racing bikes: Test: Fuji Jari 1.1 – Sporty pack mule with staying power

Test: The Fuji Jari has been one of the long-running favorites in the US manufacturer's range since it was introduced. In all likelihood, this will not change in the 2019 model year either: the Jari remains true to its roots and should be able to inspire bikepacking and touring fans in particular.

Fuji Jari 1.1: The Facts

Frame material: Aluminium
Wheel size(s): 700c
tire clearance: 42mm (700c) / 2,0″ (650b)
Axle dimensions (v/h): 12 × 100/142 × 12
Mudguard Eyelets: Ja
Luggage carrier eyelets (v/h): Yes / Yes
bottle holder: down tube up, down tube down, seat tube, fork
Other: Eyelets on the top tube

Wheel weight v/h (with tires, cassette and brake discs): 1.550g / 2.080g
Weight complete bike without pedals (size M): 9,72kg
Price: € 1.999

Fuji Jari 1.1 – Let the journey begin!

The US company with Japanese roots places great emphasis on the adventure and touring segment, and the Jari is the top model here. Given the price of just under 2.000 euros, people are happy to nod in view of a complete Shimano 105 with FSA crankset, although there is already a complete Ultegra elsewhere. In any case, the gold paint on the aluminum frame is pleasing, and the Panaracer Gravelking made in Japan also fits very well - as do the brass-colored spoke nipples. Tires and rims are tubeless compatible, which is actually essential in the gravel segment.

It quickly becomes clear where this bike is headed: the Jari is more of a touring bike than a piece of sports equipment and prefers long tours, preferably with luggage – there are plenty of mounting options, for example on the top tube at the front. Add to that internal cables, thru-axles and details like the slim, curved seatstays – so everything is fine in that respect. Fuji chose the geometry to match the intended use: the sitting position is upright and is similar to that on the Bulls; the overall lively steering is also reminiscent of the bike from Cologne. With seven sizes, head tube and top tube lengths increase in increments of between 10 and 20mm, so adjustment isn't difficult. Of course, a really sporty sitting position cannot be teased out of this geometry, but Fuji has enough other models for that.

By the way, in terms of weight, the Jari is doing pretty well; ten kilos with pedals is a decent value in the touring bike segment. What could irritate one or the other is the handlebars from Fuji's own brand Oval Concepts: With a 25° flare, the STI levers are so slanted that the position of the brake levers takes some getting used to.

Fuji Jari 1.1 – Let's Gravel

Even at first glance, the Fuji Jari 1.1 is a real eye-catcher with its golden finish. But not only in the frame itself, but also in various attachments you can see a lot of attention to detail. Here, for example, the nipples or the tire wall were color-matched to the design. But so much for the look first, because the Fuji Jari 1.1 also has a lot to offer in terms of performance.

At second glance, you can quickly see that the Fuji Jari 1.1 is primarily aimed at adventurous gravel fans. In particular, its large number of eyelets for mounting various bags, carriers, holders, mudguards and much more makes it a suitable companion for extended tours. The other equipment of the Fuji Jari 1.1 fits in well with this picture and is primarily aimed at functionality. The Shimano 105 groupset offers the usual good performance and is less prone to defects. The Panaracer GravelKing SK tires should also cover enough range, especially on longer trips and varied multi-day tours, to be on the road properly on gravel, forest soil or asphalt.

You can't go wrong with the in-house oval add-on parts, even if the unusual ergonomics and shape of the handlebars mean that the brake levers feel a bit strange at first. The frame of the Fuji Jari 1.1 does a solid job in all areas and is also suitable for versatile use for this reason. The smooth running of the Fuji Jari is particularly useful for stretching, even if it could certainly be a little more agility and comfort in some places. Nevertheless, this gravel bike offers a successful mix of functionality, performance and looks, especially for touring riders.