Description
Fuji Transonic 1.0 full carbon road bike
Medium / 54cm frame size
This is a custom build based on Fuji’s newest and highly acclaimed aero platform–the Transonic.
Originally purchased as the mid-level (Shimano 105) 2.7 model, this bike has been heavily upgraded with a full Dura Ace 9000 / 11 speed drivetrain and a set of Oval 946 deep dish / aero carbon wheels. The original Oval cockpit and 105 brakeset are about the only parts left from the original build. (The 105 callipers allow larger tires–28mm+… which allow for an even smoother ride.) We’re calling it a 1.0 because it has the wheels of an SL, the components of a 1.1, and the frame of a 2.7. So it’s none of the above–it’s one of a kind.
The cassette is a Dura Ace 9000 @ $160 a pop.
The cranset is also Dura Ace 900 @ 170mm. Most of my personal bikes prior to this have had 172.5mm crank arms. I have to say that so far, I really like the feel of the 170’s.
Tires are Continental Grand Prix 4000’s and are in very good condition. The rear wheel has a small bulge spot on it that I’ve been keeping an eye on. The bike arrived with a flat tire in the rear and when I changed the tube I noticed the bulge and put a patch / boot on it from the inside. It hasn’t moved / enlarged since I noticed it… despite having been ridden a good 200-ish miles. But I’ll likely just put a brand new tire on it when it sells.
The top three models in the Transonic range (SL, 1.1, 1.3) make use of Fuji’s so-called C10 ultra-high modulus carbon fiber. The remaining models use C5 high modulus carbon fiber–which is a little heavier and a bit more compliant–both of which make for a smoother ride than the higher priced / racing models–that are a bit lighter and stiffer–which are both excellent properties for road RACING… but not necessarily for road RIDING… which is what most of us do. 🙂
Only the Transonic SL model–the most expensive version–came stock with Dura Ace + Oval carbon wheels… and retailed for about $6000. But that model also had the c10 carbon frame–which may or not be considered a benefit depending on whether you are racing the bike or just riding the bike. For even the most advanced amateur rider / racer, the difference between a c5 and a c10 carbon frame would be almost unnoticeable. It’s one of those things that you really have to be able to push the bike to it’s absolute limits to be able to really identify… and that’s Pro-level riding–Tour de France level.
Tune is spot on. Never crashed. Always kept indoors and professionally maintained. Saddle is a Fizik. Also includes a pair of Blackburn carbon water bottle cages ($50/ea retail) and iSSi road pedals ($100/new) (which use LOOK Keo cleats).
The c10 / higher priced Transonics from this year all have busy, neon-ish, “Tron” graphics on them that I don’t particularly care for. This frame is no-nonsense / basic satin black with minimal white lettering and pin striping… classic good looks that never go out of style.
Fuji has been making bicycles since the 1800’s–so they know a thing or two about designing and building excellent frames. We have owned / bought / sold / ridden / loved MANY Fuji bikes in our history… and this is yet another. In fact, we’ve been trying to score a nice, used Transonic for several years now… but they just don’t come up that often and they’re so new that they don’t sell at a discount when they do.
https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/bikes/road-bikes/fuji-transonic-1-3-review/
https://www.bikeexchange.com/blog/fuji-transonic-1-3-2016-first-impressions-weight-price
Original factory specs AND geometry / sizing details available here: (specs vary significantly for this particular bike as it was originally a 2.7 model that was upgraded to a 1.1-ish + carbon wheel upgrade).
https://archive.fujibikes.com/2016/Fuji/transonic-132
*** First ride report: I took this out for a maiden voyage / solo spin this past Sunday and I got about 15 solo PR’s on a route that I ride a LOT. So, just cruising on my own–not intending to blow it up–this bike is at least a couple of MPH faster than my other bikes–which are ALL high end bikes. (I actually bought this bike specifically to replace my favorite / main bike–which I sold a few weeks ago–because someone made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. That bike was a 2002 Trek 5900 upgraded to Dura Ace 7800 + carbon wheels. I loved that bike–was always fast and comfortable on that bike–but this bike, honestly, feels even better. And I haven’t even dialed it in yet. I feel faster with less effort–no doubt the result of the much more aero frame.
*** This bike is no my main ride. I’ve tweaked it a bit… installed one of my favorite saddles (Selle SMP Extra) and a Garmin Mount… detailed it thoroughly… adjusted it to my fit. I love it. The ride is taught but not rough. Balance and handling are near perfect. Not as twichy and amped up as my previous main ride (Trek 5900)… but that’s fine. I feel like more of a lover than a fighter on this bike. Smooth. Aero. Quiet. Precise.
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