First: please ignore the build. When I picked up the frame I just threw on the components I had laying around and got to riding.
Now I'd finally like to build this frame up properly, but I'm curious to find out if anyone here knows anything more about it. I stumbled on this forum trying to do a little internet research on Fat Chance and those early days of titanium frames.
Here's what I know:
- It came out of the Somerville MA basement of Phil Chin in the summer of 2008 (that's when I bought it)
- My understanding is that Phil Chin worked for Fat Chance during the late 80s and/or early 90s and theoretically this frame was made there in that timeframe
- It's titanium but I believe the tubing is from before the days of bike-specific Ti tubing. It's unusually small in diameter but the frame is not actually that light given the size.
- The dimensions are roughly:
Top tube 50cm
Seat tube 51cm
Down tube 60cm
- It has track dropouts with a derailleur hanger, but no lugs anywhere for cable routing and the rear is not drilled for a brake
- The welds are totally stunning
- no decals, serial number, or anything else anywhere on the bike
Even though I'm about 5'8" and the frame is definitely too small for me, I've ridden this thing a ton of miles - it's my commuter and I also pretty frequently ride Paradise loop, Marin Headlands, and other Bay Area awesomeness. I've even done the full 70 mile tour of Lake Tahoe. I love it, and so I'd love to hear if anyone knows more about its origin or history. Was it intended to be a track bike? Polo bike? Was it just welding practice using scrap stock or something?
I'd also love any input on how to build it up right this time around.
And without further ado, pictures:
Earlier iteration with Pista drops:
Full gallery is here:
http://tonic.smugmug.com/Sports/Custom-Ti-Fixie
Thanks!!
Now I'd finally like to build this frame up properly, but I'm curious to find out if anyone here knows anything more about it. I stumbled on this forum trying to do a little internet research on Fat Chance and those early days of titanium frames.
Here's what I know:
- It came out of the Somerville MA basement of Phil Chin in the summer of 2008 (that's when I bought it)
- My understanding is that Phil Chin worked for Fat Chance during the late 80s and/or early 90s and theoretically this frame was made there in that timeframe
- It's titanium but I believe the tubing is from before the days of bike-specific Ti tubing. It's unusually small in diameter but the frame is not actually that light given the size.
- The dimensions are roughly:
Top tube 50cm
Seat tube 51cm
Down tube 60cm
- It has track dropouts with a derailleur hanger, but no lugs anywhere for cable routing and the rear is not drilled for a brake
- The welds are totally stunning
- no decals, serial number, or anything else anywhere on the bike
Even though I'm about 5'8" and the frame is definitely too small for me, I've ridden this thing a ton of miles - it's my commuter and I also pretty frequently ride Paradise loop, Marin Headlands, and other Bay Area awesomeness. I've even done the full 70 mile tour of Lake Tahoe. I love it, and so I'd love to hear if anyone knows more about its origin or history. Was it intended to be a track bike? Polo bike? Was it just welding practice using scrap stock or something?
I'd also love any input on how to build it up right this time around.
And without further ado, pictures:
Earlier iteration with Pista drops:
Full gallery is here:
http://tonic.smugmug.com/Sports/Custom-Ti-Fixie
Thanks!!
