Fuji Bicycles Team RC

Price Paid:  $0.00 at Performance Bicycle

Summary:
I am a recreational rider; however, I do enjoy long-distance riding. I wanted a bike, first and foremost, that 'fit' me. Next, I wanted my bike to be light to carry and stow, and to have gear shifters that were easy to operate, quickly accessible, and each gear 'glided/rolled-over' from one to the next. I wanted a smooth ride, and I wanted my bike to be cosmetically appealing both to me and to others. The FUGI Team RL has proven itself in each and all of these areas, and in some instances, exceeded my expectations. With each rotation, my FUGI reaches out, grabs hold, and pulls at the pavement. I can, literally, feel the energy w/each rotation. I'm a petite woman w/small hands: The gear shifters are rider-friendly and glide from one to the next. I can sense/feel the carbon frame absorb the 'bumps' of the road. My complaints are few and are minor--For me, my bike is a little light in the front end: I can feel it lift/slip (a little) in loose gravel (however, once I get to now my new bike better, this, I'm almost certain will not be an issue) and in my humble opinion, the FUGI Team RL (in my humble opinion) could be more cosmetically appealing. The white handle wraps and white forks need to go black (pearl-black would be awesome),. And,I replaced the 'hard' white saddle with a black Terry (incredibly comfortable--highly recommended). My FUGI Team RL whirrr-spers in the wind, and I'm loving the entire experience!

Strengths:
light, smooth, rider-friendly

Weaknesses:
white handle wraps, white forks, and 'hard' white seat

Price Paid:  $2300.00 at Performance Bikes

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Va Beach to Washington DC

Bike Setup:
Carbon frame, Ultegra components, Kryserium Elite wheels, Richey Pro bars (replaced), Richey pro stem, Speedplay pedals, Cateye dual wireless computer, carbon bottle holders.

Summary:
Just started riding this bike and have enjoyed getting it set up for my likes. It is actually a 2009 closeout model which I got on clearance. Swithed the bars for width and the tape and was ready to go. At 250 pds Im no light weight and spent a good amount of time looking for a stiff carbon frame. After riding the new Fisher Cronus and the Trek Madone 5.2, I couldnt beat the price of the Fuji,not to mention enjoying the standard geometry having come from a Giant compact frame. It was very tight, stiff, and responsice. Seems to really transfer the power through the driver train! The wheels are bomb proof and they help in keeping the bike stiff when climbing those tall hills.

Overall the ride is stiff but compliant and I feel little to no flex in the frame and bottom bracket; think the Madone 5.2 had much more flex under my weight! Carbon feels great and the Ultegra works fine, as do most good groupo's in the price range. I feel I got a great bike and look forward to getting the miles on it. Coming from an aluminum frame, this thing is stiffer and much softer on the road...for that my rear is greatful!

Having sold Fuji's for years back in my college days managing bike shops, they are great bikes and have one hell of a warranty without all the drama!! If you need to warranty one. Lots of Clydsdale riders like this bike!!

Strengths:
Stiff frame, great value, sharp looking road bike....nice choice of components in the price range.

Weaknesses:
White bar tape! Serat seems a little cheap but light. No complaints otherwise...

Similar Products Used:
Giant TCR One, Lemond Zurich, Jamis Quest (steel), Fisher Cronus.

Price Paid:  $3500.00 at LBS

Favorite Ride:
South Mountain, AZ

Bike Setup:
DuraACE, Ksyrium Elite wheels, FSA K-Force Lite

Summary:
Very solid bike. I've been riding this new Fuji Team RC since late May 2008. It notably came equipped with a Dura Ace drivetrain, Mavic Ksyrium Elite wheels, and FSA K-Force lite crank. I've been on several bikes and for the price this is a terrific deal. I placed 43rd on the bike in my last triathlon of the 2008 season so it holds up as a competitive package. If I was going for more speed and stiffness I could have purchased a Cervelo P3, but with the same equipment as the Fuji Team RC, a P3 is more than I want to spend as an amateur athlete.

With regard to how it rates with the Trek Madone 5.5, I'd say that for the price this is a better deal. There may be some differences in the carbon construction, but the stiffness doesn't feel much different to me and the power transfer difference is minimal because I am holding the same speeds at the same effort level for the same duration of time.

I upgraded the tires to Vittoria's.

Strengths:
Well equipped, stiff for good power transfer, and it handles well on high speed turns.

Weaknesses:
Cane Creek head could be upgraded.

Similar Products Used:
Trek Madone 5.5

Price Paid:  $4000.00

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Local race series, 50-90 mi rides, rolling hills.....

Bike Setup:
SRAM RED, Mavic ssc brakes, Mavic Kysrium ES wheelset,Tufo tubular-clincher tires (races only) michelon race tires for training. Dura Ace chain over the Sram 1090r, it is much quieter and shifts much smoother....

Summary:
I built up this bike for this coming season. coming off specialized and giant brands, I really was hesitant on this bike, but after I built it up and it weighs in at just under 15 lbs,(digital scale used) without water bottles, I couldn't believe it. it rides like a dream ,and performs like a bike twice the price.I would by another bike and set it up as a spare....

Strengths:
Light and stiff, quicker acceleration than anything else I have ridden. feels solid when riding, no squirmish feeling in the rear under hard sprints or accelerating on hills. comfortable too when doing 50 milers..

Weaknesses:
It fell over once when getting ready for a ride, and the clearcoat chipped. nothing much other than that, but a little clear nailpolish filled in the chip and it is good as new, and one little thing, the der hanger wasn't able to be tightened up anymore, I had to replace the chainring bolt fastener when I was installing everything to make it work correctly...just a small thing anyone can fix...

Similar Products Used:
Specialized Tarmac Pro, Giant TCR1...

Price Paid:  $1300.00 at Precision Bicycles,

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Anadale, Santa Rosa, CA (I'm a MTBer!!)

Bike Setup:
Ritchey WCS Axis-4 Stem/Bar, FSA SLK Carbon Post, Selle San Marco SKN Pro Saddle, Reynolds Ouzo Pro Fork, Reynolds Solitude Wheelset, Ultegra SL Crankset/BB, Kool Stop Pads, Vittoria Rubino Pro Slicks, Ultegra Derailler, Crank Bros Egg Beaters

Summary:
This review is for a 2008 TEAM (C4 Carbon Framed). I have been on a trusty DBR Podium 1.0 (full RX100 gruppo) since 1996 and when my good buddy finally upgraded his roadbike, I figured it was time. I stumbled accross a 2008 Fuji Team at the local roadie bike shop. It was lighter that my Alu DBR by almost 4lbs (wow) and spec'd/priced right for me. I bought it and have been extremely happy with my choice. I've made performance "upgrades" to lighten the bike and provide more comfort (ditch the Selle San Marco Ponza NOW). With new wheels, full carbon fork, better brake pads (the Cane Creek SC3 pads are too hard - went with Kool Stops), lighter bar/stem/post and Vittoria Rubio Pro Slicks - she's just about done. An Ultegra SL crankset is being installed and that should do it. The only issues I have are: 1) Shifting up front is not as smooth as I'd like - a bit stubborn. 2) Frame was creaking - seatstay-to-chainstay bolt needed tightening. But after some hard sprinting, it's creaking again (locktite?). But the frame is a bit flexy specially for you racer types.

Other than that - I LOVE my 2008 Fuji Team!!

Strengths:
Solid Value paid much less thatn the $2200 MSRP), Full Carbon Frame!, Commendable performance with some upgrades

Weaknesses:
Weight (18.7 for 54cm), Stock Seat Designer has a special place in Hell, MegaExo bottom bracket known to be problematic (no issues with yet but Ultegra SL is here)

Similar Products Used:
DBR Podium 1.0, Specialized Allez A1,