Fuji Bicycles Cross Comp

Price Paid:  $600.00 at Used

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Any

Bike Setup:
Stock with the exception of the wheels (Ultegra 10spd), carbon post, nicer saddle and upgraded stem.

Summary:
I'm no road racer. I'm more of a MTB racer who likes to utilize road riding for training, commuting and, of course, a little 'cross racing! I've owned some fairly long and laid back 'cross bikes in the past. This was either due to early sizing screw ups or design. To change it up I was looking for a quicker handling bike that I could use to ride on the road and race 'cross. This bike fits the bill perfectly.

I got a great deal on mine with all the upgrades, and sold off the stock wheelset that came with it. The cranks are the only functional weak point. Apparently the FSAs are notorious for loosening up and I wish I had known this ahead of time. That said, it wouldn't have stopped me from buying the bike though. I'm planning to swap them out shortly.

As a woods bike it's a bit stiff, and the quick handling traits allow for zero day dreaming. Compared to something like a Poprad, or the On One/Planet X Kaffenback, it's a "twitchier" bike. Not that there's much to complain about as that only helps it corner better on the road. I do have a little toe overlap (also noted below) but it's not particularly concerning.

I'm looking forward to racing it this fall, and continuing to use it for road work, but I think I'll stick to the On One for the local MTB trails.

Strengths:
Stiffness, sharp handling for a 'cross bike IMO. Relatively light weight and it doubles nicely as a capable road bike for training.

Weaknesses:
The only real nit pick I have is the styling, as noted below it will be a limiting factor during resale. Unless, of course, loud flashy graphics appeal to the interested buyer. Also, the cranks (FSA Gossamer) are a PITA as noted above.

Similar Products Used:
Lemond Poprad, Redline Conquest, On One Il Pompino.

Price Paid:  $700.00 at LBS

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
The Ridge

Bike Setup:
Stock.

Summary:
2008 Model, new. Beautiful bike, but QC isn't great. If I wanted to be picky I can find a dozen little annoyances. Smooth as glass, great acceleration, frame feels stretched with the long stem but well balanced. Styled out look, I think that's a negative in the long run. Geometry has one very big and potentially dangerous issue, see below.

Strengths:
Ride and balance. Love the drivetrain. Frame rides big, which is cool unless you go up a size, (err on the side of a smaller frame).

Weaknesses:
Feet overhang front tire by 2 inches (my size 11 feet). At 9 and 3 if you make a sharp turn - bang. Kinda scary, you have to be very focused going through traffic and around obstacles or your foot will be in the treads for sure. I'd say this is a design problem, straight out. If you are going to be picking your way through trail obstacles I can see a lot of abrupt falls in your future.

Similar Products Used:
Other cross bikes.

Price Paid:  $450.00 at used

Model Year:
2003

Favorite Ride:
Overmountain victory trail

Bike Setup:
stock w/ spd pedals.

Summary:
This bike is great all around, it has a decent set of components and the carbon fork soaks up the bumps.

Strengths:
The bike feels very solid, every pedal stroke sticks, there is not slipping even in mud.

Weaknesses:
nothing really, could use upgraded tires.

Similar Products Used:
fort cyclocross bike

Price Paid:  $689.00 at LBS

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
PA rails to trails

Bike Setup:
- Tektro carbon fiber cross levers
- American Classic Hurricane wheelset (awesome)
- Fizik Aliante saddle

- Lotsa dirt and grime - I don't mind getting this bike dirty! Best all-around bike to beat up during the day and hang on your wall at night! Love it!

Summary:
This review is for the 2005 Fuji Cross Comp. If you are in the market for a great all arounder, this is the ticket. 90% of the benefits of the road bike with the added bonus of being able to ride gravel, dirt, light trails, etc.

The 2005 Cross Comp has a really light and very strong Quaternary Alloy Aluminum, usually reserved for their more $$$ frames. Rides great, has given me thousands of miles of fun usage. Parts spec is fine for what you pay, Tiagra shifters (way better than Sora), a mix of Tiagra/105 bits throughout the rest of the drivetrain. Double Truvativ crank is nice. Paint job is wicked. Wish it had a carbon fork however, didn't get added to the Comp until 2006. Stock Alex wheels are not good and went out of true quickly (though I am a heavier rider at 6'2" 225lbs. Replaced with American Classic Hurricanes and I am good to go - can beat this bike up and it keeps on tickin'...

Strengths:
- Light, high quality A6 aluminum frame
- Beautiful paintjob for 2005
- Parts spec decent for the $$$
- Awesome value, Fuji makes a great product
- Disc brake compatible (though I stuck with the canti's)
- Good enough to race, seriously, just change the wheelset

Weaknesses:
- Alex wheelset is the 1st thing you'll replace
- Wish it had a carbon fork for '05, they added it for '06 on...

Similar Products Used:
- Felt F80 roadbike
- Fuji Team full carbon roadbike