This time I wanted to review a bike from a brand that isn’t as well known as the increasingly ubiquitous Cervelo (at least here in Toronto). Enter Fuji, uncommon in the peleton and with little brand image to bring them attention. When I think Trek, for example, I think Lance Armstrong. Not a bad brand image. When I think Cervelo, I think engineering. Nothing wrong with that. When I think Fuji, I think…cameras? Not even the correct company.

Fuji Bikes make a few road models that are worth discovering. The Fuji Team, for example, is a fantastic entry to mid-level road bike that is inexpensive compared to its carbon competition. Moving to the top of Fuji’s product line, the Fuji SL-1 is ridden by Toyota-United on the pro tour. The Fuji SL1 is generally thought of as a climber’s bike; it is a completely carbon and is typically shipped with a compact crank, which gives you even easier gear ratios to spin up the difficult climbs.

A friend of mine, Steve, owns two Fujis. I asked Steve to share some thoughts on his bikes, especially the SL1. Here’s the scoop:

Steve: How old are you?

Steve: I am 34 years old.

How long have you been road riding?

I bought my first bike, a Bianchi Premio, in 1989. Whoa, I’ve been riding for almost 20 years.

You own a couple of Fuji road bikes now and Fuji isn’t a widely ridden bike. How did you come to settle on Fuji as a brand?

I stopped riding regularly while I was studying in university, and got involved with other sports that kept me away from the road. A couple of years ago I decided to get back into cycling, since it’s an excellent, relatively low impact way to get into very good shape. My bike was an old, chromo, 1993 Peugeot Success, with down tube shifters that was very, very heavy compared with the bikes of today. And, since I also was in a far better financial position than my student days, I decided to make a move on a carbon framed bicycle.

I looked around at several local bike shops in midtown Toronto, test riding mid-range offerings from the regular brands – Trek, Cannondale, LeMond, Specialized, Giant – and I also tried out a Fuji Team. All were decent bikes for my $ 2, 000ish price point, but none offered the level of components of the Fuji, or if they did, they lacked a full carbon frame. The Fuji was also the most aggressive feeling of the bikes I tested. The steering was light, the road feedback was direct, and it was most responsive when I put it through its paces. The Fuji Team frame is fairly stiff and responsive, considerably more lively than my supple old Peugeot’s and is also quite striking with a partially painted scheme that shows off its woven carbon skeleton. Fuji also sourced a wide variety of components from several different vendors to build up the bike, which resulted in a very reliable mid-range setup that was quite light relative to its peers. For me, the Fuji was really great value – it was the highest performing, lightest, full-carbon framed bike for the most competitive price.

Despite the fact that I now own two Fujis, I’m not so loyal to the brand that I’m tied to it. The new Fuji SL1 was also an amazing deal that I couldn’t turn up.

How much did you pay for the SL1? Where did you buy it?

Funny story, the purchase of the SL1 is. I got completely ruined on a ride in the fall of 2007, the Hastings Hilly Hundred - don’t be fooled by the alliteration and seemingly harmless name, it was a brutal 240 km slog - and decided to do some retail therapy to ease my pain. I was poking around EBay, looking to upgrade the Fuji Team with a carbon crank, when a friend pointed me toward a Fuji SL1 in my size that was on auction. Until that point I had never even heard of the SL1, but The bike was in pristine condition, and had only been ridden a couple of hundred km. So, for fun I threw in a bid for $ 2, 000 and went to bed. Next thing I knew, it was mine. Get this – the MSRP for the bike is nearly $ 5, 500! For once something that seemed to be too good to be true, wasn’t. I’m not sure I’ll ever buy a bike on EBay again, but this particular transaction worked out very well.

What are the full specs of your Fuji SL1?

The heart and soul of the SL1 is the frame, and boy is it ever light. Fuji boasts that it is 890 grams, including the full carbon fork, making it one of the lightest frames available anywhere today. But the frame doesn’t look like a lightweight; the bottom bracket is very beefy and all the other tubes are also of significant proportion. This frame is a classic case of a wolf in sheep’s clothing. My particular model is the SL1s, which means that the groupo is SRAM’s Force. It also comes with Ritchey’s top of the line WCS series carbon seat post, and carbon stem and bars; and a carbon racing saddle from Selle San Marco. Fully built, including my Mavic Ksyrium SL wheels, Look Keo Ti pedals, this carbon killer comes in at a sliver under 6.9 kilos (15.2 lbs). I mean, have you lifted this thing? It’s light as a feather!

It certainly is light. How would you compare the Fuji SL1 to other road bikes that you’ve ridden?

First and foremost, the SL1 is light and twitchy. The frame was designed to be very stiff and efficient, and also has a compact geometry. This is a bike that is very responsive and I’ve found it pretty easy to settle my weight in the wrong spot and loosen up the back end on hills or even lift the front end on flats when I’m putting a lot of torque to the pedals. Compared to other bikes I have ridden, the ride is definitely more harsh, but with the kind of feedback and responsiveness it provides the rider, I also find it much more exciting.

How about the components? The Fuji Team has Shimano 105/Ultegra groupset while the SL1 has SRAM Force groupset. Was that a difficult transition for you? Which of the component sets do you prefer?

I am becoming accustomed to the SRAM setup on the SL1, and am enjoying it. From a ridability standpoint, the shifts are precise and predictable, and I like the partial up shift setting on the front derailleur which minimises rubbing when the chain is near the top or bottom of the cassette. Although, I find Shimano’s drive trains operate a little more smoothly and are also easier to tinker with.

Is there a defining feature of the Fuji SL1? What do you like most about this bike?

The feature of the build that catches most people’s attention is the amount of carbon on it. Pretty well everything that can be carbon is carbon, and it makes for a bike that really stands out. Most impressive for me though is the SL1 frame. In addition to the ultra-low mass, it also looks understated in a classic black and silver finish, and is very utilitarian in design. Fuji touts that the top tube has a honeycomb internal structure and fully integrates into the seat stays for improved energy transfer, and the frame has minimal paint and artwork so the carbon weave is on full display – which also makes it more environmentally friendly!

What are your strengths as a rider, and did the Fuji SL1 play to your strength or compensate for weakness?

I think I’m a pretty typical amateur cyclist; I have a career that keeps me busy and on the road quite a bit, an active social life, and a lot of other things going on that compete with riding for the number one spot on my list of priorities. So, in short, there’s not really any single element of my cycling that stands out other than my love of riding. My goals for this season - and pretty much the rest of my life as a rider - are to stay healthy and to participate in the Tour for Kids, a phenomenal charity cycling event that raises money for children’s cancer camps here in Ontario. The Fuji SL1 is going to go a long way to help me achieve those goals because it’s a great bike to ride on, even over long distances when set up appropriately (read – without the Selle San Marco saddle) it can flatten any hill in its way, is an absolute rocket on the flats, and is outfitted with top-end, reliable components.

I thought you might tell me you bought this for revenge in the Hastings Hilly Hundred. Ok. Serious question: Lance Armstrong or Matt McConaughey?

Easy one - Matthew McConaughey. One of my favourite movie lines of all-time was delivered by Wooderson, a character he played in Dazed and Confused: “I love them high school girls. I get older, they stay the same age.”

Hilarious. Now how about Obama or Clinton?

Neither. If the Democrats get into the White House in 2008, the President, if he or she is serious about real change, will only be able to hold office for a single term. After six decades of bad foreign policy and an incumbent that is leaving the nation in complete financial shambles, there is so much reform required to get the nation back on track that the winner of the contest is going to have to take a few biggies for the team and for the good of America.

Spoken like a true Canadian. Thanks Steve.

Well, that’s a wrap. Perhaps the next time you’re browsing through the common brands at your local bike shop, you’ll take time to consider the Fuji as well. There is good value in the Fuji Team and great performance in the Fuji SL1.

There are at least 6 Cervelos that I know in the Lapdogs cycling club - a mixture of R3s and Soloists Team. This gave me an opportunity to query my fellow riders about the bikes that they take so much pride in. I learned that the Soloist Team, for example, is one of Cervelo’s cheapest bikes, but don’t be fooled into thinking that means performance is being sacrificed. Cervelo says it is “often called the most underrated bike in the world” and “simply the best value in road bikes.”

I recently caught up with Lapdog member and longtime cyclist Phil for a Q&A about his Cervelo Soloist Team. Here is what he had to say:

Steve: Let’s start with the basics. How old are you?

Phil: I’m 32 years young.

Steve: How long have you been riding? How long have you owned your Cervelo?

Phil: I started riding the summer of 1989 after watching Greg LeMond come back and win the TdF. My first bike was an Pinarello, I got it used from a neighbor of my uncle’s in the UK. I loved that bike but eventually outgrew it, though I tried to make it fit, it soon became all seatpost and stem. Cycling took a back burner due to university and moving around, plus I sold the Pinarello for tuition. I picked [cycling] up again seriously in 2004 and went with an entry road Cannondale. After being convinced to do a race in the summer of 2007, I realized I needed a proper racing bike. That’s when I got the Cervelo Team Soloist.

Steve: Give the specs of your bike.

Phil: The Team Soloist came with an Ultegra groupset, Shimano WH-550 wheelset, FSA Gossemer crank and handlebars. I swapped out the dérailleurs for Dura-Ace ones and the Gossermer Crank with an FSA SL-K which I had from a Cervelo P2 SL. I replaced the stock saddle with a white Specialized Toupe, added a pair of Fulcrum 1 race wheels, and a Ceramic BB.

Steve: Where did you buy it, and for how much?

Phil: I bought it from my local bike store Duke’s. They sponsor my club and give a discount. When all was said and done it cost about $2500. I almost feel like i should mail Cervelo a cheque for more money - I got too good a deal.

Steve: When you were shopping for this bike, did you have any specific requirements? Were you set on Cervelo from the start?

Phil: I wanted something stiff and responsive, and the Team Soloist was both. I basically had my eye on Cervelo from the start, though I did test ride a few others. But from that first turn of the crank on the Team Soloist, I knew I was taking it home with me. As well Cervelo as a company really impressed me, it was about making a good bike not marketing. I had my eye on the R3 as well and flip flopped a bit as to whether I should spend the extra or get the Soloist and then some racing wheels. The latter made more sense, and I don’t regret my decision in the least.

Steve: The Soloist Team has an aluminum frame. What were your thoughts on that when you bought the bike? And now?

Phil: I don’t mind aluminum one bit, then again I have only ever ridden a full carbon bike once, so perhaps I don’t know what I’m missing, but I don’t find it harsh in the least. It does have a carbon seatpost and fork and that helps to dampen the ride. I’ve done 160km rides on it no problems. Given the price vs the Soloist carbon, I’d go with the Team Soloist all over again.

Steve: What do you like most about your Soloist?

Phil: Everything, literally. It’s just a great bike, but in particular I like the aerodynamic aspect of it. I also like that I paid a fraction of the cost for a bike that’s better than most out there.

Steve: Is there anything that you dislike about the Soloist Team?

Phil: This may sound shallow, but I wish it was black like the 2006 model. I’m just a sucker for a black bike. But the grey does go well with my club kit!

Steve: If you were buying a new bike tomorrow, what would you get and why?

Phil: If cost was an issue? A Team Soloist. If cost wasn’t an issue, a Soloist Carbon. They just don’t make them much better than those two in my opinion.

Steve: What type of cyclist do you think this bike fits best? Would it be a good choice as an entry level bike, for example?

Phil: This is a racing bike; it would best suit someone who wants to do races, and in that respect, it would make an excellent entry bike for someone who’s just beginning to race. The nice thing about this bike is you’ll see it being used at all levels, from Senior 4 races to Elite 1/2. People just getting into racing will like it for the value, experienced racers will like it for the performance.

Steve: Thanks Phil.

Well, there you have it. Cervelo’s reputation is upheld here by Phil’s enthusiasm over his bike, appreciation for its design, and the Soloist’s affordable price. If you are going to be shopping for next year’s ride, it might be worth your while to at least consider a Cervelo. The Soloist Team is a great bike for those of you looking to take the step from rider to racer without breaking the bank.

So… I’ve decided to review the bikes that my friends ride and include a short interview from the rider, including his cycling background and opinions on the machine that he spends so much time on. This should work out well because I get new content, you get to read exciting reviews, and my friends become celebrities. So be on the look out for the first “Ride-along” review soon.

Oh, we’ve recently had a huge spike in readers looking for information on Cervelos. To keep that momentum going, I’ll start the series off with a Cervelo review.

I didn’t feel like my Bontrager wheels were really holding me back, but a few things bothered me about them. First, the front wheel will flex under heavy weight & pressure, namely when sprinting up hills while out of the saddle. And while the wheels have a high number of spokes, each spoke is considerably thinner than a spoke that you’d find on, say, a set of Mavics. At 175lbs, I want a sturdy wheel that reacts well when I apply a lot of torque. Next, the wheel set is built in such a way that the spokes protrude outwardly from the rim of the wheel to the hub. This makes the wheel less aerodynamic and it was particularly bothersome when I encountered a crosswind, at which point I’d easily be blown all over the road. And finally the wheels are ugly and gave my bike no personality. We all know that making your bike look nice is one of the most important parts of cycling! Bontrager wheels don’t start to look nice until you get to the XXX Race Lite set, and even then, they aren’t that pretty. Without breaking the bank, I needed a set of wheels that were less weight, more responsive and stiff, and incredibly sexy. It was time to go shopping.

A few sets of wheels came to mind right away: Mavic Kysrium ES, Mavic Kysrium SL, and Fulcrum Racing 1. Each of these wheel sets are well represented by the Lapdogs, so I had plenty of initial information at my disposal. I searched for more opinions on the web and priced each of these wheels through local bike shops and online retailers. All three of these sets are pretty close to each other in weight, quality, aerodynamics, and price (roughly $1,000 to $1,500 depending on location). I couldn’t find any one thing, however, that elevated one wheel above the others. Then I stumbled upon Bike24.com.

Bike24.com is based in Germany, and for whatever reason, has amazing deals on Fulcrum wheels. The Fulcrum Racing 1 set goes for about $720 Canadian, and a wheel set that had previously been out of my price range, the Fulcrum Racing Zero, sells for about $860. When I realized that the purchase of the Zero was possible, I immediately started research and was quite pleased at my findings. The Racing Zero is lighter than all 3 of the previous sets coming in at 1425 grams for the both wheels. The front wheel contains 16 bladed spokes and the back has 21. Unlike the Bontragers, the spokes start at the rim and go straight to the hub without bending outwards, making the wheel more aerodynamic. This will open up slightly faster descents, allow me to slice through headwinds a bit easier, and hold me in place during crosswind. In terms of their appearance, they are amazing. Every picture I found of them installed on bikes proved that these wheels would immediately give my bike some needed flair.

With my research complete and me feeling pretty satisfied with the price, I pulled the trigger. The shipping from Germany was quick, and I had my wheels in about 10 business days. I was able to put them on just before the Hasting’s Hilly Hundred, and I was immediately smitten by both the color and style of the rim and the increased stiffness of my bike. Through friends and forums, I still haven’t heard bad things about the Fulcrum Racing 1 or Zero wheels (almost identical except for a bit of weight and color). Not only that, but I get a compliment on the wheels almost every time I go out.

Fulcrum Racing Zero                 Fulcrum Racing 1

A few more tidbits:

• The Fulcrum Racing Zeros make an awesome sound when slicing through the wind or plowing up hills. You will feel like you can hear these wheels being aerodynamic.
• You will need a campy lockring to put your cassette on the back wheel, even if you are going Shimano.
• The rear wheel’s freehub makes a very smooth clicking sound when you stop pedaling. Either you’ll like this or, if you were using wheels that made no sound, be annoyed by it.
• The spoke blades are very thick which makes mounting your speed magnet difficult. In some cases, you might actually need to use electrical tape to get your magnet on.