Fuji Sportif 2.5 (2016) : ChooseMyBicycle.com Expert Review

The 2.5 is the cheapest bicycle in the Fuji road range that gets the custom double butted A2-SL Sportive frameset and it's a beauty. The hydraulically pressure formed main tubes include a down tube that switches from tall and narrow for headtube support to flat and broad for maximum pedalling stiffness at the bottom bracket. The broad, shallow top tube gets a subtle curve between the tall headtube and skinny seat tube and 27.2mm seat post too. The curvy chainstays are particularly slim too, while the straight A shaped frame seatstays extend up from the 3D rear wheel dropouts with built in rack mounts as well as front and rear mudguard fixtures.

Should grey really be the quickest colour, then the Fuji Sportif 2.5 2016 ought to fly. It's a brilliant shade of grey, no unwanted brightness. This is a road bicycle that screams rather than whispers, that turns heads, and the looks do contradict its modest price. The endurance specific geometry and the neatly curved forks are designed really well to enhance the overall aesthetics of the Sportif 2.5 2016.

The budget Tourney gearing setup on the Sportif 2.5 2016 doesn't feature a paddle lever inside the brake lever for changing gear; instead, the right-hand lever has a small thumb-operated shifter on the inside of the brake hoods for changing up to a smaller sprocket/higher gear, while the left-hand thumb shifter moves the front derailleur to the big ring. Both systems work without fault, though it is nearly impossible to shift the rear gear up while you are riding in the drops, as you may want to while descending, for example.

The unbranded alloy dual pivot brakes supplied were actually surprisingly powerful and had reasonable modulation. If combined with better wheelset than the stock wheels, the braking power could noticeably increase.

The Oval concepts 301 6061 butted alloy drop handlebars are of the same quality you would see on road bicycles in the higher price ranges. The handlebars on endurance road bicycles such as the Sportif 2.5 2016 are closer to the seat height, compared to traditional road bicycles, allowing for a more upright riding position.

The Sportif 2.5 2016 runs on the Vera Helios 700x25C tires with 60tpi pressure. The Vera Corsa wheels with formula road hubs and the tires aren't light but are smooth rolling conspirators in the whole floaty Fuji experience.

To gauge the ride quality of an entry level road bicycle is always a challenge and this was the case with this Fuji road bicycle as well. Out on the road, the Sportif 2.5 2016 is certainly more comfortable than expected for an alloy road bicycle with an non-aggressive position, and will be well-suited for novice riders.