Where to buy Fuji Absolute 1.1D in size 23??

[ShawnoftheDread]

He’s got your number, Dismal. We’ve always wondered how you’ve maintained your vast fleet of vintage bikes on a lowly gummint salary.

[DismalScientist]

No. I thought the article you referenced was written by someone who writes like they don’t know the first thing about bicycles.

The basic point of the article was to compare bicycles at the $500 price point. At that point, bicycles at LBSs are spec-ed pretty much identically. There will not be much difference between the ride on any of them. If you wish to choose between them and want to go through an LBS, I would suggest that you choose an LBS that you are most comfortable with and that is more important than what particular brand you go with. All the bikes in the review have frames made in China with standard components.

That being said, the first thing I would do when buying a bike is to know how I would use the bike and what features are important to me. Then, I would compare similar bikes across brands. If purchasing and having support through an LBS is important to you, then by all means do so. However, the article suggests that buying online is somehow dangerous because these bike are poorly assembled. This is simply false. The article suggest failure modes that clearly are not the fault of the initial assembly and tries to pawn this off as caused by unskilled assembly by the internet manufacturer. However the same procedure is used by branded manufacturers before shipping to LBSs for final assembly. Further, the article tries to conflate internet sales with the well-known and notorious issues with poor final assembly in department stores.

Getting back to your original question. You stated you wanted a Fuji that may only have been available overseas. Presumably, this would mean that, if located, it would not be purchased through an LBS. I inferred that LBS support might not be important. Furthermore, the Fuji had a very good price for the specifications. If figured the only way to get close to those specs was to suggest something online.

What confused me was you suggesting that your second choices we Treks with various specifications, where each set of specifications could easily be found in similar bikes of different brands. This is why I suggested that you decide what you want in a bike and that we could offer suggestions. You stated you wanted a Trek and asked about their availability. I simply answered the question. I hope you are happy with your selection.

[Daekwan]

That’s a very plausible explanation for your enthusiasm towards ordering from the internet and purchasing a bike because it’s better “on-paper”. While I don’t have anywhere near the riding experience of many of you, I do have experience riding (commuting) for a couple of years now. If there’s anything I’ve experienced first hand before buying a bike.. is that if at all possible you should make a point to ride it first. And the more expensive the bike, the sillier it is to purchase without testing first.

So many times a list of great components on paper ‘should’ equal an incredible experience and for whatever reason it does not. This is exactly what happened again.. at Spokes in Alexandria on Sunday. The Specialized Sirrus is almost identical to the FX series from Trek. Spokes had a $990 Sirrus Elite Disc in my size (XL). The Elite Disc is equipped with Sora shifting, hydraulics disc brakes, carbon fork.. thats about as good as it gets for under $1000 at brick & mortar bike store. Not only did I ride the Elite Disc, but I also rode the full-carbon $1799 version. On paper.. both of these bikes should have blown away the 7.4 from Trek. I can tell you with absolute confidence that neither Sirrus felt better to ride, than the FX 7.4 Even the cheaper the FX 7.3 ($660) that I rode on Saturday felt better than the Sirrus bikes. For unexplainable reasons the cheaper Treks climb hills easier, seemed to coast forever, were smoother to drive & were both just flat out less fatiguing to ride overall. I took each bike out on the same 3 mile trip and travelled at a pretty good pace. With the Sirrus getting first dibs, its even more intriguing why they took more effort to ride.

If you re-read my original post, the reason why I wanted the Fuji so badly was that I test rode a Fuji Absolute 1.7 at Performance Bikes in Bailey Crossroads and liked it very much. My only complaint was the cheaper components and rough shifting. Which is why I was very interested in the 1.1 (or even 1.3) and ready to blindly buy one without another test. It was my belief that a test ride wasnt necessary with those bikes, because the 1.1/1.3 is essentially the same bike with better components & carbon fork.

[hybriduser]

I was at Hudson Trail Outfitters in Rockville today and although I didn’t see this model you seek, they are a Fuji and Scott dealer.

Anyway, might be worth checking out their inventory.

[DismalScientist]

@Daekwan 117592 wrote:

So many times a list of great components on paper ‘should’ equal an incredible experience and for whatever reason it does not. … On paper, both of these bikes should have blown away the 7.4 from Trek. … For unexplainable reasons the cheaper Treks climb hills easier, seemed to coast forever, were smoother to drive & were both just flat out less fatiguing to ride overall.

The level of components will not lead to an incredible experience. Shifting differences between different component level (once you’ve reached an adequate component level) should be undetectable for non-racers if both bikes are properly adjusted. As you earlier complained of rough shifting, you should know adjustment is the responsibility of the LBS, not the bicycle manufacturer. Better component groupsets give you lighter weight and more cogs. Disc brakes shouldn’t affect ride quality except in nasty conditions where braking will still work. If better components are worth the extra cost for you, by all means, buy them, but don’t expect them to significantly improve ride quality.

As far as the Treks feeling better to ride than the Specialized, that is likely to do with one of two things, the latter more likely than the former. First, the Treks have different wheelsets and tires than the Specialized. This could lead to different rolling resistance. (Were both tires fully inflated in you test rides?) Second, the fatigue level from riding a bike is highly dependent on the bike’s fit. For test rides, the LBS is likely only to quickly adjusts seat height before letting you go. This is once again a function of the LBS rather than the brand. I merely note that the article you cited stated that the Trek and Specialized rode identically.

Purchasing a bike on the internet may be better “on paper,” but only if you do not need local LBS support. I certainly do not recommend it for everybody.

[hybriduser]

@DismalScientist 117692 wrote:

The level of components will not lead to an incredible experience. Shifting differences between different component level (once you’ve reached an adequate component level) should be undetectable for non-racers if both bikes are properly adjusted. As you earlier complained of rough shifting, you should know adjustment is the responsibility of the LBS, not the bicycle manufacturer. Better component groupsets give you lighter weight and more cogs. Disc brakes shouldn’t affect ride quality except in nasty conditions where braking will still work. If better components are worth the extra cost for you, by all means, buy them, but don’t expect them to significantly improve ride quality.

As far as the Treks feeling better to ride than the Specialized, that is likely to do with one of two things, the latter more likely than the former. First, the Treks have different wheelsets and tires than the Specialized. This could lead to different rolling resistance. (Were both tires fully inflated in you test rides?) Second, the fatigue level from riding a bike is highly dependent on the bike’s fit. For test rides, the LBS is likely only to quickly adjusts seat height before letting you go. This is once again a function of the LBS rather than the brand. I merely note that the article you cited stated that the Trek and Specialized rode identically.

Purchasing a bike on the internet may be better “on paper,” but only if you do not need local LBS support. I certainly do not recommend it for everybody.

Is paying extra for a proper (computerized?) fit (for hobbyist/non racers) the only way? do some stores offer it as routine in the purchase?

[DismalScientist]

@hybriduser 117728 wrote:

Is paying extra for a proper (computerized?) fit (for hobbyist/non racers) the only way? do some stores offer it as routine in the purchase?

Once you’ve decided to buy, you should have a discussion with the shop about trading out things like seats and stems. Certainly the shop should adjust stem angle on adjustable stems, stem height and seat setback and angle for free before you leave. They probably won’t any of this for just a test ride.

I would think you should get minor fitting adjustment for free during you free adjustment period with the LBS.

Yes, you can pay for a professional fitting as well.

[Supermau]

@Daekwan 117533 wrote:

For any other noobs out there myself looking for a hybrid/commuter bike. This is the article that convinced me to give the Trek FX series a try:

http://thesweethome.com/reviews/best-hybrid-commuter-bike/

I bought a new 2014 7.3 last spring and I thought it was a great all-around bike. But as my mileage increased so did my fatigue so I sold it this spring and moved to a drop bar bike. Still, the FX is a solid ride. I rode mine through all kinds of weather and it never let me down with the exception of the stock brake pads – they sucked. Kool Stops to the rescue.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]8833[/ATTACH]

[vvill]

@Daekwan 117592 wrote:

So many times a list of great components on paper ‘should’ equal an incredible experience and for whatever reason it does not. This is exactly what happened again.. at Spokes in Alexandria on Sunday. The Specialized Sirrus is almost identical to the FX series from Trek. Spokes had a $990 Sirrus Elite Disc in my size (XL). The Elite Disc is equipped with Sora shifting, hydraulics disc brakes, carbon fork.. thats about as good as it gets for under $1000 at brick & mortar bike store. Not only did I ride the Elite Disc, but I also rode the full-carbon $1799 version. On paper.. both of these bikes should have blown away the 7.4 from Trek. I can tell you with absolute confidence that neither Sirrus felt better to ride, than the FX 7.4 Even the cheaper the FX 7.3 ($660) that I rode on Saturday felt better than the Sirrus bikes. For unexplainable reasons the cheaper Treks climb hills easier, seemed to coast forever, were smoother to drive & were both just flat out less fatiguing to ride overall. I took each bike out on the same 3 mile trip and travelled at a pretty good pace. With the Sirrus getting first dibs, its even more intriguing why they took more effort to ride.

A lot of it can come down simply to tires/tire pressure, and how well you fit the bike (it’s possible your riding position and fit on the Trek out of the shop just suits you better than the Specialized).

@hybriduser 117728 wrote:

do some stores offer it as routine in the purchase?

Yes, I think the majority of good LBSs will but I don’t think it usually includes computerized fit. It’ll be more like as Dismal mentioned – stem, saddle, seatpost, etc. If you buy shoes likely they’ll help you fit cleats, etc. too. (Performance doesn’t do bike fit afaik – unless you count top tube straddling!) Just about every LBS (including Performance) will include at least one free tune-up after purchase.

[Daekwan]

@DismalScientist 117731 wrote:

Once you’ve decided to buy, you should have a discussion with the shop about trading out things like seats and stems. Certainly the shop should adjust stem angle on adjustable stems, stem height and seat setback and angle for free before you leave. They probably won’t any of this for just a test ride.

This is excellent advice. Thanks!!! I pick up the 7.4 today. Will make sure to question them about seats, seatposts, stems and angle.

They did ‘fit’ me for the bike before ordering. But it was basically two store employees “eying” the correct riding position on the bike, adjust the seat height and choosing a frame that fit my size/inseam.

@Supermau 117739 wrote:

I bought a new 2014 7.3 last spring and I thought it was a great all-around bike. But as my mileage increased so did my fatigue so I sold it this spring and moved to a drop bar bike. Still, the FX is a solid ride. I rode mine through all kinds of weather and it never let me down with the exception of the stock brake pads – they sucked. Kool Stops to the rescue.

How much were you able to sell it for? One of the reasons for going with a more recognized name like Trek is resale value. If I do decide to sell this bike in a year or so for a better model.. I hope to only lose a max of around $200 in depreciation. At that point I consider it a one year rental bike for $200. Which is still a decent deal IMO.

In a perfect world.. I’d eventually like to move up to something like the FX 7.5, but with disc brakes. I’d go 7.5 because of the higher class components like the 20spd drivetrain. I also want disc brakes because look/work better under all conditions. Yeah I know the linear pull ones will do the job just fine.. but I still want discs. Trek is really missing a golden opportunity here as the $769 7.4 has the carbon fork, but no disc brakes (nor mounts for them) & the more expensive $879 7.4 Disc model has them of course.. but does not have the carbon fork. Meaning you have to pick your poison. For the consumer like me who wants to spend less than a $1000 on a hybrid/commuter bike, Trek doesn’t offer an option with both carbon fork & disc brakes. Every other major brand name manufacturer does and I did consider each one.

I’d imagine with the popularity of disc brakes the above scenario wont continue much longer. My guess is the 2016 or 2017 models with the see the 7.4 disc model upgraded to carbon fork and price right around $999. That will directly match what Specialized is offereing with their $990 Sirrus Elite Disc model: http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bikes/multi-use/sirrus/sirrus-elite-disc

Thanks for the tip on Kool-Stop.. I’d seen from many reviews of the FX bikes that the stock pads suck. I’ll either get a set of those ordered today from Amazon or if the bike shop has competitive pricing, I might just get them to install a set there.
Did you go with the dual compound? Or the regular? I’m guessing i’ll need the road bike version as the FX Hybrid is more road bike.. than mountain bike.

@vvill 117741 wrote:

A lot of it can come down simply to tires/tire pressure, and how well you fit the bike (it’s possible your riding position and fit on the Trek out of the shop just suits you better than the Specialized)..

Agreed on that, if anything the Specialized should have been the better riding bike. I’d imagine with both bikes fitted for me & properly tuned.. the Specialized would be a bit better.

However air pressure was not the problem. The tires were properly inflated on all of the bikes I test road. I watched the store employees check & inflate the tires. Furthermore with over 2 hours seat time riding the 7.3 rental bike.. and another hour or so testing various 7.x models. In every scenario.. every Trek I tried simply felt better & easier to ride. You could take the names & pricetags off the bikes.. and I’d still make the same choice. It was that much of a difference.

@hybriduser 117686 wrote:

I was at Hudson Trail Outfitters in Rockville today and although I didn’t see this model you seek, they are a Fuji and Scott dealer.

Anyway, might be worth checking out their inventory.

I checked Hudson Trail in Arlington, VA (Pentagon City mall) about a month ago and it was a waste of time. While they are a Fuji dealer they said all of the stores were completely out of Absolute 1.1 & 1.3 models. I believe they did have a couple of 1.4 models in stock.. but nothing in my size. They had mostly 15 & 17″ frames.. and I’m 6-3.

The mechanic at the Arlington store even went as far to say that distrubitor for all of North America is completely sold out of all 2015 1.1 and 1.3 for the entire model year. It was at that point I gave up and went looking for other options. I even went as far to try ordering the 1.1 from Evans Cycles in the UK and having it shipped to Maryland. But Evans would not do that, because a bike from a European distributor cannot be sold to North America.. and vice versa. Knowing that I came here for one last try with the “locals” who might know of a smaller bike shop in the DC area with some 1.1’s sitting in the back warehouse.

[Emm]

@Daekwan 117833 wrote:

How much were you able to sell it for? One of the reasons for going with a more recognized name like Trek is resale value. If I do decide to sell this bike in a year or so for a better model.. I hope to only lose a max of around $200 in depreciation. At that point I consider it a one year rental bike for $200. Which is still a pretty awesome deal.

I just sold my 2013 trek hybrid earlier this year. I paid ~$650 for the bike+back rack, and got $310 off of it, even though the bike was in great shape (just tuned up, still had a warranty from the shop, etc). Most people tried offering me close to $200 for it–it took some time to get to $300. No one even offered me the $350 I asked for it.

The DC used bike market is filled with hybrids, so resale isn’t as high as it can be for more specialized bike models, but it’s not terrible. I’d expect to lose ~50% off the price you paid when you go to sell it. You’ll lose more the further out in time you go.

[Supermau]

@Daekwan 117833 wrote:

How much were you able to sell it for? One of the reasons for going with a more recognized name like Trek is resale value. If I do decide to sell this bike in a year or so for a better model.. I hope to only lose a max of around $200 in depreciation. At that point I consider it a one year rental bike for $200. Which is still a decent deal IMO.

I sold my 7.3 for $380 – just $20 under Bluebook value. It was only about 7 months old and I took good care of it. Bought it for $650 new. I feel like I got a decent return.

I don’t think I bought dual compound Koolstops, just some standard road model. They were significantly better than stock.

Enjoy your new bike!

[Supermau]

I must add, those bar end adapters really helped my comfort on the longer rides and big hills. Might be worth looking into.

[Daekwan]

@Supermau 117840 wrote:

I must add, those bar end adapters really helped my comfort on the longer rides and big hills. Might be worth looking into.

Which particular model did you go with?

I know some of them kinda suck. The Specialized comes with bar ends.. and from everything I’ve read they suck lol.

[Supermau]

@Daekwan 117843 wrote:

Which particular model did you go with?

I know some of them kinda suck. The Specialized comes with bar ends.. and from everything I’ve read they suck lol.

With the FX you have to buy a special adapter kit (unless they’ve changed it this year). It cost around $20, then fit the bar ends of your choice. I just went with some stubbies – just an alternative to grab onto. The hybrid hand position gets taxing on long rides, at least it did for me.

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