Classic Japanese Bicycles

This week’s featured “Japanese Bicycle of the Week” is the 1985 Fuji bicycle Opus 3, a bike with an intriguing history. Okazaki Kyūjirō founded the Fuji company in Japan in 1899.  Initially, Fuji operated under the trade name Nichibei Shōkai.  To note, this translate to: ‘Japanese-American Trading Company.’

EXCLUSIVE FUJI BICYCLE SHOP

Notably, Ken Moriya was the pioneering individual who established the first exclusive Fuji shop.  Interestingly, he negotiated with Fuji America, securing a contract under the condition of exclusively retailing Fuji products. Consequently, the Fuji center emerged in Rochelle Park, New Jersey.

In contrast, the Opus 3 stood out as a fusion of high-performance and understated allure within Fuji’s model lineup.   In fact, between 1983 and 1985, Ishiwata’s 019E tubing was meticulously selected for numerous elite models originating from Japan.

It’s crucial to note, that this tubing requires specific handling and experience, rather than average or routine factory specifications. Therefore, a very special skill or unique experience was imperative to ensure optimal results.

Fuji evidently hired Cherubim, a revered custom builder in Japan, to craft this exceptional fuji bicycle. Despite being ranked as a second-tier road bike model, it offers a dreamlike riding experience, highly responsive and finely tuned.

TOP END COMPONENTS

This specific Fuji bicycle boasts an exceptional paint job and a mix of premium components.  For example, among these are the Suntour Superbe Pro front derailleur and a 42 x 53 tooth crankset. Its braking prowess is due to the Dia Compe Royal G.C. brake levers and calipers.  A notable upgrade comes in the form of the Wing Star spokes laced to the Mavic Argent 10 tubular rims.
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This week’s ‘Japanese Bicycle of the Week’ features the Fuji Newest from 1976, taking us on a journey back in time. It showcases the timeless charm of this classic model, which perfectly captures the era’s essence and boasts impeccable craftsmanship. This vintage-inspired bicycle has been meticulously crafted to promise a smooth and incredibly comfortable ride.

NEWEST TOP OF THE LINE

The 1976 Fuji Bicycle, with its robust frame and top-notch components, ensured lasting performance and dependable reliability. Whether you were a seasoned cyclist or a casual rider, this bike effortlessly grabbed attention with its striking paint scheme and gleaming chrome lugs. The flagship Fuji model truly stood out, offering unmatched engineering excellence, albeit at a slightly higher cost for its time.

Campagnolo may excel in brakes, seatposts, and cranksets slightly more than Sugino. This enhances the aesthetics of high-end Italian bikes of the era. However, the Fuji Newest undeniably proves to be ‘simply better’ when it comes to the crucial aspects of shifting and road feedback.

THE BEST FROM JAPAN FUJI NEWEST

The Fuji Newest genuinely represents the pinnacle of Japanese bicycle craftsmanship. What sets these bikes apart are the impeccable build geometry.  The precision of Tange tubing creates a smooth but efficient ride quality.   Then you have the efficiency of Suntour derailleurs and convenience of Suntour ratcheting shifters.   Moreover,  the reliability of Suntour rear cog sets provides a trouble free ride.  This combination of components, along with the exceptional Soyo tubular tires and the Ukai rims, creates a seamless integration that results in a ride experience like no other.

There are not many of these amazing bicycles out there. Especially, ones that have been as meticulously maintained as this 47-year-old bike.

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We link items through our Amazon Affiliate Links. What are Amazon affiliate links? It’s a way for you to help your favorite creators! It doesn’t cost you anything to use our links and we will get a small % of the sale. You can actually go to another item you were going to buy anyway and tell us thanks by using our link.  It’s a win win! We give info and our time, you buy what you need.  Thank you for your support.

This weeks “Japanese Bicycle of the Week” is a Custom Hybrid carbon fiber frame bike. The Fluffygenie store has built this new carbon fiber frame hybrid Triathlon, Road, Gravel bicycle.  Additionally, it’s been tuned for racing and shifts really fast. However, the bike was setup so that it is easily fitted to the new owner with basic tools and a turn of a handle.

Like most custom bikes, it does not come with pedals. Something to note, this bike was tested with a seat cover and full closed biking gloves. In other words, the bike is still new and all set for the road!

WHEELS MEET ISO STANDARDS

The bike also comes with custom wheels that were factory tested according to ISO standards. As a result, It’s a fast carbon fiber frame bike up or down a hill so energy is not lost with little to no drag. Important to realize, your specific output will be determined by your positioning on the bike. However, the bike is a well balanced and rides in a straight line.

This custom carbon fiber bike comes with a groupset and frame that can handle gravel trails. With this in mind, you would actually need a different wheelset. To make the bike somewhat affordable, the SenSah groupset was choosen for this ride.

CUSTOM 12K WEAVE CARBON FIBER FRAME

The bike is the best of three worlds. Fast on the road, can be switched to gravel, and has nimble handling for riding in the city. Uniquely, the frameset has the custom 12K weave Louis V. Checker pattern with some 3D variations for a fluid look.  Moreover, to cut glare off the carbon fiber frame a black matte paint was used to diffuse the light. Additionally, the decals applied to the frame are vinyl and not permanent so they can come off easily if needed.

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We link items through our Amazon Affiliate Links. What are Amazon affiliate links? It’s a way for you to help your favorite creators!  Important to note, it doesn’t cost you anything to use our links and we will get a small % of the sale.  Of course, you can  go to another item you were going to buy anyway and tell us thanks by using our link.  It’s a win win, we give info and our time, you buy what you need.  Thank you for your support!