Wicked Fat Chance Project

[SurreyHighlander]

Hi,

So, this is the project,

An approx '89 Wicked Fat Chance (085W09), was fluorescent orange when I used my student loan to buy it about 17 years ago.
Since then it has had 2 colours (green hammerite and the current red), it lost it's decals, and now has a cracked seat tube, right down at the bottom bracket.

So my plan is;
Replace/fix the seat tube
fit new BB bearings which I have
Respray - to it's original fluorescent orange
Application of decals which I have.

Was considering having rear disc brake tabs added

I be interested in any recommendations.....

Thanks
Angus

 

[bushpig]

I would do the resto as a resto. If you want a bike with discs, I'd get a newer frame that will have appropriate geo to put a suspension fork on the front and will have more support for the torque from the brake on the back.

 

[Dr S]

Yes, that looks like the infamous Fat City Dissolving Seat Tube Trick. Great riding frames though so well worth the effort. One of my Fat frames was in a similar condition around a year ago. A little TLC later and it is good as new. I also took the opportunity to convert it to disc at the same time, which being something i would not normally consider or condone, on a knackered frame i feel you get a little more freedom. Afterall, many people would just scrap that frame. You can bring it back to life however you want.

 

[Rampage]

Is that a pressed in BB like a Klein?

 

[ededwards]

I would do the resto as a resto. If you want a bike with discs, I'd get a newer frame that will have appropriate geo to put a suspension fork on the front and will have more support for the torque from the brake on the back.

Completely agree with the above.

 

[SurreyHighlander]

Thanks Dr S,

I'd be interested to know who you asked to deal with the tube and how?

Rampage,
Yes, it's a press fit BB, from what I've read, most if not all Fat Chance bikes had these.

 

[Tad]

Dave Yates can replace the tube and ad disc tabs

http://www.daveyatescycles.co.uk/custom ... ays-51.php

Mercian and Argos (not the catalogue store) will also do a great job and respray too. They'll fillet braze a new tube in so you end up with a part fillet brazed part tig welded frame.

As for the do you restore it to original or do you have disc tabs added, well would you ride it more with discs or cantis? I'd do whichever sees you on it smiling as often as possible.

 

[yo-Nate-y]

Adding a threaded BB in the process would be a nice thing too.

 

[doctor-bond]

Does anyone know why Fats have more than their fair share of this sort of rustiness?

 

[yo-Nate-y]

Sealed seat tube/BB connection. Means that if it is ridden in the wet and left that way, there is no where for it go.