People tend to think that in the oh so luxurious life of a professional triathlete we have sponsors beating our doors down to use their product. Well, I'm going to tell you that in my current situation as a professional triathlete...that is I'm not the best nor the worst...I generally have to go FIND sponsors. Generally that includes local retailers, national companies with organized sponsorship programs, and the odd national company that has a triathlon interest. And, if I can, I'll try to use a local retailer to leverage my resume to get a little bit more out of a potential sponsor if possible.
I wrote about Fuji earlier this year. Their motto is "Simply Better." Convincing the average bike snob that a Fuji bicycle is 'simply better' than a Cannondale, Trek, Specialized, Cervelo, Scott, or any number of brands is a tall order. Between Fuji and Austin Tri-Cyclist I was able to get a couple of frames and a road bike. I've been riding a Team Issue Carbon for a little over a week now. Here's what I think...
My disclaimer is that I've never ridden a Trek carbon bike...I've never ridden a Colnago, Orbea, Scott, Aegis, Guru, or most other companies carbon bikes..so I can't compare the Fuji to those bikes. But, I have ridden 3 Kestrel Carbon bikes, Cannondale aluminum, Javelin aluminum and aluminum/carbon, Orbea aluminum/carbon, and three different steel frames. That about covers the bikes that I've ridden over the past 18 years. I could name them off in order if you ask me to do so. This review is my Fuji Team Issue Carbon compared to the rest of these.
It's the best. I'm not saying that because I got a great deal on it. I'm saying that because even with a very stiff wheelset on it and with the tires pumped to 120pis, it is comfortable. It is also stiff. I'm a small guy, but I can usually generate a little bit of brake pad rub out of the saddle. That's probably a function of wheel stiffness, but also of fork and rear-end stiffness. Not my rear end, but the bikes. No brake pad rub here and my brakes are set tight. I step on the pedals and I go...almost like an aluminum bike. It is certainly more lively than the Kestrels that I have ridden.
It's also light. It is a hair over 16 pounds with full dura ace and a pair of easton vista (not light) wheels and continental 4 season tires and no pedals. Light, stiff, comfortable...seems like a great combo. So, if you are looking for a road bike, check out fujibikes.com. I'm on an 05, and the 06 bikes have some improvements like nicer color schemes, braze on front derailler mount, and an improved seat clamp. Stay tuned for a review of the Fuji Aloha. It's a relatively low end tri bike, but I'm going to spec my frame out with some top shelf stuff to make it look nice and go faster!!!
And if anyone out there is looking to help a 2008 hopeful, drop me an email or a message. I'm sure that I can point you in the right direction.
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Bran-Don...although not a sponsor...i might could help you with a pitch...all them years of marketing mixed with a little lawyer talk I might could help you . Obviously I know just how IRON KIDS you are my man. Drop me a line and lets see what we can team up on.
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