Mountain bikes and whiskey are actually two very different things. While one gets the pulse racing even when stationary, the other is more likely to inspire a cosy evening by the fire. And while the whiskey's life only really starts after 10 years of existence, the mountain bike often finds itself permanently in the back corner of the cellar after 10 years. However, there are some bikes that vehemently defy this law.
Fat Chance: steel frame with cult status
Most of them are relics from another era. Brightly painted and often without suspension, Klein and co. are fighting the ravages of time. However, almost all of the manufacturers of these bikes are long gone and have largely been forgotten. Fat Chance Bicycles, for example. In the 90s, Fat Chance produced steel frames with cult status under the direction of frame builder Chris Chance. The Yo Eddy is a popular collector's item, especially in the team version. A stable fan cult developed around the brand, and after its demise in 1999 there were repeated calls for a revival.
New edition of the Yo Eddy
Now the fans have been heard. At Interbike in Las Vegas, Fat Chance came back into the limelight. Old contacts were warmed up, new contacts were made. Chris Chance is back at the helm. He has hung up his horticultural career and is now welding frames again. So there will be a new Yo Eddy in 2015. Like the old Yo Eddy, the bike will have a hardtail steel frame with trail geometry. However, the head tube will be tapered and the quick-releases will give way to thru-axles. Fat Chance will not commit to a specific wheel size. The bike will be available with 27.5 and 29 inch wheels. We are excited and hope that Fat Chance can live up to its cult status.
Interview: Chris Chance on his comeback
BIKE: What makes you want to reanimate your brand Fat Chance?
Chris Chance: I really love mountain biking. I'm on fire again to do something for it myself. I want to turn Fat Chance back into what it used to be.
What ideas do you have?
The sport and the business have changed a lot and we have a lot of catching up to do. We are currently asking our fans on our website what the next Yo Eddy should look like.
And what do your fans say?
Initially, it looked as if the majority wanted 26-inch steel bikes, a bike like the old Yo Eddy. But the 29er trend is also noticeable now. I'm just dipping my toes in the cold water and trying to get a feel for it.
Will you be welding again yourself?
I may make some frames myself, but I see myself more as a designer and teacher for my people. I'm also curious about carbon, by the way!
What are the next steps?
Collecting opinions and information, building prototypes - but I can't yet say when the Yo Eddy of the future will be launched on the market ...
Adrian Kaether
Editor
