Fuji Sportif series road bikes
Fuji is a good brand for us, and one of the main reasons that Fuji gets floor space in our store is the Sportif series.
Theses are road bikes with a lot of great features all in one place and all for a good price.
The models with a “1” in their model name feature disc brakes, while the “2” versions go the light-weight caliper brake route (some of the few remaining new road bike models that can be found sporting rim brakes). All of the Sportifs are built around butted aluminum frames that have a nice springy ride quality. They also feature carbon fiber forks up front that handle great and soften the road vibration quite well.
One of our favorite versions is the Sportif 1.3. This Sportif features TRP Spyre mechanical disc brakes and a 20-speed Shimano Tiagra component group. The wheels roll on 30mm-wide road tires, which give you better flat protection and ride comfort than narrow tires. You get eyelets for fenders and racks. The cockpit is outfitted with Oval Concepts handlebars and seatpost (which are nice and light). There’s a compact crankset and a wide-range cassette so the gearing is really good for the hills around here. The saddle is actually quite comfortable. It’s all good stuff (and it will only set you back about $1500).
The point is, the Sportif 1.3 and the other versions are all sturdy and versatile road bikes. A lot of mid-level road bikes are just scaled down racing bikes that are too fragile for the daily commute or too uncomfortable for long rides like Seattle to Portland. The Fuji Sportif is a road bike that can do it all.