New to fat chances
- Thread starter fatchance
- Start date
tvcreative
New member
look at old catalogues...
look deep into pocket book
look at others bikes
look out for rip off artists
look deep into pocket book again
have fun
look deep into pocket book
look at others bikes
look out for rip off artists
look deep into pocket book again
have fun
vintagerider
New member
Look deep into the bottom bracket area of your seat tube also
mainlyfats
Member
If you don't have a strong emotional connection to Fats - and I suspect that because you're asking you don't - I'd probably leave them alone. With precious few exceptions, old mountain bikes are really bad investments.
Apart from real fringe models, Yo Eddys/Titaniums w/steel forks are the most available collectible models it would seem. Earlier bikes don't command much attention or high dollar.
There are a few fringe bikes - 10th Anniversary, track and the Chris Cross - that are nearly unobtainable and - at least until cross recedes back into the muddy hole it has crawled out of in the past 5 years - probably gold standard Fats.
Trials, True Temper Kickers with unicrowns and weird one-offs always seem to me to be given away to good homes.
I don't believe that anyone actually sets out to buy a Buck Shaver or Bro Eddy. Betty's - not trying to be sexist - but there's only so many guys with sympathetic partners.
Wickeds, Teams and old race bikes seem to be more variable. They don't command high dollar though... 2/3s at most of a Yo.
I'd be looking at early bikes - Fat Mike NYC has tremendous examples - 531 frames, box crowns if I were getting into it now. These would be a shock to ride for most people familiar with modern mountain bikes (too short on the top tube, too little stand-over, too long chainstays, too slack head tube, kinda porky, too little brakes, etc.). Aesthetically and emotionally though, for me, they are tits.
Know that a full restore will be in the $2-$3K zone and worth about a half (Wickeds, Teams, Road bikes) to two-thirds (Yos) that when completed to a very, very high standard (basically NOS). Decals are tough if you're a stickler with a weird model.
Generally, we're a pretty mellow bunch here. Tell us what you're considering, how much, with some photos of condition and you'll get good feedback.
Apart from real fringe models, Yo Eddys/Titaniums w/steel forks are the most available collectible models it would seem. Earlier bikes don't command much attention or high dollar.
There are a few fringe bikes - 10th Anniversary, track and the Chris Cross - that are nearly unobtainable and - at least until cross recedes back into the muddy hole it has crawled out of in the past 5 years - probably gold standard Fats.
Trials, True Temper Kickers with unicrowns and weird one-offs always seem to me to be given away to good homes.
I don't believe that anyone actually sets out to buy a Buck Shaver or Bro Eddy. Betty's - not trying to be sexist - but there's only so many guys with sympathetic partners.
Wickeds, Teams and old race bikes seem to be more variable. They don't command high dollar though... 2/3s at most of a Yo.
I'd be looking at early bikes - Fat Mike NYC has tremendous examples - 531 frames, box crowns if I were getting into it now. These would be a shock to ride for most people familiar with modern mountain bikes (too short on the top tube, too little stand-over, too long chainstays, too slack head tube, kinda porky, too little brakes, etc.). Aesthetically and emotionally though, for me, they are tits.
Know that a full restore will be in the $2-$3K zone and worth about a half (Wickeds, Teams, Road bikes) to two-thirds (Yos) that when completed to a very, very high standard (basically NOS). Decals are tough if you're a stickler with a weird model.
Generally, we're a pretty mellow bunch here. Tell us what you're considering, how much, with some photos of condition and you'll get good feedback.
mainlyfats
Member
How the heck did fatchance last so long as a user name? :beer:
Now Ill give you my opinion from the other side of the spectrum. There are tons of riders out there for a reasonable price. If you're not in it as a collector go wild. They're still an American made handbuilt bike with a lot of history. They're a blast to ride. Be careful though. Theyre very addicting
Tom
Thanks for the great info guys. I am looking to spend around $800 or less if possible. I am looking for an 18-19 1/2 size frame that is in overall good condition. I have been looking on ebay and craigslist and ebay has high prices and everything seems to go quickly on craigslist, any thoughts about where else I should look to find a good price?
tvcreative
New member
did you check out the monster on the bay?
I've happened into some very cheaply and some for more $$. I've sold some cheaply and some for more $$. $800 is a totally decent budget for something that isn't pristine and/or over-priced.
Get a sense of what you are after and keep searching. There are gems on craigs from time to time, but you have to move quickly.
Hell, I found my Chris Chance on Boston craigslist as a frame/fork. Got in my car and started driving! (I was in CT at the time). Good luck with the search!
Get a sense of what you are after and keep searching. There are gems on craigs from time to time, but you have to move quickly.
Hell, I found my Chris Chance on Boston craigslist as a frame/fork. Got in my car and started driving! (I was in CT at the time). Good luck with the search!
mainlyfats
Member
I've sold a good bike - a late 80's Fat Chance - with a totally restored drivetrain for about that, so you're in the ball park. If you can swing it, you'll see great bikes come up here in the $900-$1200 range. By great - my ex-mechanic roots showing through here - I mean bikes you can reliably thrash anywhere on unboxing.
My advice is to stick around and keep your eyes peeled on our classified. Might not always be be the lowest price, but a lot of the bikes that pass through here are quality rides from people who care.
Old steel mountain bikes are a steal. (particularly if you want a bike to ride) The Wicked Fat I just got off of Ebay was $580 plus $100 shipping. What would that $680 have bought me in a typical bike shop? Thats right horse dookie. Instead the Wicked is light, has aggressive race geometry and comes with full xt. Plus I think they just look better than most current models. Anyway if a Fat Chance is what you want it is very attainable just keep your eyes open.
oh and, like others have said, look out for rust!
oh and, like others have said, look out for rust!
mainlyfats
Member
I'd say 19.5 is too big for something you actually might dismount offroad. Great for bike paths, etc. provided the stem isn't crazy (i.e. period correct) long.
I'm 6"3 and rode a 19.5 for years.
tvcreative
New member
If you are 5'9" you should be riding an 18
I am 5'10" and own a 19.5, and and several 18s
the larger bike calls for a much shorter stem and seatpost height, along with wary nuts.
I am 5'10" and own a 19.5, and and several 18s
the larger bike calls for a much shorter stem and seatpost height, along with wary nuts.