Test: The Fuji Jari has been a solid bench in the Gravel and Tourer segment for several years. The Americans with Japanese roots rely on the best workmanship, maximum flexibility and attention to detail. In the 2019 model year, Fuji is giving the Jari the long-awaited carbon frame. We tested the noble gravel racer and were thrilled.
Fuji Jari Carbon: From importer to manufacturer
When the company was founded in Japan in 1899, the focus was primarily on importing American and English bicycles under the name "Nichibei Fuji". Translated, “Nichibei” means “Japanese-American”. Back in 20, after 1919 years, the company started to manufacture its own bicycles.
Fuji's success has always been shaped by the innovative research and design process that goes hand in hand with team riders and athletes. In this way, the requirements of professional sport are taken into account and transferred to series production at great expense. Each model goes through a long prototype phase until it finally ends up with the end customer in a fully developed form.
Fuji Jari Carbon: Noble and well thought-out equipment
The design and coloring of the carbon monocoque frame is striking at first glance. Matt black lacquered with golden details. Starting with the frame right through to the fork and attachments such as the saddle and handlebar tape. For the frame material, Fuji is using C15 carbon for the first time in the Jari, in order to make an even stiffer bike possible compared to the aluminum model. The gravel bike is available in the sizes 52cm, 54cm, 56cm and 58cm. The aluminum version of the carbon monocoque fork is already known from the Fuji Jari 1.1.
Gears and brakes are from Shimano, and the current Ultegra hydraulic group is used. A finely graded Shimano Ultegra cassette with 11-34 teeth in eleven gradations, together with the FSA Energy Modular with 46 or 30 teeth, offers enough bandwidth for a gravel bike.
Shimano Ultegra hydraulic disc brakes with 160mm brake discs slow down the Fuji Jari Carbon. The highlight are the additional cooling fins in the discs, which also bring about an aerodynamic improvement.
WTB KOM Light TCS 2.0 wheels supplemented by 28 inch/700c Panaracer Gravel King complete the equipment. Here, too, attention was paid to quality, weight and willingness to compromise. The WTB wheels are relatively light and the Panaracer Gravelking is ideal for the bike. Thanks to the smooth tread, the bike has good rolling characteristics and the non-slip side lugs still have enough grip off-road.
Other add-on parts such as the seat post, saddle, stem and handlebars are from Oval Concepts' own accessory "smithy". The handlebars and stem are made of aluminum, the seat post is made of an aluminum-carbon combination and the saddle struts are made of CrMo.
Fuji Jari Carbon: Features in detail
- Frame sizes: S (52cm), M (54cm), L (56cm) and XL (58cm)
- Colour: satin carbon with golden details
- Weight (without pedals): 8,64 kg (manufacturer information)
- Frame material: C15 monocoque carbon
- Fork: FC-440 Cross Carbon Monocoque with 12mm thru axle
- Front derailleur: Shimano Ultegra
- Crank: FSA Energy Modular 46/30 teeth
- Derailleur: Shimano Ultegra RX, long
- Cassette: Shimano Ultegra 11-34 teeth
- Chain: KMC X11
- Shifters: Shimano Ultegra, hydraulic disc, 11-speed
- Brake levers: Shimano Ultegra ST hydraulic disc
- Brakes: Shimano Ultegra, hydraulic disc, 160mm
- Handlebar: Oval Concepts 325 Alu, 125mm drop, 25° flared
- Stem: Oval Concepts 707 Alu, +/- 7°
- Seatpost: Oval Concepts 905 Carbon/Alu, 27,2mm diameter
- Saddle: Oval Concepts X38, CrMo rails
- Impeller: WTB KOM Light i23 TCS 2.0
- Tires: Panaracer Gravelking SK, 700x43c
Fuji Jari Carbon: Sophisticated with many options
In the everyday test, the Jari Carbon turned out to be extremely versatile. So you have a total of up to five different ways to attach your water bottle or tools. Also included is a small "bento box" which is screwed to the top tube. A mobile phone (must not be too big), money and keys all have their place here. An additional backpack is no longer necessary for the tour.
If you are on the road for a longer time and even want to start a bike-packing adventure, there are enough screw connections and eyelets on the frame to attach a luggage rack with additional bags. So either enough luggage for a longer trip or the compact commuter bag can be attached. There are also screw connections for various utensils and accessories on the side of the fork.
So that cables and lines do not get in the way when installing the accessories, they are almost completely laid in the frame and only come out of the frame when they have to.
Fuji Jari Carbon: Stiff and fast
Through the use of carbon, Fuji has succeeded in developing the stiffest Jari frame to date. This is especially noticeable when accelerating. Although this is difficult for the non-professional to grasp, the feeling alone and the smile on your face speaks for itself.
The Graveler rolls amazingly well on asphalt and gravel through the Panaracer Gravelking. The smooth tread reduces friction, but still offers enough grip through the small side lugs. Depending on the air pressure, the tires also provide very good self-damping and the necessary comfort on longer tours. If you like it even more comfortable, you can mount up to 2 inch wide 650b tires on the corresponding wheels.
The frame geometry is also optimized for use as a gravel bike. A steep steering angle and an equally steep seat angle offer a good mix of comfort and sportiness. The slightly flared handlebars seemed a bit unusual, but you got used to them after a short time.
A nice detail for all racers and bikers who sometimes have to shoulder the Fuji Jari is the integrated 2mm silicone element in the frame triangle directly on the underside of the top tube. The Fuji Jari Carbon rests comfortably on the shoulder.
