This Fuji Jari carbon gravel bike update looks like a faster, racier version of their adventure-oriented version introduced in 2019, and adds some clever storage and integration options.
It’s worth looking at the pedigree for a minute: The 2020 model debuted with impressive stats and features, including a sub-1000g full monocoque one-piece carbon frame, huge 700×47 tire clearance, and downtube and headtube frame protection. They even offered a custom-molded bento box that nested perfectly behind the stem.
A lot of this was ahead of the game three years ago, and this new 2023 model looks to do the same…
The standout feature is this integrated top tube storage with Bungie straps. Traditional top tube bag bolt holes are present, too, so you can still run a bento box…and perhaps this corded unit is removable and other options will be offered, too? Or it’s just replaceable/repairable in case a strap breaks.
A semi-integrated cockpit hides the cables at the headset, allowing for easy bar and stem swaps while keeping a svelte appearance.
We reached out for more details but Fuji says the full launch announcement is later this year, closer to when the bike will be available, so for now we’re speculating on details.
The seatpost appears to have a flex zone built into it, helping tame rough roads and washboards. It’s non-round, so we’re thinking either the bike is focused on racing (which is supported by the dramatic aerodynamic shaping of the downtube and reduced water bottle mount count on the front triangle), or they’ll offer an adapter to fit a 27.2 round post if you want to add a dropper seatpost later.
Or, it could just be a bumper to keep seat bags from rubbing the post, or even a non-slip section to help keep larger bikepacking saddle bags from swaying. Or all of the above.
A built-in storage box looks to fit a tube, tools, and maybe even a short pump in an aerodynamic fashion. Or just a lot of extra snacks.
There does appear to be a stealth fender mount just above the dropout, but no full-duty rack mounts. We’re liking the burly derailleur hanger, though!
Interestingly, the only specs listed on the placard were GRX 1×11 and 180/160mm rotors, which seem big for a race bike, but appropriate if you’re loading it down for bikepacking.
It also lists the frame material as Ultra-Hi-Mod Carbon, which suggests Fuji could be trying to beat the <1kg frame weight of its predecessor. And the fork is a one-piece carbon monocoque design. Listed price for this model as shown is €2,999.
The fork has three “anything cage” mounts, which are the only other fixed mounting points on the bike. Underneath that rubber dropout cap appeared to be a modular dropout, which could be to accommodate different axle standards or even allow for slight adjustments to fork trail/offset.
The dropped seatstays loosely mimic their Transonic aero road bike. Their horizontal extension off the seat tube, plus the overall thin seat- and chainstay tubes, should add compliance. This is a bike we’re very much looking forward to riding when it debuts. More as we get it.
