Matthew B’s 1973 Fuji Special Road Racer

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Welcome another first-time submitter, Matthew B.  This is his 1973 Fuji Special Road Racer.  More proof that you never really need a new bike.

As a new member, I thought that I would start out with my trusty 1973 Fuji Special Road Racer(SRR). Six years my senior, this bike was bought at a garage sale when I was about 13-14. At the time, it was pretty large for me, but I grew to fit it perfectly.

As a kid, I did absolutely no maintenance on this bike. It never got greased and I never wiped it down after it got wet. Regardless, it never failed me.

Now that we are both a bit older, I have since given the bike its deserved respect. As one can see from the pictures, I have swapped out the crank and derailers, though I purposely sought out some Fuji branded Suntour/Sugino parts to show my pride in the bike. Additionally, the bike received an overhaul and Brooks Flyer saddle.

Since I started riding this bike again, I decided to try some other vintage Fuji bikes. My collection has now grown to an America, Team, S10-S, Professional Super Record, and Opus III. While these bikes are considered to be higher end, they don’t come close to comparing to the comfort of my SRR.

The classic style of this bike certainly helps with my love of it. While the chrome seat/chain stays and fork crown/ends have their own charm, I always seem drawn to the relative uniqueness of the I-beam stem and that gorgeous dork disk.

Hopefully, this bike and I will have many more years of riding in store. I hope that you have enjoyed seeing it.

Matt

PS: Here is a link to the original catalog scan.

http://classicfuji.com/1973_04_S10-S_PageB.htm

Thanks Matthew

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  5. Ben L’s 1981 Fuji Royale
  • http://hughsbicycle.blogspot.com Hugh

    That is a nice looking Fuji.I had an old Fuji “Gran-Tourer S.E.” It was a fantastic bike. I should have had hung-on to it. If I am ever fortunate enough to find another one that looks and feels as good, I will keep it. There is something very familiar about the brake-levers and cable routing on your Fuji. Hey Cameron are you seeing what I am seeing there? As Yogi Berra once said “It’s like deja vu all over again.”

  • Cameron

    Good eye Hugh!:)

    You know what the problem is? Those are slip-on grips, and would require him to slip the cable housing between the grip and the bar. Not sure how tight those grips are, but I’d imagine it’s a bit of a task to do so.

  • http://hughsbicycle.blogspot.com Hugh

    Your right, I guess his only other option would be to
    cut-off or remove the slip-on grips and tape the bars.
    Which I think at this point would be his best bet.
    When I saw the cables they reminded me of that bike I
    did a long time ago. If I remember right, you had a little fun with that one..lol
    Good luck with the race this weekend. I would like to go up and do the (23 mile?) geezer ride. But I`m going to a Red-Wings alumni benefit game this Saturday

  • Matt

    I wanted to remove the turkey levers and those were all that I had available at the time. The bike is now outfitted with Gran Compe of all things. $3 at a bike swap. I rather like the random parts that I have on it now.

  • http://hughsbicycle.blogspot.com Hugh

    No doubt ,It is a fine looking bike

  • julie s

    VERY nice, Matt. I just aquired a 74 that I’m rehabbing. Could you tell me what is written on the dropouts? Both front and rear on mine are chewed by clamp marks to read. Appreciate it!