Cheap road bikes on test: The Fuji Sportif 1.3 Disc - also available with rim brakes

In recent years, Fuji has mainly attracted attention with off-road innovations, but also has the Sportif in its range as a classic aluminium road bike at a low price. The 1.3 Disc takes its place as a mid-range model; it is also available with rim brakes and is then a few hundred euros cheaper.

Upright riding position on the Fuji Sportif 1.3 Disc

The manufacturer interprets the model designation "Sportif" more as a concept for the long distance than for the race track: there is hardly any other current marathon bike on which you can sit more upright and therefore more back-friendly, the smooth-running bike forgives hectic steering movements; vertically, however, the frame and seat post are rather inflexible. At best, more suspension comfort could be achieved with tyres up to 35 millimetres wide.

Mounts for mudguards and pannier rack extend the range of use to a robust commuter bike; the drive offers sufficient reserves for riding uphill and with luggage. However, the bike, which weighs almost ten kilograms, reacts rather sluggishly to quick changes of direction and when pedalling. More riding fun would be possible with lighter wheels, as the mounted wheelset alone weighs more than four kilograms. The mechanical disc brakes require a lot of force on the brake lever for acceptable braking performance.

>> Cheap racing bikes for around 1500 euros: The Giant Conted AR 2

>> Cheap road bikes on test: The Radon R1 Tiagra

>> Cheap road bikes on test: The Rose Blend Road

>> Cheap road bikes on test: The Canyon Endurace 6

>> All test road bikes around 1500 euros at a glance

Fuji Sportif 1.3 Disc: Test grade and info

• TOUR grade: 2,9
• Price: 1449 Euro
• Weight of complete wheel: 9.9 kilos
• Frame sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL

Geometry

• Seat/top/head tube: 486/555/191 millimetres
• Stack/Reach/STR: 616/368 millimetres/1.67
• Stack+/Reach+/STR+: 669/559 millimetres/1.20
• Wheelbase/caster: 995/63 millimetres

Equipment

• Drive/gear shift: Shimano Tiagra/FSA (2x10; 50/34, 11-34 t.) | Shimano Tiagra/FSA (2x10; 50/34, 11-34 t.) Grade: 2.5
• Brakes: TRP Spyre C/Shimano Tiagra (160/160 mm) | Grade: 3.0
• Tyres: Vittoria Zaffiro 30 mm (eff.: 30 mm) | Grade: 2.5
• Impellers: Oval Vera Corsa
• Impeller weights: 1698/2328 grams (v./h.)

How TOUR tests

Here you can find all the information and background to the test procedure.