FUJI BIKES REVIEW 2013 UPGRADE

On any 29er, wheels are a key component and the Shimano SLX rear hub/XT front hub and the Sun Inferno 23 rims are a smart spec.

In lieu of a dropper post, we used the quick release seatpost collar religiously. The 2x10 drivetrain with 38/24T in front and 11-36T in back worked flawlessly. The mostly XT drivetrain was likewise a smart spec with the SLX front derailleur and brakes being a popular spec to hit the right price point. The Oval saddle was adequate but definitely on the racy, firm side. The Oval stem I used was an 80mm, 6 degree that I rode upside down (negative degree). Some riders may prefer something a bit wider. At 710mm (28'), the bars struck a good balance of leverage and clearance through the trees and they had a nice sweep to them. So, as can be expected the cockpit is spec'd with many Oval Concepts parts including the stem, bars, grips, saddle and seatpost. The 100mm travel fork is perfect for XC duty, but we feel that with even more travel up front (creating slacker geometry), the Tahoe 29 could expand its trail worthiness.ДЇuji Bikes is owned by Advanced Sports International and they also own Kestrel, SE Bikes, Breezer and Oval Concepts. The Fox 32 FLOAT 29 fork with CTD performed flawlessly and the 15mm thru axle helped keep the front tracking on target. Yes, the bike only has one bottle mount but that was not an issue for us. The matte black with red and blue highlights provide a distinguished, somewhat racy look without going overboard. The Fuji Tahoe 29 comes in 4 models (1.1, 1.3, 1.5, 1.7) in varying build levels with the 1.1 being the top of the line model with an MSRP of $2269. The Fuji also has short chainstays at 437mm, and there is ample room for even the widest tires (the stock comes with Hutchinson 2.1 Cobras). The redesigned rear of the bike features a monostay with a hydroformed s-bend like chainstay, cold-forged dropout, post disc mount and replaceable hanger. As stiff and efficient as the frame is, it doesn't beat you down. The junction of the down tube, top tube and head tube is massive and provides a very stiff and true tracking front end. The hydroformed top tube has a squarish shape that tapers as it gets closer to the seat tube. It has what Fuji calls their 'PowerCurve' down tube, the tube starts out taller and narrower at the head tube and then gets wider and flatter towards the BB91 bottom bracket. With its smooth welds and black finish, it was often mistaken as a carbon frame at first glance. Targeted towards the XC rider, the Tahoe 29 1.1 has broad appeal in the comfort and handling department. The Tahoe is an aluminum framed 29er made from Fuji's A2-SL custom-butted aluminum that has been reworked, mostly in the rear portion of the bike. We previously reviewed the Fuji SLM 29 1.0 which is their carbon 29er hardtail, so we decided to take a close look at the Tahoe 29 1.1. This is certainly a bike to test ride to see if the geometry and road feel are what you are looking for.Fuji Tahoe 29 1.1 - Aluminum Hardtail 29er Offers an Efficient Ride and a Good Value The Fuji Gran Fondo is an interesting cross between sport endurance and club race.

FUJI BIKES REVIEW 2013 UPGRADE

The wheels are a solid choice - no need to upgrade here, and the relatively wide rim bed and 25mm tires are a sensible option considering this bike's intended audience. The components are spot-on with Shimano 105 getting a healthy showing and Oval filling in the details. In saying that, this is still a great bike.

It is very tall, obviously catering to the target market that wants an upright comfortable position, but this area is also race stiff and as a result the front end can be a little harsh.Д¬ompliance is addressed elsewhere by the addition of a carbon seatpost, but this frame is probably still a little racier (apart from the headtube) and harsher than some other Roubaix or gran fondo bikes. Probably the most striking feature is the massive head tube area. The frame is a nice bit of kit: high modulus carbon with internal cable routing and a BB86 bottom bracket shell, not bad looking either. Stiff and a little harsh for an endurance road bike ReviewДЄs the name suggests, the Gran Fondo 2.1 is designed for the average road cyclist to ride all day long.

Fuji bikes review 2013