2003 Fuji Royale flatbar road bike - my new ride
So the other half was willing to try biking too, so I handed her my 2005 Fuji Absolute and got myself a used 2003 Fuji Royale. Even though it's two years older than the Absolute, this is Fuji's top of the line flatbar road bike. It's 4 pounds lighter, has a carbon fiber fork, a lighter frame, better components, etc. It's more nimble compared to the Absolute, but otherwise it's practically the same bike. The gearing is also a lot more 'roadie' meaning that it really is a road bike with a flatbar instead of dropbar, while the Absolute is more of a hybrid.
I've also just added some mini aero bars for some more hand positions and a little more speed when it's needed. Got the blue camo tape on there too for extra radical-ness. Other than that I've got some quick release lights, fenders, a nerd bell, an OnGuard Bulldog Mini lock and cable, and a cyclocomputer. I don't use the computer all the time but so far my top on flatland while still seated is around 23 mp/h. Haven't tried a top-speed while sprinting or with the aerobars, but I imagine I could probably hit 25 with the aeros and probably 25+ while standing and sprinting in high gear. Could probably do even faster if I had some real flat straightaways - in San Francisco it's rare to get more than a few blocks without a hill or a stoplight.
I've also put on some Continental Ultra Gatorskin tires on there (700x25c) and some Slime self-sealing tubes. I live in an industrial part of San Francisco full of glass, rocks, etc, and I was getting constant flats. I tore a fat hole in a tire just a few days ago! The Gatorskins are supposed to be some of the most flat-resistant tires out there, and the slime tubes are like the last defense. I also now carry a spare tube and tools to change a flat on the road. I was forced to walk to work in the rain one too many times, so I figure it's worth the investment. Also it's one thing to get a flat two miles from work, but as I go on longer rides it would really blow to get a flat like eight miles from home!
posted on 03.05.06
comments
What model aero bars are those? I will be using my mountain bike for a duathlon and am looking for something similar.
posted by RICH on 06.11.09
I got them from Nashbar, they were called 'aero bar clip ons' or something like that. Looks like they're no longer available...
They were the generic version of the Cinelli Spinaci aero clipons, hopefully that helps you track down something similar.
posted by sean mulholland on 06.11.09
Thanks!! I just found a set of nib cinelli spinacis on ebay for $20
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posted by bradwithers on 03.18.10
I too have this bike. It's awesome! Best bike I've owned.
posted by George M. on 04.08.10
Ah! This is awesome! Thanks for putting to rest many
confusion I had heard about this lately.
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