Test: With an aluminum frame and 1×1 drive, the current Fuji Cross 1.1 comes across as very solid, no frills, almost a bit sober. Thanks to its great equipment, it not only offers perfect functionality, but also a lot of driving pleasure. If only it weren't for the flowers...
The Fuji brand is not the first thing that springs to mind when listing overseas cyclocross manufacturers. However, the US company with Japanese roots dating back to the late 19th century is well established on other continents, including in cross-country sports - four-time US champion Jonathan Page, for example, rides Fuji bikes.
Reason enough to take a look at the company? Why not, especially since our Fuji Cross 1.1 is equipped with interesting components from another American company. SRAM is contributing its Force CX1, which is becoming increasingly popular off-road with its 1×11 transmission and hydraulic disc brakes. The innovative groupset is equipped with around 1.000 Euro; most complete bikes with the CX-1 are priced accordingly high. An aluminum bike for €2.499 is therefore a very affordable way to ride SRAM's top-of-the-line components.
For once, let's start with the group. Mono chainrings are not exactly new in cross-country sport; Even in the era of bar-end shifters, riders dispensed with front derailleurs, levers and a second chain ring - following the realization that many courses only offer the choice between brisk speed and carrying, so light gears are therefore not of much use. At that time, chain protection rings were fitted so that the chain of links did not fall off; today the same problem is being tackled with a lot of technology. The "X-Sync" chain ring is equipped with teeth that on the one hand only fit alternately in the inner and outer plates, on the other hand they are particularly long; the large rear derailleur ensures consistently high chain tension with strong springs and the special shape. It also offers a practical locking mechanism with which the chain can be slackened for wheel removal.
The secure hold of the chain goes hand in hand with very smooth shifting processes, but the running is a bit rough on the largest sprocket - no wonder with a gear ratio of 42×32. Incidentally, this corresponds pretty much exactly to the combination of 34×26 on a bike with a double chainring; one or the other driver could consider that to be a bit tight on steep sections.
Disc brakes on crossers no longer need to be discussed, especially when they work as well as the SRAM brake system on the Fuji. It's not so much about the maximum possible braking power, because here the interlocking between the tire profile and the ground sets the limit - and this is quickly reached when cross-country skiing. Rather, it is the combination of low manual strength and perfect dosing that ensures a lot of safety and is always a pleasure. The rather large SRAM levers are very comfortable to hold and are a perfect complement to the Fuji cockpit with ovalized top links and not very deep arches.
Like the rest of the components, the handlebars come from Oval, a sister brand of Fuji, which is sometimes underestimated but is always good for surprises. So the purpose of a carbon-coated aluminum seat post is not immediately apparent, on the scales the part then shows its inner values at just 240 grams.
Oval also contributes the wheel set, which - as is usual in the middle and upper price ranges - is tailored to folding tires. On Fuji, it's a Challenge Grifo that provides contact with the ground, and it does that job more than satisfactorily. The tire has a lot of grip, whereby the quite open profile does not clog; refined with the red latex tubes from Challenge, the rolling behavior is also top.
Together with the 24 mm wide rims, the tubes also minimize the risk of defects. On our test drives, we suffered a number of bottom outs over roots and stones, which was almost unavoidable with tire pressure below 2,5 bar, but we always came home without a defect. Which shows that even ambitious cross-country riders can be happy without tubular tires.
All of these components are grouped around a solid aluminum frame that makes a good impression. The top tube is wide and flat, so the bike is easy to carry; the tire clearance is large enough for a thick mud pack. Threaded eyelets for carriers or mudguards can be found on the rear triangle. The full carbon fork is designed for a 12 mm thru axle, a conventional quick release is used at the rear, which of course also works well with disc brakes - the brake system remained rubbing and therefore noise-free until the end of the test.
With a head tube length of 160 mm and a 560 mm top tube, you don't sit too stretched out on the Fuji. At 72 degrees, the steering angle is quite steep for a cross frame, and the main frame is very short. Everything together results in a very lively, agile steering behavior that ensures a lot of driving pleasure.
The disadvantages of the frame are more of a cosmetic nature. Gear cable and brake line are routed to the outside of the frame to the rear; the unused stops for the derailleur cable are a bit visually disturbing. After all, the hydraulic line to the front brake is integrated in the fork. The Far Eastern flower pattern on the inside of the fork legs would, however, suit a triathlon bike better.
On the other hand, the very low weight of the Cross 8,46 at 1.1 kilos is very pleasing. Even with pedals (and the standard hoses) you stay just under the nine-kilo mark, which is mainly due to the light SRAM group, but also to the wheels and attachments. Incidentally, Fuji offers the Altamira CX carbon model with identical features, which weighs just under a pound less for 500 euros more.
Conclusion – Fuji Cross 1.1:
It is not difficult to make a judgment about the US crosser: components, function and driving experience are top, the price is very attractive in view of the weight and equipment. In order to score points on the German market, Fuji should only think about the paintwork.
Product Highlights - Fuji Cross 1.1
- Very high quality, functional equipment
- Pretty light weight
- Interesting price
Price and Web – Fuji Cross 1.1
- EUR 2.499
- fujibikes.com