So i just picked up this Fuji Sundance. Serial # indicates it's a 1983 frame. It has similar components to the Fuji Cruiser (1 year only '83) and Fuji Sundance (first started in '84)
1983 Cruiser components:
Win Handlebars and BMX Stem in Gold
Gold Ukai 26x2.125 rims
DiaCompe 1020 Brakes
1984 Sundance Components:
Sugino LT (not GT) dual chainring in silver w/ block pedals
5 speed rear hub
Sundance type fork (not chrome bmx) . It has no brake bosses for cantilever brakes. Has the DiaCompe 1020 caliper brake mounted up front
Sundance decal on the downtube
Suntour thumb shifters for front and rear Suntour derailleurs
There is a clear mixture of the Fuji BMX Cruiser But the catalog don't show the Sundance model appearing until 1984, and this is a 1983 based on the serial numbers. I consulted a Fuji Dude and here's what he had to say:
You are correct that the frame was built in February 1983. I can think of only one expanation for the inconsistancies of the components and model designation. In the early 1980's Fuji started moving it's production out of Japan. They tried existing bicycle factories in Korea, Malaysia, and Taiwan. It is most likely that since the Cruiser was discontinued after the 1983 model year that there were frames left over from the February 1983 production that were rebranded into later models. Generally the production of a model year does not begin until no earlier that August of the preceeding year so it is unlikely that your bike started out as a 1984 Sundance. The component differences could be explained by their use of what was available at the place of final assembly. By the middle of the 1980's and through to 1990 the production had pretty much all gone to Taiwan and by the late 1980's component consistancy was again in place .
1983 Cruiser components:
Win Handlebars and BMX Stem in Gold
Gold Ukai 26x2.125 rims
DiaCompe 1020 Brakes
1984 Sundance Components:
Sugino LT (not GT) dual chainring in silver w/ block pedals
5 speed rear hub
Sundance type fork (not chrome bmx) . It has no brake bosses for cantilever brakes. Has the DiaCompe 1020 caliper brake mounted up front
Sundance decal on the downtube
Suntour thumb shifters for front and rear Suntour derailleurs
There is a clear mixture of the Fuji BMX Cruiser But the catalog don't show the Sundance model appearing until 1984, and this is a 1983 based on the serial numbers. I consulted a Fuji Dude and here's what he had to say:
You are correct that the frame was built in February 1983. I can think of only one expanation for the inconsistancies of the components and model designation. In the early 1980's Fuji started moving it's production out of Japan. They tried existing bicycle factories in Korea, Malaysia, and Taiwan. It is most likely that since the Cruiser was discontinued after the 1983 model year that there were frames left over from the February 1983 production that were rebranded into later models. Generally the production of a model year does not begin until no earlier that August of the preceeding year so it is unlikely that your bike started out as a 1984 Sundance. The component differences could be explained by their use of what was available at the place of final assembly. By the middle of the 1980's and through to 1990 the production had pretty much all gone to Taiwan and by the late 1980's component consistancy was again in place .
