ĭuring the early 1980s, Fuji developed touring bicycles, and in 1986 was one of the first to manufacture frames of titanium. In 1974, Richard Ballantine, author of Richard's Bicycle Book, recommended Fuji road bicycles at or near the top of each of four price and quality categories, from basic (low-price) to professional (high-end). It introduced the first successful mass-production 12-speed bicycle in the mid-1970s, using a redesigned rear axle to minimize spoke dish to maintain wheel strength. Fuji played a part in the cycling boom of the 1970s. He repeated this role at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico and the 1972 Olympics in Munich, Germany.īy 1971, Fuji America was established to distribute models across the United States. At the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, Fuji's chief engineer and designer, Dr Shoichiro Sugihara, designed the Japanese national team bicycles and was team coach. retailers such as Sears & Roebuck and Montgomery Wards.ĭuring this period, Fuji became a partner with several contractors supplying parts for Japanese bicycles, including Sugino Cycle Industries and SunTour. Toshoku America sold private-label Fuji-made bicycles as house brands through U.S. In the 1950s, Toshoku America acquired distribution rights to Fuji-made bicycles in the United States.

Shoichiro Sugihara, riding a Fuji, won the first race. The first Asian games were held in New Delhi in 1951. Today, this race remains a premier race in Asia. In the 1930s, Fuji established the first national stage race between Osaka and Tokyo and sponsored the winning team. By the late 1920s, Fuji was Japan’s most popular bicycle. During World War II the company name was changed to Dainippon Cycle, which after the war was changed back to Nichibei Fuji Cycle Company. At first, it was importing and distributing US-products, but later it began bicycle production in Japan. In 1900 it was established under the trade name Nichibei Shōkai (literally 'Japanese-American Trading Company'). The company was founded in 1899 in Japan by Okazaki Kyūjirō.

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