I’m in the process of buying a roadbike, and I want to know if I’ll notice a difference in buying a low end fuji, or spending a few hundred more and getting something a little nicer. And are clipless pedals worth the expense?
Fuji actually makes some really good bang for the buck bikes IMO, although the bike snobs may not like to admit it.
For road bikes the Fuji Team is a 16 lb. lightweight that cost a lot less $$$ than most anything else that weight.
The Fuji Aloha is as fast as any other 650, steep angle tri bike. I know of a guy who won his AG at Kona on one. Dan did a good review on this bike in the Slowtwitch archive.
I’m in the process of buying a roadbike, and I want to know if I’ll notice a difference in buying a low end fuji, or spending a few hundred more and getting something a little nicer. And are clipless pedals worth the expense?
As you’ve heard, the most important factor is how well the bike fits. A cheap bike that fits well is better than an expensive on that doesn’t. So you want to buy from a shop that can fit you well.
If you have the money, you won’t regret spending a little more for better quality. Shop carefully and get the most for your money. To that end, it helps to read up a bit on bike components and accessories so you can make knowledgable comparisons.
Clipless pedals are a must if you’re going to do any long distance riding and especially if you’re climbing hills.
Larry
Ghetto? Shame you, Farrell! I am a proud owner of a Fuji Aloha, and I LOVE MY BIKE. It accelerates and moves extremely fast, (especially when I pedal hard ;). Great bike; my local bike guy agrees. Can’t beat it for the money!
I to am a shamfull Ghetto Team Easton rider. Boohoo boohoo!!! I like my bike to.
Tisk tisk - you too huh? I’d ride a Litespeed, but then my son couldn’t call me “Fuji Mama” anymore, and I kinda like the nickname.
But they fit. 
Any bike that fits you well will serve you far better than a several thousand dollar, fully tricked out rig that doesn’t. Dan may have a stable of beautiful bikes, but given that he’s a good 1/2 a foot taller than I am, they all suck as far as bikes for me. Concern yourself primarily with a bike that fits, and then worry about what it is. Fuji makes some nice bilkes, btw.
As far as clipless pedals go, yes - they are definitely worth the investment. Spend your money on good shoes with a stiff sole, and whatever pedals are on sale. Cheap peadls won’t bug you all that much, but cheap shoes SUCK!!!
Fuji ain’t no ghetto bike. I would be proud to have one in my garage if I did not have the lust for Corima Foxes or new-old stock GT Courses (in 853, of course).
I would put the Fuji in the league with the Giant, except a bit less known with a hint of exclusivity. Having that brand would say to me that you have searched for an excellent value and high quality in a unique brand.
Clipless pedals: get them. I am also going to align myself with Khai on the point of getting good shoes; as cheap, bad ones will hurt longer than you remembering the perceived value and cheap price of lesser shoes. I would suggest the lower end Look pedal with a Sidi or Carnac shoe.
I was thinking this thread was going to be about the custom twisted steel and tricked out cruisers. In which case the answer would be “Yes, such a bike would make a difference.” However a well chosen Fuji will do quite nicely. So I agree with all the other posts. I do want to throw in my $.02 about pedals. Absolutely, no question, go with clipless pedals. And yes stiff well fitting shoes are a must. Since this will be your first experience with clipless pedals, I agree that something like a low end Look or Nashbar Look knock off is the way to go. I would definitely steer away from Shimano SPD pedals. I single these out because they are often sold to newbies or people who don’t know any better. (Not sure why this. Partly b/c they are inexpensive, partly b/c they have the Shimano name I guess) Some SPDs are fine pedals for some people. But it is my experience that these pedals are not for everybody. Sure, no pedal is. But I think Looks tend to appeal to a wider audience than SPDs, so I think there’s a higher probability that the Looks are a good match for you. If SPDs aren’t for you, you can tell by the persistent painful sensation that develops in your knees.