Test: Fuji relies on Gravel instead of Cross and thus builds on the brand's well-known touring racers. The Fuji Jari, with its carbon frame, looks much more modern than the others and should delight long-distance riders with its many mounting options.
Fuji touring bikes have always been around; It was only logical that the traditional Japanese-American brand entered the gravel segment. At the same time, the portfolio has been significantly streamlined: cyclocross bikes have been completely removed from the range, and racing bikes with rim brakes are now only available in the lowest price segment. If you want to gravel, you won't mind, on the contrary, you can enjoy the attractive Jari models. Aluminum and carbon bikes are available as complete bikes or frame sets for self-assembly, and they also have interesting details that are worth a closer look.
A variety of gears suitable for travel
At just under 3.200 euros, the Jari Carbon 1.1 is the most expensive model in the series; the carbon frame is also available as a 1.3 with Shimano 1×11 and Alexrims wheels. If you are looking for a gravel bike that is suitable for travel, however, you are better off with the model presented here, especially since it offers a fairly wide range of gear ratios with a 48/32 crank and 11-34 cassette and at the same time quite narrow gradations. In any case, the Jari is full of interesting frame details that long-distance riders in particular will like: Different bottle cages can be attached in the frame triangle, with the "bottle cage adjuster" on the down tube allowing fine adjustment of the bottle cage position. Holding devices can be installed on the fork, and a small "bento box" is installed on the top tube, into which not too much fits, of course.
Mudguards, carrier, light - why not?
Mudguards can be mounted as well as a luggage rack on the rear triangle, and there are other options if you buy the frame set to build your own Graveller: A flap for the Di2 switch box is installed on the top of the down tube; You can run the cable of a hub dynamo through the right fork leg – but there is no provision for a power cable to the rear. The frame is also equipped with a stone chip protection under the bottom bracket, plus a small pad if the bike has to be carried; the latter, however, is rather hard. Otherwise you can be happy about the completely internal cables and lines, which ensure a tidy picture despite the numerous threaded inserts.
As befits a gravel bike, the Jari is more compact than stretched, and not overly upright due to the short head tube (150 mm for the 54 frame). If you mount a slightly longer stem, you can definitely sit in a sporty way. As far as the steering behavior is concerned, the test bike feels very agile - no wonder with a wheelbase that measures just over one meter.
The frame makes a really stiff impression and offers a lot of security even at high speeds; with curved seat stays and carbon seat post, the bike looks appealingly comfortable. But you have to get used to the quite strong handlebars with a 25° flare - typical Gravel, but not popular with everyone.
Equipment at a high level
Fuji equips the Jari with a Shimano GRX 810 – the Japanese top gravel groupset, here flanked by a solid rather than light FSA crankset with a somewhat simple-looking plastic cover. As usual, the group offers high ease of use and optimal function, which also includes the rather smooth chainring change. The DT Swiss wheels are optimally designed for wide Gravel tires, with 42mm WTB Resolute soles - a rather coarse tire that also rolls properly on asphalt and is described by the manufacturer as an all-weather all-rounder.
There is plenty of space around the voluminous tires at the front and rear; Fuji approves the Jari for 28-inch tires up to 47 mm wide and for 650B tires with 2,2 inches. However, if you mount the smaller wheels, you must not forget that this lowers the bottom bracket. With an inner width of 23 mm, the DT rims give the tires a lot of grip; Conveniently, the combination is tubeless compatible, so you can easily get more puncture protection and less rolling resistance and weight. The latter is also necessary because the bike, including the pedals, weighs almost ten kilos – somewhat surprising in view of the fact that the frame is supposed to be in the 1.000 gram category, although this is of course not noticeable when riding. Because riding the Jari over dirt roads, dirt roads and trails of all kinds is fun; it definitely doesn't feel heavy.
For everything that it offers, the Jari 1.1 is priced fairly cheaply - some comparably equipped Gravellers are already scratching the 4.000 euro mark. And back to the optionally available frame set, which is however matt black: its price is 1.339 euros – another attractive offer. Combining the advantages of the high-quality frame with self-selected components does not have to be that expensive. Another thing that speaks for the Fuji Jari Carbon.
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