Preservation Bicycle # 6: The 1986 Fuji Sundance
This is a 1986 Fuji Sundance in Slate (as opposed to the Winner Red color option). It needs some work, but has unlimited potential to be an incredible commuting, touring, or bike camping bicycle. Here’s why…
The steel. This is a made in Japan Chrome Molybdenum (ChroMo or ChroMolly) lugged frame. In the 80’s it didn’t get much better than Japanese ChroMo! It will last forever, it will absorb all of the vibrations, it will NOT fail you.
The fork. Those mid mount eyelets will make it easy to add a front rack (you should zip tie a basket to that front rack for extra style and utilitarian points). And it has a lot of clearance for a big tire. So does the back triangle.
The freaking handlebar and shifters. That is a Nitto Bullmoose Handlebar, so please enjoy it for it’s historic craftsmanship rather than hawking it on ebay. Those are Suntour XC friction/microclick shifters are worth their weight in gold. A more reliable shifter has never been made!
This is winner of bike, a true gem!
PRESERVATION BICYCLE NUMBER #6
MAKE: fuji
MODEL: sundance
YEAR/AGE: 1986
SIZE: 21’’ 5’3 - 5’7 ( closer to 5’4 is better)
ADOPTION FEE: $50
RECOMMENDED REPAIRS:
Ok… tires (used are fine), new tubes, and probably a different rear wheel (it’s not the worst, but could be better). A new chain for sure. Probably all new cables and housing. A different saddle. Lot degreasing and regreasing. Maybe some soaking small parts in some solvent. All can be done at the shop for under $100 and in 3 2-hour session.
The pie in the sky rebuild would have a leather brooks saddle, some big tan wall slick tires, front and rear racks with at least one basket. And definitely a different rear wheel (look for double walled rim with reinforced eyelets). Now we’re talking about $300 of ungrades + the $50 adoption fee, which equals the best $350 you’ve ever spent.
BICYCLE HISTORY:
No real history to gathered from this one, other than in was made in Japan, and that rusty rusty chain. Not sure that this one was raised in Idaho. If it was, it road on some salty roads.