Fuji Bicycles 2000 Finest

Price Paid:  $649.00 at B.I.Cycle

Favorite Ride:
Bainbridge to Bellevue, every day

Bike Setup:
SanMarco Concor Light saddle, Zefal rear fender,
NiteRider Trail Rat II light

Summary:
I purchased a 2000 Finest in 2001 for the purpose of long distance urban commuting. I paid full price for the 2000
model over the 2001 model as the 2000 model has better components. In five months I have put over 2100 dirty, rainy,
rough, glass infested miles on it and haven't even had a flat. It's handling and stability are superb, and its components
are up to urban commuting. I ride 35 miles daily from Bainbrige Island, through downtown Seattle, to Bellevue. The
Michelin tires haven't had a puncture, the Mavic rims are still true and the shifters have not yet been adjusted. I realize one
couldn't race with the Sora shifters but they are great for commuting. In 2100 miles of dirt and rain, none of the Sora components
has had a problem. I have replaced the saddle with a SanMarco Concor Light, added a Zefal rear fender and a Nite Rider Light,
and Sigma Sport speedometer. It is a superb bike, regardless of price.

Strengths:
Handling, stability at speed, looks...good quality components... Shimano, Ritchey,
Mavic and Michelin...Sora component group works great for commuting... hardened
steel chainrings and cassette have no wear

Weaknesses:
Stock saddle didn't work at all for me..no others
yet...

Similar Products Used:
Tested Giant OCR-2.. no comparison in handling

Price Paid:  $649.00 at Bicycle Company

Favorite Ride:
Macon County backroads

Bike Setup:
Only thing I've changed is adding the Look clipless pedals.

Summary:
I really enjoy the feel of the bike on the pavement. The steel frame feels solid. I came from mountain biking (Trek)and getting on the Blue Ridge Parkway on a bicycle is just sweet! If someone is just starting and learning to ride on the road, the price is right on this bike. I plan on 2 to 4 years of getting beat by lighter, more expensive bikes, before I upgrade.

Strengths:
Solid feel, steel frame. This is my entry-level road bike, basic Sora equipment is good enough for now. Mavic rims, Ritchey stem, Michelin tires.

Weaknesses:
Seat took some getting used to (Fuji), added Look pedals which helped as well.

Similar Products Used:
Looked at entry-level Lemond ($799), Trek, KHS, Specialized.

Price Paid:  $600.00

Favorite Ride:
weekend haul

Bike Setup:
Same parts w/ diff saddle and added an aero bar

Summary:
Dont let the down shifters getcha down...its still good ..Actually a lot of the time I'm on the hoods when I downshift anyhow...go figure as to why I'm complaining...
go ahead and get it ...its worth it...

Strengths:
Good stiff frame. Nice aero-post

Weaknesses:
The sora levers could be better...the down shift lever is a little nipple hidden on the inside..so no down shifting in the drops..(bad for racing as I found out)..plus theyre little plastic buggers...

Similar Products Used:
Puch road bike + Fuji mtb

Price Paid:  $549.00 at PerformanceBike

Favorite Ride:
110 mile trek around Irvine, CA

Bike Setup:
Avocet 25 cyclometer, Speedplay X/2 pedals (these rock!!), Blackburn cages(2), Performance-Axiom HR400 heart rate monitor, Front tire- Michelin Axial Pro, Rear tire- Michelin 2001 model Hi Lite Prestige.

Summary:
I plan on racing in the near future, and I will use this bike for training. I am looking into purchasing the Litespeed Vortex with Shimano Dura-Ace guts or the Trek 5500 with Shimano Dura-Ace guts for racing.
Visit my website for all of my bike stats:
http://home.pacbell.net/w045550

Strengths:
Clean and lube the bike once a week and go! Over 2000 miles and no signs of wear (except tires). Mavic wheels have stayed true thus far. Shimano components throughout!!!

Weaknesses:
Not the lightest bike around, 23.5 pounds stock for the 50cm frame. I ride a 52cm frame (thus, my bike is heavier than 23.5 pounds).

Similar Products Used:
This is my first serious road rec. bike.