It preserves the authentic ride feel that vintage bicycle collectors value. These wheels balance historical accuracy with practical performance for everyday riding. Their traditional construction contributes to the bicycle’s period-correct appearance and mechanical reliability.
Together, this wheel and tire combination delivers the quintessential riding experience associated with premium road bicycles from the golden age of steel frame construction, offering both period authenticity and practical performance to the discerning Fuji bike collector.
Saddle and Accessories
The 26.6mm seat post diameter on this vintage Fuji bike represents a distinctive specification that cycling enthusiasts and collectors immediately recognize as characteristic of quality Japanese-manufactured frames from this era. This precise dimension reflects the meticulous engineering standards employed in the production of these classic bicycles. This required period-correct components for authentic restoration. The seat post provides the crucial interface between rider and frame, with this specific diameter ensuring proper fit and preventing frame damage while maintaining historical accuracy.
Complementing the bicycle’s functional equipment is the understated black bottle cage. This was a practical accessory that maintains the classic aesthetic while providing essential hydration capacity for longer rides. This simple yet essential component exemplifies how utility and design were thoughtfully integrated in performance bicycles of the 1980s. The black finish coordinates seamlessly with other components. This was accomplished by maintaining visual cohesion across the complete build. This was also displayed by providing the practical function of secure water bottle retention during spirited riding on varied terrain.
Fine Example Of Cycling Craftsmanship
Together, these elements contribute to the complete vintage setup that makes this Fuji bike such a compelling example of 1980s cycling craftsmanship. Every component has been thoughtfully preserved or selected to maintain period correctness. This is highlighted from the frame to the smallest accessories. This attention to detail creates a bicycle that serves not only as a functional riding machine but also as a tangible connection to cycling history. This was the golden age of steel bicycle manufacturing. Japanese brands like Fuji were establishing their reputation for exceptional quality and performance.
The preservation of these original specifications ensures this bicycle remains both a rideable classic and a collectible artifact from an important era in cycling evolution.
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