We got a first glimpse of Fuji’s new gravel bikes earlier this year in Monterey, California during the 2016 installment of the Sea Otter Classic. At that time, we took a close look at the Jari 1.3 which sits in the middle of the range of three bikes with a Shimano 105/FSA component spec. While in Bootleg Canyon for Interbike’s Outdoor Demo, we got to spend some time with the top-end, race-ready Jari 1.1.
Fuji's New Jari 1.1 Goes 1X, XD, Accepts QR or Thru
The Jari 1.1 features the same 1400g A6 SL aluminum frame found on the Jari 1.3 and 1.5, however the 1.1 comes in a clear coated raw finish that Fuji claims shaves about 150 grams off the final weight. The front triangle of the frame is made from 6061 aluminum for increased stiffness, while the rear triangle is constructed with 6066 aluminum that Fuji says offer more compliance.
The Fuji Jari 1.1 aluminum 1x gravel bike at Interbike Outdoor Demo 2016. Available in October/November, the bike has a claimed weight of 19.47 lbs for a 56cm, and a retail price of $2,950 USD © Cyclocross Magazine
Gravel riding can often entail longer treks on remote roads. The designers behind the Jari had this in mind when designing the frame, as it has several features that further the bike’s potential to be the right tool for a long and dusty job. A third bottle boss on the down tube offers a storage solution for additional water or a tool kit, while bento box bosses on the top tube give riders the option to carry more cargo on the bike and out of jersey pockets. The frame aims for more compliance from curved seatstays instead of traditional straight tubes.
The bike is spec’d with 12mm thru axles in the front and rear, though the rear dropout packs a party trick, being able to convert from 12mm TA to 135mm QR. This could come in handy for riders who have numerous wheelsets that aren't quite ready for axle standard-induced retirement. We've seen such versatility on the Van Dessel Full Tilt Boogie cyclocross frame.
The Jari slows down with a set of SRAM Force HRD flat mount calipers and 160mm Centerline rotors. © Cyclocross Magazine
All of the bikes in the Jari line are fitted with the 400 gram FC440 carbon fork. The FC440 has a tapered carbon steer tube and hidden eyelets for fender mounts, keeping the bike sleek in the dry seasons yet practical when the rain starts to fall.
While the Jari 1.3 and 1.5 offer the gearing versatility of a double, the 1.1 pushes the bike towards the race-ready end of the spectrum with a SRAM Force 1x drivetrain. A 42t Force X-sync ring and 10-42 cassette look to achieve the happy medium of decent flat land top end, yet still offer reasonable bail-out gears for the hills. Linking this cluster together is a new KMC X11 chain that was designed specifically for wider gear ranges like that found on the Jari 1.1.
The Jari comes with a Quarq Prime carbon crank, so customers who want to know their wattage have the option to purchase a Quarq power meter spider instead of an entire crank. © Cyclocross Magazine
The X-Sync ring is bolted to a Quarq prime carbon crank, so customers won’t have to buy an entire crank should they decide to make their wattage known. This aftermarket purchase will run between $679 and $779 USD.
Fuji’s house brand component manufacturer Oval designed several new components in conjunction with the Jari. The 725 handlebar is made from 7050 aluminum and features a substantial 25° flare and 4° out sweep. Fuji is specing its Jari gravel bikes with slightly wider bars, meaning a 56cm will ditch the 42cm bar in favor of a wider 44cm bar.
Also present on the Jari is the new X38 saddle. The saddle’s padding is bonded to the base to provide greater durability and the center channel creates a “flex zone” for greater comfort during long hauls.
Stans NoTubes Grail 28h wheels come wrapped in tubeless compatible Clement X’PLOR MSO 700x36c tires. © Cyclocross Magazine
The Jari 1.1 gets the NoTubes Stan’s Grail wheels, an upgrade from the “Grail-like” Radler rim found on the 1.3 and 1.5. The 28h wheels come wrapped in a set of Clement X’PLOR MSO 700x36c tubeless tires, though the bike is able to clear larger tires up to 42c. Stopping power is delivered by a set of SRAM Force HRD flat mount disc brakes and the bike comes stock with the larger 160mm CenterLine rotors.
Headtube angles range from 70.5° for the smallest sizes up to 72° for the larger frames. The headtube angle is leaning towards the slacker side of gravel bikes, and Fuji paired this with a tad-long 48mm fork rake. Chainstay length is 435mm across all sizes, 1cm longer than the typical cyclocross bike.
Internal routing through the downtube keeps things clean up front, and a modular cable stop on the drive side offers accommodations for a front derailleur. © Cyclocross Magazine
Availability for the Jari 1.1—and the entire Jari lineup for that matter—has been narrowed down to sometime in October or November. Fuji claims that the Jari 1.1 weighs in at 19.47 lbs for a 56cm. The Jari is available in a size range from 46-61cm and retail is set at $2,950 USD.
More info: fujibikes.com though the Jari lineup is not on the site as of this posting.
See our ever-growing collection of new product news from Interbike 2016 here.
Fuji Jari 1.1 Gravel Bike Photo Gallery:
Downtube bottle bosses further the Jari’s potential to be the right tool for long rides on the back roads. © Cyclocross Magazine
