Early Independent fabrication identification help

Hello Hello,

I been looking for an early (1995-6) Indy Fab for quite some time. I have come across this one but the serial number is unidentifiable. But I do see an "IF" stamped on the other side of the BB. This is something I have not seen on Indy Fab bottom brackets. It looks to be a small size (17 inches from bottom bracket to the top of the seat tube) and an early model. But without the serial number I am not sure. So I wanted to see if anyone here could offer their best opinion.

The cable hanger offers some idea of time frame as does the straight seat and chain stays. It also has a 1 inch head tube. But the Reynolds 853 steel and the layout of the cable routing has me a bit confused. I have seen many early Indy Fabs (1997 and earlier) with the cable routing for shifters going under the bottom bracket. This frame has the routing going along the top tube. Additionally, I am not sure when IF started using Reynolds 853 for frames.

I am trying to deduce the year the frame was made. Any and all input will be appreciated.

We all know that many ex FCC staff formed IF. This looks like a Somerville made Yo in all but name, due to cable routing, canti bridge design etc. Its 1in headset with no serial would give me the impression it was originally an early IF staff bike 95ish onwards. FCC staff were known to leave serial numbers off, weld symbolic logos on and stamp unusual serial codes on BBs that did not follow FCC normal factory serial sequence. It should ride really nice with 853 tubing and Yo geometry.

You may have more luck hitting up ex IF staffers on FB or even Fatcogs. There are a few and they are usually pleased to help.


MP

Can’t you lift off some more of the chipped paint from the BB, looks like three numbers on the drive side... 150??

Thanks for the info and advice (velfrog). I am in the process of working a deal to purchase it. If I get it I will take the paint off to get the serial number.

M-Power, I know the history with early IF and FFC (as many do and as you mentioned). I had never seen this cable routing layout on early Indy Fabs. Mostly only saw under the downtube/bottom bracket. Read it was IF's way of not being so much like FFC. I know IF also did a lot of custom work in the past, just like today. And I am sure they experimented a bit. I was thinking 1996 the latest.

Early Indy Fabs (1995-96) are fewer and harder to find. Been searching for a while. Thanks again for the info and support. I will let you all know if I score the frame.

Cool frame, hope you can secure this one!