You may not be familiar with Fuji Bikes, but read any US magazine and you’ll see just how popular they are across the Atlantic. All this is set to change however, as Evans Cycles have become the exclusive UK distributor for 2010.

Fuji has been around for a long time, and was actually founded in 1899. Often in those 111 years the company has been known for its innovative drive, often being the first to bring to market the technological developments.

While the company originated in Japan, with the head badge inspired by Mount Fuji, the brand is now based in Philadelphia, US with the bikes built in Taiwan. It builds a full range of bikes, from commuter hybrids to road bikes, but it’s the mountain bikes we’re interested in. To get an idea of what the bikes are like, Fuji brand manager Neil Webb invited us to try out a couple of models, so with van loaded and riding gear packed we headed into Surrey and pitched up for some riding around the most popular trails.

Neil is pretty excited about bringing these mountain bikes to the UK, and told us: “Fuji may not be a brand that is well known in the mountain bike world especially in the UK, but I am sure that’s about to change – a whole lot.

“We’re really excited about stocking Fuji’s mountain bike range at Evans, as they offer great geometry combined with top spec at a great price! The SLM 3.0 carbon hardtail in particular is a key model and a winner on the trails or race track. Not only is it great value but even away from the race track on the nadgery North Downs trails, everyone who’s ridden it has loved it.”

Fuji first ride

We got the chance to ride the £1299.99 Fuji SLM 3.0 and the £1099.99 Fuji MT Pro – follow these links to read our first ride impressions.

Check out the full Fuji range at Evans Cycles, who are now offering a 30 day test ride on all Fuji models. If you’re not happy with your new bike, Evans Cycles will give you a full refund or swap the bike for another model in the range – they’ll even collect your bike free of charge.