Fuji Bicycles Roubaix

Price Paid:  $900.00 at bikes direct

Favorite Ride:
any ride without cars

Bike Setup:
Cateye Enduro 2 cpu
PD-R600 pedals

Summary:
I was mainly looking for a bike i could use in triathlons that wouldnt empty my wallet. After comparing with other more mainstream manufacturers like Trek, Bianchi, Specialized, etc., the Fuji seemed like a bargain. Since i'm not a snob who insists on perfectly ground welds and American hand-made craftsmanship, and since Fuji has been around about 3 times longer than Trek, I figured their frames must be good enough. I also couldn't get a decisive answer from any salesman about why I should steer towards more expensive frame manufacturers.

I've logged about 250 miles on my Roubaix, and so far I am very happy with it. The Shimano componentry is awesome and the Ritchey wheels seem pretty tough and light.

Strengths:
value
x-fusion Al frame
i like the paint job
pretty decent ride quality

Weaknesses:
-handlebars might be a little too wide
-don't know about the Fuji saddle
-no pedals, but thats more my fault since this is my first road bike
-for some reason, there was a small, thin washer clinking around inside the rear wheel. no big deal, though.

Similar Products Used:
dad's Motobecane Sprint Tour

Price Paid:  $895.00 at BikesDirect

Favorite Ride:
Route 113 Evans Notch

Bike Setup:
stock

Summary:
This bike has delivered 1,200 miles of grand riding. Minor trueing and retensioning of the wheels were required upon assembly. Flawless...

Strengths:
Light, responsive, efficient group and a needed triple for the mountain passes in my neighborhood. Comfortable ride for aluminum frame.

Weaknesses:
none so far

Price Paid:  $750.00 at Bishop's Bicycles (M

Favorite Ride:
state/US highways east of Cincinnati

Bike Setup:
stock plus 2 bottle cages, protege 9.0 computer, and SPD pedals. (bike doesn't come with pedals, so

Summary:
I got this bike in June and have since put 1900 miles on it. I have had no problems at all so far with the components. The frame is awesome. It is not harsh like some aluminum frames. The triple crank is great for people who ride in hilly areas.

Strengths:
Frame, components, weight (18.7 pounds), value, triple crank.

Weaknesses:
stem (a lower stem, like a -12 or -17 degree one would have been nice), graphics.

Similar Products Used:
Trek 7200 hybrid (if you can possibly compare the two)

Price Paid:  $850.00 at Dept. Store

Favorite Ride:
Anywhere the wind doesn't blow 25+ mph

Bike Setup:
Stock, what came in the box.
Performance Forte Classic Pedals.

Summary:
This is my second roadbike in 14 years. What a change from the beast I had. I have over 650 miles on this beauty since May. A very lightweight and responsive bike, a steal of a deal with Shimano 105 components. I am a big rider (6'2" 190) and the 64cm frame is just right for my size. A great bike for anyone wanting to start out road riding, especially if you can get it for under $1000.00.

Strengths:
Lightweight - great when you have to carry it because you forgot your framepump.
Triple crank for taming the mountains
Smooth shifting and excellent gear ratio

Weaknesses:
I did encounter a stripped screw hole on the rear der. hanger. However the folks at Fuji sent me a new one at no charge.

Price Paid:  $1050.00

Favorite Ride:
levee trail starting @ Audubon Zoo

Bike Setup:
carbon fork, 105 components, ritchey wheelset, stem, and bar.

Summary:
This is my first road bike, I was a dedicated cross-country rider prior to this. I really like this bike, although I really don't have much to compare it to. I'm not crazy about the graphics, but I was willing to overlook that for the deal that I got. I do know that it is very responsive, solid, and fast.

Strengths:
Light weight, nice component group, and reasonable price.

Weaknesses:
Graphics

Similar Products Used:
none