Fuji sales in Germany seemed to be on the brink of collapse in 2023. However, the all-clear has now been given and you can buy a Fuji without hesitation! The Jari Carbon is a bike that polarises both visually and technically. It has the steepest seat tube and by far the steepest steering angle. It also has an original frame shape at the bottom bracket, including a toolbox underneath. These two features are intended to provide more storage space, but often lead passers-by to wonder whether it is an e-bike.
Fuji Jari Carbon 1.3: Comfort values better than expected
The Fuji Jari Carbon is heavier than expected, but not as heavy as the massive look would suggest. The comfort values are significantly better than you would expect from the geometry. When riding, you sit comfortably and upright on the saddle and pedal quite vertically downwards. The steep steering is easy to control, at least from the brake levers, as it is well in front of the pivot point and the vertical geometry calms you down.
The high level of comfort of the Jari is well suited to riding on uneven surfaces. However, the paintwork is not particularly resistant and the narrow 40 mm tyres with their low profile do not really suit the terrain. At 60 rpm, you would have to ride at a constant speed of at least 9.5 km/h. For downhill rides above 44, pedalling frequencies of over 90 would be required - neither of which is for hobby riders. The gears and brakes are fine - there is even a 180 mm disc at the front. The Jari could be a great off-road touring bike if it had wider tyres and a wider cassette spread. As it is, it lacks some of its core competence. It would be a shame if the Fuji brand didn't survive, as the frame has a lifetime warranty and the fork has a ten-year guarantee.
The frameset of the Jari offers a good basis with a great ratio of torsional rigidity and damping, despite or because of the extreme geometry. The standard bike is looking for a niche, the original design is sure to find its fans.
More gravel bikes from the test
Fuji Jari Carbon 1.3 in detail
- Price: 2999 Euro
- Weight of complete wheel: 9.98 kilos
- Frame sizes: 48 / 50 / 53 / 56 / 59 cm (test size greased)
- Note: 2,4
Features of the Fuji Jari Carbon 1.3
- Brakes: Shimano GRX 812 (180/160 mm) | Grade: 1.0
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano GRX 812 (1 x 11; 40, 11-34 t.) | Grade: 3.5
- Tyres: Maxxis Rambler Slik Shield 700-40c (eff.: 40 mm) | Grade: 2.0
- Impellers: Alexrims Boondocks 5
- Impeller weights: 1679 / 2210 grams (front/rear)
Geometry of the gravel bike
- Seat/top/head tube: 560 / 560 / 165.5 millimetres
- Wheelbase/caster: 1040 / 71.3 millimetres
- Stack/Reach/STR: 618 / 385 millimetres / 1.605
- Stack+/Reach+/STR+: 674 / 585 millimetres / 1,152
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: top brakes, light, robust frameset, long warranty
- Minus: Paint too sensitive, unsuitable gear ratios and tyres
