Doug, I didnt and dont mean to come across as critical of those who like only the older frames, I totally respect your opinion, I just wasnt sure why people had the same feelings you do. I guess for me its a little different. I started mountain biking when I was 12 or 13. This was in about 1993 to 1995 (cant remember the exact year). I used to hang out a local shop named CycleSmith. Eventually hanging out enough paid off, I learned everything there was to know about bikes, and got job there doing what I consider the best job I've ever had, and Im sure the best job I will ever have. When I started hanging out I saw the bikes that the real riders were riding, and they were all Fats. To me, during middle/early high school, a Fat was like a Ferrari to a 16 year old. Instead of having the F40 poster on my wall, I had the "set your hair on fire" Fat poster. I eventually bought my first Fat, an old used Buck Shaver. Eventally I saved, scrapped and worked my ass off to buy a brand new Yo Eddy. I met Chris and Wedyll at the shop, and rode with them a few times. So to me, the newer frames mean a lot more than the older ones. I guess Im just not old enough (22) to really know how great the early 90s bikes were. I built the one in this picture to perfection in my opinion, and to me, It was the most beautiful bike I have ever seen, even to this day. That bike rode SO much better than anything I've ever ridden, past or present, that I have a very strong bond to the newer bikes. I grew up with suspension and newer parts. When I build my new one, Its going to have a high end fork with moderate travel (80mm), but will have all new XTR parts. I did a very stupid thing in selling it when I started college, and have regretted it everyday since. Im finally back at the point where I can almost build another one. And you can bet I'm gonna spend the coin and have it repainted to match my old one. I guess my point in all of this (besides venting my frustration with myself) is to show that the new frames mean as much, if not more to some, as the old ones do to you and the rest who love that period of Fats. But thanks for filling me in on your opinion of why there is such a strong bond for the older frames. I hope my story will shed some light the love I (and others) have on the newer frames. Everyone has a story I guess.