As of 2023, Fuji Bikes are made in China, Taiwan, and Poland. In the US, Advanced Sports International owns and distributes the Fuji Bikes. It is a private firm situated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
When it comes to vintage and iconic cycle brands, Fuji Bikes is one name that instantly comes into mind. First introduced in Japan in 1899, Fuji Bikes have been the choice of many top-level cyclists for decades.
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History of Fuji Bikes:
Fuji was started in Japan by Okazaki Kyuji way back in 1899. The company started as a trading company named Nichibei Shokai. In 1900, the company imported and distributed bikes from the United States.
The company soon decided to produce its own bikes in Japan. In two decades, the firm became the most popular bike brand in the US.
In the 1930s, they started a national race between Osaka and Tokyo, and the tournament is still held in Asia as a premier race competition.
During World War 2, they first changed their name to Danippon Cycle, which was changed to Nichibei Fuji Cycle Company at the end of the war.
Toshoku America became the official distributor of Fuji bicycles during the 1950s. They sold Fuji Bicycles through retailers like Montgomery Wards and Sears & Roebuck.
In 1964, Fuji’s chief engineer designed bicycles for Japan’s National Team in Tokyo Olympics. He was also the team’s coach. He also coached the Japanese Cycling team in the 1968 and 1972 Olympics.
Fuji America was established in 1971. Fuji played its part in the golden era of cycling during the 1970s.
The company launched a 12 Speed Bicycle, which used an innovative rear axle design that reduced the spoke dish and maintained the wheel strength.
In the 80s, Fuji started building their own touring bikes using titanium frames. However, the company’s little attention to the growing demand for mountain bikes resulted in losing its dominance in the market.
They suffered a huge loss in sales as companies like Giant and Trek started getting more popular. Inexpensive bikes were another reason why these two brands were thrashing Fuji.
In the 1990s, the yen was rising, and it was getting tougher for Fuji to make inexpensive bikes for consumers; thus, they outsourced their production to Taiwanese companies.
Fuji has won numerous cycling competitions during its reign and still going strong. Today, the company is still making quality bikes and sponsoring cycling teams.
However, they are a bit behind their rivals like Trek and Giant when it comes to popularity among consumers.
Who Owns Fuji Bikes?
The sales even did not increase after their production shifted to Taiwan. Fuji launched new models with much more improvement and innovation, but all went in vain.
Both Toshoku America and Nichibei Fuji Cycle Company Ltd. filed for bankruptcy in 1997 and 1998.
Advanced Sports International acquired the Fuji Brand in the US and currently holds distribution rights.
Types of Fuji Bikes:
Fuji makes a variety of bikes to cater to the needs of casual commuters to professional cyclists. Let’s have a brief overview of their bike categories.
1. Mountain Bikes:
The weakness in the 1990s has now become a strong point for Fuji. Anika Langvad won the MTB Marathon World Championship on Fuji SLM in 2011.
The company offers trail, all-mountain, and sportbikes in the mountain bike section. They offer high-end bikes with better performance and build quality.
2. Road Bikes:
Fuji is known for its road bikes. They are mostly designed for commuters, but you can use them for various purposes. Fuji offers more than 13 bikes in this segment, and all of them are worth the money, in my opinion.
3. Hybrid/Pavement Bikes:
Fuji makes several hybrid bicycles. They are designed to cater to the needs of commuters and recreational cyclists. They are also budget-friendly and will not break your bank account.
4. Kids Bikes:
Getting your first bike is a great feeling. The company offers a variety of bikes in this category with a range of wheel sizes from 12, 16, and 20 inches to make cycling enjoyable for every kid.
5. E-Bikes:
E-bikes are one of the fastest-growing segments in the bike market. Just like every other major cycling brand, Fuji also offers a wide range of e-bikes. Their e-bikes are powerful, and efficient, and give you a great cycling experience.
They currently offer 4 different models of e-bikes: Conductor, Traverse, Crosstown, and Jari.
Are Fuji Bikes Good?
Yes, Fuji Bikes are good and worth buying.
I purchased a Fuji SL 1.1 road bike for $3,099 and have been extremely satisfied with its performance. The bike is well-made and has held up well over time, with minimal issues or problems.
The components are high-quality, and the bike is enjoyable, with a comfortable, smooth ride feel.
However, there are a few things that I do not like about the bike. For example, the saddle can be uncomfortable on longer rides, and the gears can sometimes be finicky.
Additionally, the bike is expensive, which may not be suitable for all budgets. I would say that the Fuji road bike is a solid choice for riders looking for a reliable, well-made bike. But it may not be the best option for everyone.
Apart from Fuji, you might also like to read our blogs on other bike brands:
Verdict: Where are Fuji Bikes Made?
Fuji offers a wide range of mountain, hybrid, and road bikes, but they are particularly famous for racing bikes.
In order to make inexpensive bikes and compete with the lights of Trek and Giant, Fuji decided to produce its bikes in countries like China and Taiwan.
The brand has seen many ups and downs, but the company is still going strong and will be around for many more years.
Fuji has always remained committed to developing and refining its products, always pursuing the perfect balance between performance and aesthetics. They have always strived to make cycling more accessible without compromising quality.
Anaya Shah is a seasoned consumer product analyst with over 8 years of experience in the retail and e-commerce industries. She holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Marketing from a top-tier university. Anaya has a keen eye for detail and a passion for uncovering the true value of products, helping consumers make informed decisions. At BrandCritica.com, she brings her expertise in product evaluation, brand analysis, and market trends to deliver trustworthy and insightful content. Connect with Anaya on Instagram for the latest updates and reviews.