This bike looks original to me, and probably 1972 to 1975 maybe 1977 at latest. The Newest as originally speced had V-Luxe. I don't ever remember Cyclone on the Newest, although I think Fuji has reused the Newest name several times, so it's probably seen a lot of different RD's. I think the Mighty Victory may be older than you think, although this may argue for mid 70's rather than early 70's.
Always like the top Fuji models, Finest, Newest and Ace. They showcased Japanese componets that worked as well or better than anything from Europe, and the frames were greatly underrated, certainly had much better quality control than Raleigh or a lot of European high volume builders.
Regards,
Jerry Moos Big Spring, TX
Donald Gillies <gillies@cs.ubc.ca> wrote:
http://ebay.com/
I'd say that someone got a deal on an early 70's (possibly pre-Super Record) top-of-the-line bicycle in near-perfect condition, with original tires, and although it's a manufactured bike, these seem to be much rarer than Colnagos, MASI's, Raleigh's, etc.
I am confused, however, by some aspects of this bike.
1. It lacks cyclone derailleurs - it has a V-Luxe rear mech, so I presume it's a pre-1975 bike ??
2. It has Sugino Super Mighty Victory cranks (with drillium chainrings and lightened spiders, the spiders in particular taper sharply and are not parallel). I thought that type of Sugino crank was a ~1978-1985 thing as Suntour Superbe used it for a while, was it truly a pre-1975 thing ??
3. It has early Gran Compe brake levers with black-rubber cupped adjusters and flip-to-the-side QRs, that I got on my 1977 SEKAI, so I am again thinking its 1977 or earlier ??
Did a list member pick up this bike ?? I would like to communicate with the buyer, when it arrives, if possible, to compare parts (vs. my 1971 Fuji Finest.)
- Don Gillies
San Diego, CA, USA