1983 Fat Chance (SN 8370)

[RobTu]

1983 Fat Chance w/ 531 Box Crown Fork
SN: 8370

Measurements:
20 3/4" Actual TT
21" Effective TT
16" C to T
17" ST
28" Standover ( with fully inflated 26x2.0 tires, as measured from floor to top of top tube, directly inline with bb spindle)

Component highlights:
Black anodized SR Laprade BMX Seatpost
Trick Top Oversized BMX saddle
Ukai 26x2.125he rims
Specialized mountain bike bullmoose (21.0)
TA Cyclotourist Triple Crankset
Tommaselli Racer Brake levers with boots/covers
AME BMX MTB Grips
KKT AMX Pedals
IRC Racer X1 Pro Tires
Specialized Hubset
Specialized Headset
Shimano Deore XT m700 (Deerhead) F & R Derailleurs and shifters

Picked this bike up, a couple years ago, right here on FatCogs, from Don, with a few of the original parts; upgraded/sourced the rest, to make the build as you see it, today. I wanted to emphasis the BMX Cruiser side of things, building this one up, just a bit differently. This one will not be staying with me, but wanted to share it, before it goes.

I welcome all comments; hate it; love it; whatever. If anyone cares to add information about the build, I love to hear them.

Rest of the photos, in the second post.

btw, the saddle is really comfortable; when I picked it up, I had no idea how it would ride, but it rides well, while being more light weight than any of the other MTB saddles on the market, at the time.

[RobTu]

I had my fingers cross when the bike arrived, as I've bought a few 83 and 84 Fats over the years; some with tons of rust; others not so much; have yet to own one that is rust free. This one was better; tried to photograph it, but it was a bit difficult. Most of the rust dust came out with simple cleaning.






The Fat came with a WINN Bullmoose and badly faded SR Laprade BMX post. I lucked out picking up the black Specialized Bullmoose and minty Black Ano SR BMX post, then went shopping for a large bmx saddle, that would be well suited for MTB riding; the Trick Top is better than I imagined.



Sweet rims. I threw on a 2.50 Tire set just for fun (Maxxis Holy Rollers), and they fit nicely on the rims, and just as nice on the frame. This 83 has tons of clearance- more than my 84, and way more than my late 80's Wickeds.




This is my second or third 83; they have nice features on the frames, that the later models don't have. Unfortunately, I have yet to land an 83 that fits me; they've either been too large or too small- this one is too small :-(

[RobTu]

Step down Ferrules slot right into the rounded stops/cable guides; very sweet :-)

[RobTu]

Random Shots, for anyone that wants to see a piece or part :-)

[RobTu]

I bought the tire set, nos, for another project, but then discovered that while the sidewalls are excellent, the tread itself, on the rear tire is cracking around the knobbies for a 4" section- guess that rear tire won't see serious trail use

The seat post and quill stem (bullmoose) are both extended to the max insertion lines, and it fits well, but I could use another inch of space in the cockpit. I'm 5'9".

[RobTu]

Forgive the glut of pics; I'll trim it down, soon. Once I have time to put the pics elsewhere.

[colker]

it will never fit you well enough but it's a piece of history.. a well kept cool piece of HIstory

[RobTu]

Originally Posted by colker

it will never fit you well enough but it's a piece of history.. a well kept cool piece of HIstory

At least I don't have the seat post and stem extended past their limits, but being at their limit, you are correct. I've decided to never buy a bike that doesn't fit me, again. I only end up selling it on, and I hate selling.