I'll be buying a new bike for this summer and have narrowed it down to two of the new 2004 Fuji's:
The Fuji Bordeau has the Altair 2 frame (18.8 lbs) with the Campy Veloce 10 speed group. The Fuji
Marsielle has the upgraded X-Fusion Quaternary frame (17.8) lbs with the Ultegra group.
I like the better frame of the Marsielle (and the lighter weight) but have some reservations about
the Ultegra group compared to the Veloce. I have smaller hands and have a mild neuropathy resulting
in some hand weakness. I don't know if the Ultegra brake levers, which also move the shifter cables
while braking, poses significantly more resistance when braking compared to the Veloce. I have tried
the 105 brakes at numerous bike shops and have found a rough, gritty feel when actuating the brakes.
It's tough trying to make an evaluation solely on bike shop models since function is partially
modified by the quality of the set-up, how many people have been pawing it, etc. That's why I'd like
input from people who have actually used these two models or similar models. Specifically, am I
making too much of the Ultegra brifters or do people think the Veloce levers may be easier to use.
Given a choice, I'd rather select the Marsielle, based on the frame (also slightly cheaper), but not
if it will be difficult to easily apply the brakes.
Any thoughts on the relative merits of these two bikes?