Market / Eurobike: Fuji is holding back on major product innovations for 2017 and trusts the existing portfolio. Of course there is still news - here and there there are new colors, simpler decor and some changes in the specs. With the new Roubaix Elite, we also spotted one of our quiet highlights at the fair at the stand.
Fuji Bikes 2017: facelift with fresh colors and detailed changes in equipment
Groundbreaking new models are not to be expected from the US manufacturer with Japanese roots for the coming season: For 2017, they are concentrating much more on the existing model range and, in addition to fresh frame designs and new colors, they have also made some adjustments to the respective equipment. Unsurprisingly, the new colors and the sometimes extremely successful designs catch the eye at first glance.
Two bikes in particular caught our eye: The Altamira CX 1.1 cross bike comes in a great red/orange tone and a more subtle frame decor. In combination with the black carbon rims and the skinwall tubular tires from Challenge, the result is a well-rounded overall picture that is striking but still coherent. There is also nothing to complain about when it comes to the equipment of the top crosser: Force 1 group from SRAM, full carbon equipment including the wheels and a very light carbon fiber frame reduce the weight to 7,6 kg. At €4.499, the chic Altamira top model is of course not exactly cheap either. The entry-level model with a 105 group and aluminum wheels is available for €2.000 less.
The endurance all-rounder Fuji Jari 2016 shows that even a bike with an aluminum frame in 1.1 is not yet part of the proverbial old iron and can also convince visually. The frame weighs less than 1.400g and offers modern features such as a 142mm thru axle and internally routed cables. The Jari comes with a rather relaxed geometry and is designed for universal use somewhere between endurance, gravel and adventure. Up to three bottle holders can be mounted and there are also eyelets for luggage racks and mudguards. The top model Jari 1.1 comes in a successful aluminum raw finish, which is protected by a layer of clear lacquer. With the SRAM Force drive, you have to shell out €2.999 for the all-rounder.
Fuji Roubaix Elite: Lightweight aluminum racer for less than €2.000
In any case, Fuji doesn't seem to put everything on the carbon card in the performance area either. Walking around the stand, we spotted the new Fuji Roubaix Elite, which complements the already well-known Roubaix model series. The Roubaix has been around for almost three decades and for 2017 it's making a decent leap forward in development: The aluminum frame now weighs almost 1.100g and also comes with a new carbon fork. The geometry is clearly designed for race and performance for all those who are looking for a sporty racing bike but don't necessarily need a carbon frame.
The new Roubaix Elite caught our eye because it is one of the very few aluminum road bikes that comes with high-quality equipment from the manufacturer. With Quark Prime carbon cranks, Force 22 drive from SRAM and carbon seat post, you don't have to hide from the top models on the market. For a retail price of €1,999, the Roubaix Elite comes in at a very good weight of 7,2kg – if you swap the already light aluminum wheels from Oval for carbon counterparts, you can reduce the weight to below 7kg without having to invest a fortune .
Fuji mountain bikes 2017: Rakan with plus tires and improvements to the Auric
With the mountain bikes from Fuji there is a new addition with the new Rakan 27.5+ 3.3: They rely on the 29″ frame with 120mm spring travel known from the Rakan series, which in this model variant, however, comes with plus tires in 2,8″ and is aimed more at trail pilots than at marathonists. A change to 29″ wheels is no problem thanks to the Boost standard and you get a universal all-round fully that feels comfortable in a wide variety of terrain. The Rakan 27.5+ 3.3 with XT drive, dropper post and Revelation fork from Rock Shox will cost €3.499.
mountain bikes: Test: Fuji Rakan 29 1.3 – Strong climbing all-rounder
Test: At first glance, the Fuji Rakan 29 1.3, with its 120mm travel and 29″ wheels, fits into the trail bike category that is so popular at the moment. However, our test shows that the bare numbers are deceptive, because the Fuji is not a trail bike in the modern sense - but that's a good thing! Fuji Rakan 29 […]
Otherwise, efforts were made to separate the two existing fully platforms Rakan and Auric more clearly in terms of their equipment. The 160mm Enduro Auric has now been trimmed more consistently in the direction of downhill, whereas the Rakan places a little more emphasis on propulsion. The Auric now has larger brake discs and more powerful tires as standard – both points of criticism that we had already addressed in our Auric test.
mountain bikes: Test: Fuji Auric 1.3 – On new paths against the current
Test: With the Fuji Auric 1.3, the US-American manufacturer with Japanese roots surprised the past Eurobike trade press and fans alike. The 27,5″ bike comes with 160mm travel at the front and rear. Fuji places its new flagship MTB in the all-mountain enduro segment and is particularly proud of the supposedly particularly efficient new M-Link rear triangle. We have […]
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