My next project

[merlinmurph]

It's cold and raining here in the northeast, so I thought I'd take a few pics of my next bike project.

This is a Fat Chance Buck Shaver I bought in '94. I remember right after I bought it, I packed it up and headed out to Crested Butte for a week with some buds. A week after our high-altitude training week, I won a small, local mt bike race. OK, it was vet novice with ~12 guys in the class, but I still won. :banana:

The Buck Shaver is a cheap Yo Eddy - same dimensions and geometry, just a cheaper version. I was one with this bike - loved it in the tight singletrack we have around here. It climbed great, and was nimble in the technical stuff. About 7 years ago, I bought a Santa Cruz Superlight and haven't quite developed that bike love I had for the Fat.

I should probably paint it, the only thing is that I hate to lose the decals. Don't think I have a choice, though. Any suggestions for painters in the Boston area are appreciated.

Here's some pics (no comments on the cluttered work bench):
http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac62/merlinmurph/Bikes%20and%20rides/PICT4427_f.jpg

http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac62/merlinmurph/Bikes%20and%20rides/PICT4434_f.jpg

http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac62/merlinmurph/Bikes%20and%20rides/PICT4436_f.jpg

http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac62/merlinmurph/Bikes%20and%20rides/PICT4440_f.jpg

http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac62/merlinmurph/Bikes%20and%20rides/PICT4449_f.jpg

http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac62/merlinmurph/Bikes%20and%20rides/PICT4431_f.jpg

http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac62/merlinmurph/Bikes%20and%20rides/PICT4456_f.jpg

http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac62/merlinmurph/Bikes%20and%20rides/PICT4453_f.jpg

[Ken Robb]

It has character and irreplaceable decals so I would ride it as it is.

[AngryScientist]

It has character and irreplaceable decals so I would ride it as it is.

x2 - i agree. looks like a fun one!

[oliver1850]

I agree. Touch it up so it doesn't rust, ride it.

[Peter P.]

Groovy Cycleworks (http://groovycycleworks.com/default.aspx) in Pennsylvania specializes in all things Fat Chance.

Click on the Fat Chance link on the web page to see what he might have. Also note there's a Fat Chance Owners' Group (http://www.apexspeed.com/fatcogs/forums/) would you could post your needs and see what replies you get.

I think it would be worth the cost to send the frame to him for a repaint and new decals.

There are likely many builders that have access to replacement decals or can get them fabricated. You really should ask around before you give up. In the Boston area, I'd recommend Toby Stanton at Hot Tubes (http://hottubes.com/Home.html) in Shirley, Massachussetts.

Circle A Cycles (http://www.circleacycles.com/) in Providence, RI has a great reputation for repaint work as well.

[Kirk Pacenti]

You may be able to get replacement decals from Screen Specialty Shop in North Carolina. They did the original decals, have some inventory and do occasional re-runs.

www.sssink.com

[Lifelover]

I'm firmly in the fix it so it don't rust and ride the piss out of it camp.

However, if that's not how you roll ask a god painter to paint the decals by hand and return it to original specs, then ride the piss out of it.

[merlinmurph]

I forgot about this post.....

Thanks for the input, guys
Peter P: Thanks for the local info.

For now, I'm going build the bike up as is, warts and all. I'm just not a believer of pretty mt bikes and I do think the bike looks pretty cool the way it is. It will need to be painted sometime, just not now.

Thanks again and enjoy the ride,
Murph