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 weeks “Japanese Bicycle of the Week” is a vintage Fuji bike track team pursuit track ridden by Jeanne Golay.  As a matter of fact, Jeanne is in the Bicycle Hall of Fame with with many cycling wins to her name. In Fact, she won 3 National Road Racing Championships as well as, a gold and 2 bronze medals at the World Championships.
The Fuji company was founded in 1899 in Japan by Okazaki Kyūjirō. Subsequently, 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.

FUJI  ESTABLISHES  FIRST  NATIONAL STAGE RACE

Fuji became Japan’s most popular bicycle. In the 1930s, the company established the first national stage race between Osaka and Tokyo and sponsored the winning team. Today, this race remains a premier race in Asia. The first Asian games were held in New Delhi in 1951. In fact, Shoichiro Sugihara, riding a Fuji, won the first race.

A MARK GORSKI TEAM FUJI BIKE

This particular Bike is a Mark Gorski Series Team Fuji Track Bike. The seat tube measures 56.5cm Center to Center or 58cm Center to Top. The top tube mesures 63.5cm center to center. Moreover, the bike was built up with Suntour Pro parts which were top of the line components at the time. It also comes with a Hed 700c disc rear wheel and some Suntour Superbe track pedals.
Steering is provided by Profile handlebars that turn the Zeus 600A 24 X 1 1/8 front wheel. And of course, the whole bike rides on tubular tires. All things considered, the bike is in very good condition for it’s age and history and is currently for sale on eBay. Here’s a copy of the link: CLICK HERE

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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!

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