For the Usenet record, I have a 2006 Fuji Touring bicycle. I put
(measured) 42mm wide tires on it, 47 mm Continental Top Contact tires if
you're interested. That's right, they're 5 mm skinnier than their specs.

They would not fit in the OEM frame. On the rear I bent the frame, made
it a little wider near the bottom bracket with a giant C-clamp.

On the front I cut out part of the front fork, using a Dremel tool, to
make more room for the fender.

It's a tight fit for sure but it works well if there is no mud on the route.

To anyone considering doing what I just did, you're crazy if you want to
put tires over 38 mm on this bike.

If a Fuji rep reads this then you should modify the frame to accommodate
wider tires. Oh and, fix your wheel building operations to prevent
broken spokes. Also, index shifting on the front derailleur sucks, use
friction shifting like the Surly LHT.

Thank you for reading this.