FAT City Yo Eddy Reviews

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FAT City Yo Eddy

MSRP			$ 1150.00
# of Reviews			92
Average Rating			4.86/5

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Submitted by stillfat a Cross Country Rider from denver, co Date Reviewed: November 18, 2009
Favorite Trail:	Kennison Mountain
Duration Product Used:	More than 3 years
Price Paid:	$2200.00
Purchased At:	can't remember
Strengths:	Lightning fast, rigid, built like a tank and lightweight - cool retro points for still riding one. Nowadays a collector's item - was the coolest bike on the planet back in the day.
Weaknesses:	A bit too elongated of a frame for real technical stuff. 1" head tube - ancient and really difficult to find parts for.
Bike Setup:	I've broken every component on it at least 3-5 times, but mostly Shimano XT, Avid, Thomson.
Bottom Line:	I've had this bike for 16 years, can't get rid of it - dings, dents, indestructible. If I only rode fast, not too technical flowy singletrack it would still be my go-to ride. For this type of terrain, there's still nothing that beats it.
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Submitted by Dr S a Weekend Warrior from Northumberland, UK Date Reviewed: August 6, 2009
Favorite Trail:	all
Duration Product Used:	More than 3 years
Price Paid:	$900.00
Purchased At:	Pre owned from Retro
Strengths:	razor sharp, pin point handling, great looks, build quality, pretty light and does anything you ask of it
Weaknesses:	I'll never be able to part with it. (BTW Chris King still makes 1" headsets you guys!)
Similar Products Used:	Cotic, Wicked FAT (1987 and still going strong), PACE, Klein, Boulder etc
Bike Setup:	Big One Inch fork, Ringle hubs and stem, Campag rims, Full XT, Flite Ti, Answer bars, Grafton brakes and cranks, Tioga tyres
Bottom Line:	Just finished a full refurb of this early 92 Yo, looking forward to another 17 years of fun out on the trails. This is my fifth Fat and my second Yo and I guess i need to stock up on more so as to last a lifetime. Beautifully crafted frame that just gets on with the job- power transfer and handling make me look like a star out on the trails even though i'm a pretty average rider. I know there was a lot of hype around chris chance's bikes but you only have to ride one to see that these are probably the finest steel hardtails in the world. A big thanks to all at Fat City for years of fun and frolics out in the hills!
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Submitted by caravan2001 a Cross Country Rider from Portland, OR Date Reviewed: February 23, 2009
Favorite Trail:	Too many to list
Duration Product Used:	More than 3 years
Price Paid:	$2200.00
Purchased At:	Roy's Sheepshead Cyc
Strengths:	This bike rules your face!
Weaknesses:	zilch....
Similar Products Used:	Indy Fab Ti Deluxe
Bike Setup:	Rock Shox SID, XT, Spinergy Spox
Bottom Line:	I bought this bike in 1992, and it has been slaying trails for 17 years. I recently got an Indpendent Fab Ti Deluxe, but the Yo will always have a place in my heart. It is just the joint. All of the other reviews have said it, but the balance, and feel of this bike is impeccable. Obviously, I rode it for 17 years without ever wanting another bike. $2200 was a ton of money for a mountain bike back in'92. I would say I got my money's worth. I started with the stiff fork, now have a circa 98 Sid on it. The only thing original on the bike is the cranks, and seat and seatpost, and frame of course. It is just SO fast, climbs like no other and handles tech like a dream. When I got it, it was touted as a west coast fire road bike, but believe me, it handles the twisty, east coast single track like no other. It fits me like a second skin and all I do is think about my next move and the bike is already doing it. Rad beyond description. Go get one on ebay and feel the love!
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Submitted by Tom a Weekend Warrior from Vancouver, WA, USA Date Reviewed: December 2, 2005
Favorite Trail:	lewis river trail, mt. st. helens
Duration Product Used:	More than 3 years
Purchased At:	the old ciclo shop in portland or.
Strengths:	This frame is the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world!! Just turned 10 this summer, still going strong. Its from the fat shop in new york, just after they moved from mass. sapphire fade, xt drivetrain. not enough adjectives to describe it. The ride is the best. Great on singletrack, climbing, descending. Great handling. I bought another yo this summer, this one has the 1 1/8" headset on it. I wish someone would put me on an original yo eddy big one inch fork. I want to go back to the real old school and go rigid!!
Weaknesses:	are you kidding, other than they are getting more rare every year. hard to find the big one inch forks now.
Similar Products Used:	fatchance wicked lite. from 94' my first fat and started my fat addiction
Bike Setup:	all xt drivetrain, manitou fork, king wheelset, king headset, conti rubber.
Bottom Line:	The greatest of all time!! you should try it all you dually riders!! Northwest fat riders unite! later
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Submitted by John Goldstein a Weekend Warrior from New York, NY & Meredith, CO Date Reviewed: March 24, 2005
Favorite Trail:	Forest Service 529
Duration Product Used:	6 months
Price Paid:	$750.00
Purchased At:	eBay
Strengths:	Just amazing balance - can stand immobile in the middle of a dry creek bed and the bike will wait, standing straight, for me to tell it what to do. Climbs phenomenally as well - road up some narrow dirt elk trails effortlessly.
Weaknesses:	None?
Similar Products Used:	Santa Cruz Heckler (old style -- equivelant to SuperLite)
Bike Setup:	XT; Judy XL fork; Eggbeater Candy's
Bottom Line:	Looking to buy more of these. If you can get one -- do so. Just awesome. Note, I am riding real back country cross-country and not hucking off cliffs or anything. But for really losing myself in Colorado wilderness, this is just perfect.
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Submitted by Ben Swanson a Weekend Warrior from Nashville, TN Date Reviewed: December 10, 2004
Favorite Trail:	MB state park
Duration Product Used:	1 Year
Price Paid:	$1000.00
Purchased At:	Friend
Strengths:	Frame is steel, looks killer, handmade in USA
Weaknesses:	None
Similar Products Used:	Bianchi, Marin, K2
Bike Setup:	Full XTR, Manitou SX fork, Aheadset, Synchros
Bottom Line:	A friend of mine gave me this bike, the frame is a chameleon fade. I wish it fit me it is a Medium and I am 6 foot 4. Selling on Ebay on December 10, 2004
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Submitted by matt aimonetti a Weekend Warrior from salem oregon usa Date Reviewed: August 4, 2004
Favorite Trail:	shelburn falls
Duration Product Used:	More than 3 years
Price Paid:	$1100.00
Purchased At:	?bike store?
Strengths:	great stability at speed , light wieght , supple ride and way cool rep
Weaknesses:	made before suspension fork geometry was added and no braze ons
Bottom Line:	Ibought frame and fork brand new 10 yrs ago and have ridden nothing else since . Its a sweet bike and has served me faithfully . I'm going back to the rigid fork for a retro look since i just bought a used Heckler .
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Submitted by Cory Hughes a Cross Country Rider from Madison, WI Date Reviewed: June 29, 2004
Favorite Trail:	Emma Carlin - Kettle Moraine
Duration Product Used:	2 Years
Price Paid:	$700.00
Purchased At:	Ebay
Strengths:	Light, Delicious, Tough.. did I mention delicious?
Weaknesses:	1" headset, they don't make'm anymore
Similar Products Used:	Marin Eldrige Grade, Performance Tangent
Bike Setup:	Marzochi X-Fly 80, Cane Creek DC5, Paul Love Levers, DX thumb shifters, Cook Brothers F-crank, WTB rear hub, Phil Wood front, seat-gloves-and-hat.
Bottom Line:	Wowwwiee! I was looking for a bike that I could love for years to come, and I found it. Thank you Fat for building lovely bikes from the heart. I ride this bike and it is so much fun. I bought it on Ebay from a complete loser who obviously did not know how to love a bike. I spent a year getting the bike straightened out. The bike handles so nicely, is light and forgiving. The bottom line, I guess, is that if you love hardtails, climbing, and sick singletrack you will have to change your underwear just thinking about this bike.
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Submitted by Dan Sprague a Cross Country Rider from Pomona Date Reviewed: June 14, 2004
Favorite Trail:	marshall canyon
Duration Product Used:	Less than 1 month
Price Paid:	$700.00
Purchased At:	private party
Strengths:	Love this bike, light, strong steel frame. turns on a dime, even when you just think of turning it does. This baby climbs like a mountain goat and decends faster than fast. Even though the bike is 8 years old, it still looks great. Hope to keep bike for a long time, but if ever need a new bike will buy another.
Weaknesses:	None
Similar Products Used:	Nothing quite compares
Bike Setup:	Pro components
Bottom Line:	If you ever can get your hands on one of these, do so, you won't be sorry. I can't wait to race her. I ride 50-75 miles of cross country a week and looking forward to taking her up to Big Bear. Your in BIG trouble Wee-Wee Joe.
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Submitted by Michiel Eldering a Weekend Warrior from Heemstede, Holland Date Reviewed: December 10, 2003
Favorite Trail:	where evver there are singletracks
Duration Product Used:	1 Year
Price Paid:	$900.00
Purchased At:	private person
Strengths:	Frame disign and org. fork the disign is the best classic MTB evver build. like the classic lines verry much, its a bike from '91 and still perfoming like a new one. i am at least the 3e owner and the oldy still goes verry strong
Weaknesses:	das it have weaknesses??
Similar Products Used:	de Kerf Team '96, GT Zaskar
Bike Setup:	Org. fat big one inch fork, yes a rigid fork !! xt, lx mixture, Salsa steerer tube, WTB, Syncros seattube, cook bross qranks, bonetrager race lite wheels
Bottom Line:	Sindce march of this year i have at last a YO Eddy aggain, and i'm more than happy to be able to obtain my dream bike aggain, this is YO nr. 3 for me, the first i broke, but got under warenty a new frame, that one was STOLEN, i stil mis it verry much. Ibought the bike whit a Manitou III fork, 3 month later i hade the chance to buy an original Fat Chance big one fork, that made the bike realy compleet. sindce the '91 bike whas disignt for a rigit fork. on single tracks its realy a wonder flyer, excelent ballance, good cornering, you realy can feel the track under you whitout being shaked on teh bike. The Yo Eddy = Supper !!
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Submitted by alex davidson a from oxford england Date Reviewed: May 16, 2003
Duration Product Used:	More than 3 years
Bottom Line:	p,s check out my comments in old review(2/5/2001)about bottom brackets if you have or might get an earlier frame...could be useful.
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Submitted by alex davidson a Cross Country Rider from oxford Date Reviewed: May 16, 2003
Favorite Trail:	craigeburn -arthurs pass NZ
Duration Product Used:	More than 3 years
Price Paid:	$500.00
Purchased At:	bromley bike co uk
Strengths:	my old one('90)is still going and going...this new one has the most sexy cameleon green paint job- still the best rides ever..makes me so happy to own them.
Weaknesses:	steel can/might/will? rust..put some waxoil/dinatrol down the seat tube.
Similar Products Used:	my other yoeddy..
Bike Setup:	1" yo eddy fork(custom made for me by ex fat worker and guru -and damn nice bloke-Chris igleheart)king headset(its a must isn't it?)xt thumbshifters(and i still have two brand new pairs just waiting)old xtr hub rear,xcpro grease guard front, raceface cranks, middleburn rings,thompson stem, syncros post, wtb seat, ceramic rims, old xtr mechs, royce b/b...
Bottom Line:	this frame i got after hearing on the grape vine that bromley bike co had two old stock 19" frames(just my size-wish i bought the other one too-its gone now).my old '90 bike is now a single speed(and 32x16 fits perfectly with no tensioner needed-as if Chris had thought about that one too...). I love these bikes. if you don't already try riding them ridgid...they are amazing. maybe one day i will put some forks on this one but as it stands i'm having so much fun riding ridgid so i'm happy for now. I was only browsing after reading my latest letter from mtbreview and i'm amazed how many more reviews there are on these bikes...its great to see more people discovering them. And everyone seems so happy with 'em. wicked. (if ever in oxford uk pop into bike zone and say hello) alex.
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Submitted by Olaf Verdonk a Cross Country Rider from Jericho Center, VT USA Date Reviewed: April 28, 2003
Favorite Trail:	wouldn't you like to know...
Duration Product Used:	More than 3 years
Price Paid:	$800.00
Purchased At:	SkiRack in Burlington, VT
Strengths:	best damn steel bike ever made. Tougher than nails.
Weaknesses:	could be lighter.
Similar Products Used:	you name it, specialized, gary fisher, cannondale, ...
Bike Setup:	Bought frame NEW in 1996. Built it up with XTR gruppo. White Industries Hubs, Mavic 517 rims (rebuilt on numerous occassions), variety of susp. forks. currently RockShox Psylo SL. Old school shimano 535 block pedals.
Bottom Line:	Bottom line is that this bike is bullet proof. REad all the other reviews. She handles like a knife, although a bit twitchy if your nervous, but cuts like a scalpel if your a surgeon. Super response and handling! I have owned and ridden this bike HARD for 8 years. I have raced, marathon XC, dropped, hucked, crashed, toured, and commuted on this bike and she has never failed me. However, this fall i did manage to break the unbreakable. My beautiful, Fat, black, b***h cracked just below the headtube gusset along the down tube. I never thought it possible, but what can you expect after so many years FUN and abuse. she has given me many years of happiness and faithful service. I hope to fix her soon and rig up as a single speed bike. I am going to look for a replacement YO, but i feel that it may be time to move on to full suspension... BEST bang for the buck without a doubt!
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Submitted by René von Dach a Weekend Warrior from Zurich, Switzerland Date Reviewed: April 1, 2003
Favorite Trail:	Altberg-Wurzelweg
Duration Product Used:	More than 3 years
Price Paid:	$1000.00
Purchased At:	first Yo in 1992, second in 1995
Strengths:	best handling, durable, art on bike, still a awesome bike after 11 years of riding!
Weaknesses:	1" headset, no production anymore, sniff
Similar Products Used:	nothing similar, but other bikes: GT Zaskar, Raleigh Technium Peak (1989) :-)
Bike Setup:	A wild mix on both Yo Eddy!'s: selfmade brakes (V-brake before shimano etc.), Syncros stem and cranks, selfmade seatpost, flight, XT-shifters....
Bottom Line:	I've been riding my two Yo's (one M and one SM) for years now and must say: if you have the chance, get one! i mean, if you dont have a (Fat) Chance, get one! you know what i mean... :-) i's a investment for live. have i mentioned the beautiful fillet brazing and welding?
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Submitted by alexander petter-puchner a Cross Country Rider from austria Date Reviewed: November 2, 2002
Favorite Trail:	salzkammergut
Duration Product Used:	More than 3 years
Price Paid:	$400.00
Purchased At:	local dealer, second hand
Strengths:	great liveliness on the trail, no loss of power, razor sharp turning, excellent ascender
Weaknesses:	availibilty, price, chain suck (rare)
Similar Products Used:	none
Bike Setup:	mag 21 ti (will soon be repalced by a sid sl) use seatpost xt and xtr drvetrain and front brakes critical racing cantilever rear brakes (still work great) grafton bottom bracket xtr hubs/ mavic rims cott at 2 bar ritchey wcs stem and headset mythos tires corratec pedals gore tex cables
Bottom Line:	a dream bike and a joy every time i ride it!
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Submitted by Arvid Rain a Cross Country Rider from Dunbarton, NH Date Reviewed: May 18, 2002
Favorite Trail:	long trail
Duration Product Used:	More than 3 years
Price Paid:	$1050.00
Strengths:	Steel frame, great geometry bombproof
Weaknesses:	none
Bottom Line:	I bought my Yo late in 1994 after a cross-country ride. I have rode this bike hard for 8 years and is the only bike frame I have not broken. The sweetest part about this Yo is it was made in Somerville and the serial # is 666! Pretty cool.
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Submitted by Bob a Cross Country Rider from Portland, OR Date Reviewed: May 16, 2002
Duration Product Used:	More than 3 years
Price Paid:	$400.00
Purchased At:	From Buddy
Strengths:	Construction quality, steel is real.
Weaknesses:	1 inch head tube
Bike Setup:	King HS, Original Big One Inch Fork, Syncros Ti BB, Syncros Seatpost, Mavic 217s laced to WTB in front and XT in rear. XTR front and rear deraileurs, XT Thumbshifters (8 speed), WTB cantis, Control Tech Stem, Ritchey Bar
Bottom Line:	I bought this from a buddy who bought it new in '92. It's proven to be extremely durable as it was raced hard up until '98 when I got it. The amazing thing is that the headset is original and feels just like the brand new King I put on another bike the other day. Just before Fat closed their doors, I managed to get a complete decal set for it so I was able to have it repainted and rust treated last summer. I commute on it now year round and still occasionally get it on singletrack. As all the other posts have stated, it is indeed a great ride and definitely a keeper.
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Submitted by Mark Widmer a Racer from Provo, UT Date Reviewed: May 11, 2002
Favorite Trail:	Gooseberry Mesa
Duration Product Used:	More than 3 years
Price Paid:	$2400.00
Purchased At:	Outdoors Unlimited
Strengths:	Rides like a dream. I have the 1" staight ridged fork.
Weaknesses:	None
Similar Products Used:	many
Bike Setup:	Fat Chance 1" Straight tube fork. Salsa Stem. Suntour XC Pro crank, shifters, XT rear deraileur, Syncros Ti post, Sella Italia Ti Saddle, Bontrager Racelight wheels (King hubs ceramic rims). XT v-brakes and levers, Factory sealed BB. King Headset
Bottom Line:	I own a Sugar 1. It is great to ride. I get out on my fully ridged Yo Eddie, however, a couple of times a month. It is a responsive sweet ride. I have owned it since it was new, 1990 and will keep it forever.
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Submitted by Jonathan a Racer from PA Date Reviewed: May 8, 2002
Favorite Trail:	Michuax
Duration Product Used:	Less than 1 month
Purchased At:	used through MTBR
Strengths:	Awesome. That word sums it up.
Weaknesses:	None, unless you perfer imperfection.
Similar Products Used:	Other steel hardtails, demoed a Trek STP
Bike Setup:	Full XTR, WTB rims, Judy SL (soon to be a Marzocchi something or other), King headset, all the stuff I have been dreaming about for years.........
Bottom Line:	I got this bike complete for a lot less than the cost of an IF Deluxe frameset. The question is - did it make me a better rider? Yes. The stability of this machine is incredible. I don't turn it so much as I lean it, and the response is instant. Think of carving on skis, thats the basic sensation. I was ripping it through some twisty downhill singletrack last weekend when I came up on one of my riding buddies who was having trouble with a turn. There was no room to pass, so I basically stopped mid-turn, downhill, off camber, and waited a few seconds for him to correct. My balance isnt that good. Its the bike. I have a Chris Chance road bike that I love equally. The Fat is a 99, doesnt quite have the incredible soul and perfect welds of the Chris Chance, a 92, but damn if it isnt close. I will never sell either of these bikes, I dont think a better steel frame exists, save an perhaps the IF. Five flaming mass-produced aluminium frames!!!!!
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Submitted by Tom Cullen a Cross Country Rider from London, England Date Reviewed: May 6, 2002
Favorite Trail:	Anything in Wales
Duration Product Used:	More than 3 years
Price Paid:	$1650.00
Purchased At:	Bromley Bike Co.
Strengths:	Intuitive frame design, amazing build quality, superb finish. As near perfect as is possible.
Weaknesses:	None at all.
Similar Products Used:	Pace RC200F7
Bike Setup:	Big One Inch fork, King headset, Middleburn cranks, Pace rings, Hope hubs, Yeti bars, Syncros post and stem, SDG saddle, Ritchey treads, XT circa '96.
Bottom Line:	Anybody into trail riding needs one of these because its the best steel frame and fork money can buy. I want to ride it all the time, and when I'm on it the bike feels like an extension of myself. It knows where I want to go and it takes me there. Some bikes you just ride. The Yo Eddy you KNOW. Its that simple. Lifelong friendships have been built with these bikes, something the mass producers will never understand. Chris Chance has made a piece of MTB history, and I'm glad I have a piece of it.
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Submitted by Cherly Coid a Weekend Warrior from The Clayhole,Scotland Date Reviewed: March 10, 2002
Favorite Trail:	The Glen,Leswalt,castle keeks
Duration Product Used:	3 months
Purchased At:	second hand
Strengths:	I`ve been after one of these frames for yonks and I finally found one for sale in an advert.What can I say? It absolutely flies.A confidence inspiring machine to say the least.Build quality is first class.
Weaknesses:	Absolutely none at all(especially the price I managed to buy it for)
Similar Products Used:	Trek 990,Marin Pine mountain, other decent steel frames.
Bike Setup:	basic XT group with White brothers 70 mm XC forks.Control tech post,bar, and stem.
Bottom Line:	As far as hardtails go its THE DADDY.
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Submitted by Sean Groome a Racer from Glassboro, NJ, USA Date Reviewed: February 28, 2002
Favorite Trail:	Any in Sedona, AZ
Duration Product Used:	More than 3 years
Price Paid:	$900.00
Purchased At:	Action Wheels Bike Shop
Strengths:	Light for steel, if properly set up, nothing handles better. Climbs like a mountain goat, decends with confidence. Looks and paint job second to none.
Weaknesses:	One inch steerer tube. Hard to find quality fork. There are absolutely none being made now. EBAY is your friend.
Similar Products Used:	Marin nail trail, Mongoose IBOC SX
Bike Setup:	Rock shox SID XC, Monkey lite CF bar, Full XTR except XT deralleurs.
Bottom Line:	For XC use both racing and trail riding, I can't imagine a better bike. It's light enough to race and the steel makes it comfortable on epic rides. I may lose time to racers going down the hill, but I more than make up for it going up.
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Submitted by JoJo a Cross Country Rider from San Diego, CA Date Reviewed: February 24, 2002
Favorite Trail:	anything with hills and dirt
Duration Product Used:	More than 3 years
Price Paid:	$600.00
Purchased At:	private party sale
Strengths:	Thoughtful design, superb craftsmanship, flawless handling, reasonable weight, built to last, a total joyride, a piece of history, a mountain biking classic.
Weaknesses:	Press-in bottom bracket bearings on my '90 Yo are hard to find and easily polluted by water. Recommend later models with threaded bottom brackets. Also, 1" head tube limits suspension options.
Similar Products Used:	Owned a Ross Mt. Hood, Jamis Dakar, Dean Titanium. I've tried other bikes, too. Nothing compares.
Bike Setup:	Two wheels, gears, brakes, pedals, a saddle and some other stuff that doesn't mean squat for this review.
Bottom Line:	If you've been reading these reviews, you know that we FatHeads are a loyal lot. I am no exception. In my case, it all started around 1993 with a 'grellow' 1990 Massachusetts-built Yo that I bought second-hand after a brief dalliance with titanium. One test ride on the Yo was all it took to recognize that this was a keeper. I have owned it now for nine years and not once have I felt tired of it or wished for something "better." This is the frame you ride until either you or it craps out. Then you mount it on the wall where you can see it every day and be reminded of all the happiness it brought you. It's been called an East Coast bike, but it absolutely shines on the steep climbs and descents of West Coast riding. The Yo Eddy is perfectly balanced, stable at speed, has telepathic handling and climbs like a Himalayan Sherpa. I don't know if it's the slacker seat tube angle, the longish top tube or some magic dust Chris Chance sprinkled in the tubing, but this frame provides a really comfortable and powerful seated position for cranking up hills. And when you stand to power up the really steep stuff, it's easy to maintain traction on the rear wheel. It's a stiff frame, for sure, but not so stiff that every little jolt herniates a disc. When you've got it wound up at speed, blasting over dry, rock-filled stream beds and such, the Yo never flinches or gets spastic. Somehow, the faster you go, the smoother it gets. When Chris Chance designed this frame, he must have had the Muse sitting on his shoulder. The Yo is so wonderful that when I recently came across a used mid-'90s Yo in stunningly excellent condition, I could not resist the urge to get a spare in case my first one ever breaks or is stolen. I could go on and on, but you really have to ride one and see for yourself. Don't let the 1" head tube put you off. It does limit your suspension fork options, but I believe Marzocchi still makes limited runs of 1" steerer tube forks. If you do look for a Yo, make sure you get the rigid fork that came with it, too. This is one of the sweetest forks ever built and if your trails aren't too sadistic, you may not even need suspension. Oh, and in case Chris Chance is reading, I just want to say this: "Thank you, Chris! Thanks for putting your heart and soul into something that has brought so much happiness to so many. Man, do we miss Fat City Cycles."
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Submitted by Albert a Cross Country Rider from Woodbridge, VA Date Reviewed: December 8, 2001
Favorite Trail:	Dothstat
Duration Product Used:	6 months
Price Paid:	$450.00
Purchased At:	mtbr
Strengths:	Great ride, responsive, quick, light. Steel is Real! Doesn't make creaking noises like aluminum.
Weaknesses:	Can rust, no longer made
Similar Products Used:	GT Zaskar, Xizang, Specialized FSR, Trek 6000, Team Marin, Stumpjumber
Bike Setup:	Mostly XT, Rhyno Lite Rims, Atom Bomb, Dean Ti post, Thomson Stem, Time pedals.
Bottom Line:	The Yo Eddy is the overall best hardtail I've ridden. It has a very compliant ride and great handling characteristics. The aluminum hardtails I've ridden have harsh rides that don't track as well over rough trails. The Yo Eddy dampens the harshness allowing for better handling and less fatigue on extended rides. Even standing on Aluminum hardtails causes more fatigue of the legs. I've found that having a titanim seatpost also helps dampen harshness allowing me to stay seated more often (I used a nice Synchros for a time and the difference is unbelievable). The current setup I have is almost a magical ride for a hardtail. Friends can't believe how nice the ride is when they try it out. If you are looking for a steel hardtail and see one of these used buy it. I was actually worried about steel beeing heavy and laugh at myself when I think I almost didn't buy this frame. I was always trying to find out where the creaking noises were coming from on my Zaskar (unbelievably irratating always trying to figure out where the noise is coming from when you are just trying to have an enjoyable ride).
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Submitted by Andy a Cross Country Rider from Virginia Beach, VA Date Reviewed: November 21, 2001
Favorite Trail:	Flume Trail- Lake Tahoe
Duration Product Used:	2 Years
Price Paid:	$1100.00
Strengths:	Resilient steel ride. Wicked single-tracker, eats obstacles with it's awesome clearance. Light with right parts spec.
Weaknesses:	Bad rust... BAD!
Similar Products Used:	Kona Hot, Secialized Stupmjumper ('92 steel), Schwinn Homegrown, Kona Hei-Hei
Bike Setup:	Full XTR (8spd, v-brake), Gore-tex cables, Hugi/DT/Mavic/Hutchinson wheels, Rock Shox Sid 80mm fork or IF rigid fork (mood dependent), Cotroltech post/Selle Italia Flite saddle, Titec Ti stem/Answer bar.
Bottom Line:	"Yo-Eddy!" is a die-hard hard-tail fan's dream. Quality USA build with attention to details. Good balance of weight and strength- very durable. Billed as an east-coast singletracker, but performs well in the buffed-out, rocky, vertical stuff out west as well. Clean those boulders- you've got the clearance to do it! Shines on the technical stuff. The feel of steel is real, baby. Throw all you got into the pedals and it puts the power where you want it, with a bump-gobbling suppleness that still rewards the pilot with an intimate feel for the trail. Stuff it into corners and get spat out like a missed chicken bone- snappy, not whippy. A truly one of a kind, all-purpose experience. It's even better when mated with a steel rigid fork- old school perfection! Get some technical skills! Then throw on the SID and take it to the races!
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Submitted by Ryan Lund a Weekend Warrior from Lincoln, NE Date Reviewed: November 15, 2001
Favorite Trail:	Any trail in Vail
Duration Product Used:	More than 3 years
Price Paid:	$1500.00
Purchased At:	Cycle Works
Strengths:	Very durable and easier to control than most other mountain bikes I have been on! The welds on these bike is incredible, as well as the awesome paint jobs.
Weaknesses:	I have not really found any that I can seriously think of.
Bike Setup:	T-Gear cranks, Race-Face bars, A-Tac Stem, LX comp. (I will be upgrading soon!), Ritchey pedals, Mavic Wheels, Real brake levers, Ringle Moby Seat Post (Red), Judy Shox.
Bottom Line:	Best bike I'll have ever owned. Will NOT get rid of this thing, especially because their so hard to find these days. Besides not being assembled anymore as well. I had the privaledge to meet Chris Chance when I lived in Vail, CO. He is a very humble, down to earth guy and I respect him for that. He really knows his stuff! Originally when I got the bike (in 1993), the color was actually a mistake. It was a "basketball rim orange" color. It was great because I knew no one else had it because it was a color mistake on their part. But after a few years I simply sent it back to MA, and they re-painted it blue/green. If you come across a 'YO EDDY, grab it while you can! You won't regret it 1 bit! 'YO
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Submitted by Matthew Todd a Cross Country Rider from San Jose, California, USA Date Reviewed: August 16, 2001
Favorite Trail:	Agony & Ecstacy (VT)
Duration Product Used:	6 months
Price Paid:	$1200.00
Purchased At:	a bike swap, of all places....
Strengths:	Really takes a lickin' and gives one of the smoothest rides I've ever had on a hardtail. Sweet!
Weaknesses:	Honestly can't think of one.
Similar Products Used:	None.
Bike Setup:	Rock Shox Dual Airs, Full Deore LX component set (front to back), Bontrager-Selle San Marco seat and post, Kore stem, Easton handlebar.
Bottom Line:	Absolutely the sweetest ride I've ever owned. Chris Chance is the man! Easily the best steel frame I've owned and I've ridden quite a few in all my years. I'm very, very happy to have picked up this gem (brand new, mind you) at a bike swap in Vermont for $1200--and it was one of the last frames built in Saratoga County, New York. I would definitely have been willing to pay more for what I got. If you can get your hands on one of these beauties, I highly recommend you do so.
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Submitted by Tom Hurwitch a Cross Country Rider from Boston, MA Date Reviewed: July 6, 2001
Favorite Trail:	OTIS AFB
Duration Product Used:	More than 3 years
Price Paid:	$1100.00
Purchased At:	Landry's Framingham
Strengths:	Anybody relatively close to my size can hop on my bike and enjoy it-nothing beats the Fat Chance Yo Eddy! frame. I've had guys with top notch frames supplied by their sponsors ditch their bikes for mine for important races. It has all of its original componentry from 1995(Yes, my Yo Eddy! is a Saratoga bike). Nothing beats this bike.
Weaknesses:	As everyone else has said...1" head tube is a dinosaur...but honestly, who knew!?! Heck, rigid bikes are coming back into vogue...so might the 1" head tube!
Similar Products Used:	Cannondale Delta V 700 (not entirely similar), Trek 8000, Sano, etc, etc, etc.
Bike Setup:	XT/XTR combo with XT in the rear derailleur, Ritchey crankset, Fir Impes rim on the rear for strength with a Hugi hub for the noise factor-Cronometro front wheel with the titanium spokes (very chi chi), no bar ends, Sella Italia Flite saddle, Moby seat post, Control Tech stem, Ritchey handlebar, XTR V-brakes (must have), original Judy SL painted to match my purple/blue fade(fork has never been serviced despite the thousands of miles I've put on it...still works like a charm), etc.
Bottom Line:	Nothing is better than my fat.
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Submitted by Mike Miller a Cross Country Rider from Bigfork, Montana Date Reviewed: June 25, 2001
Favorite Trail:	Bulldog
Duration Product Used:	More than 3 years
Price Paid:	$1000.00
Purchased At:	I-martin
Strengths:	very light and responsive bike, If you have a chance to buy one please buy it. I Know that no other bike can compare to this bike.
Weaknesses:	1" headtube
Similar Products Used:	Giant, Diamond Back,
Bike Setup:	Just bought full 2001 XTR group , Chris Chance headtube new spd's 858 , Ti flight seat
Bottom Line:	This is the best bike i've ever ridden, its going on 10 years old and still rips. Chris Chance thank you so much !!!
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Submitted by Kyle Bova a Racer from St. Louis, MO Date Reviewed: June 19, 2001
Favorite Trail:	Berryman Trail
Duration Product Used:	2 Years
Price Paid:	$700.00
Purchased At:	Purchased from an ex-bike shop owner
Strengths:	Climbs great Tracks extremely well Handles great Fits me like a glove
Weaknesses:	Maybe the old style 1" headtube...
Similar Products Used:	Trek 7000, Cannondale F900, Salsa, Schwinn Homegrown
Bike Setup:	Full XT 8spd Drive Train, King headset, XTR Brakes, Sram X-ray shifters, Thomson post, Flite gel, Kore stem, Race Face bar, Marzoochi Atom Bomb 1"
Bottom Line:	I am lucky enough to have an original Fat Chance from MA... A Yo Eddy' painted Team purple, with a matching Rock Shox Mag-21 too boot! This is the best bike i've ever ridden. It handles like a dream, and is so quick and responsive. I absolutely love it. Even after spending 6+ hours in the saddle it's still a joy to ride. I can't believe Chris is no longer making frames, that is a tragedy. If you've never been able to ride a Fat Chance product you've really missed out. This frame is going on 7 or so years old and it is still as strong as the day it came out of the box. Nothing makes you feel quite as good as rolling up to the starting line on your glorious purple machine. I truly wish they had continued the tradition of bike manufacturing that has made them a legend.It was a great product, and I am pround to own one. For all of you wondering if "Steel is REAL?" well i'd have to say.. Yes! I love the feel of this quality steel frame and cannot see moving back to an Aluminium frame. I'm a believer... Thanks Chris for all the memories...Yo Eddy'
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Submitted by Martin Boggess a Cross Country Rider from Portland, Oregon Date Reviewed: June 15, 2001
Favorite Trail:	Coopers Rock
Duration Product Used:	More than 3 years
Price Paid:	$3000.00
Purchased At:	RidgeRiders
Strengths:	Extremely reliable and consistent frame. The bike knows where you want it to go, and just goes there. Great for the XC Rider/racer.
Weaknesses:	1in head tube. Old School Geometry and Technology. Doesn't work well with short stems and long travel forks.
Similar Products Used:	Bontager Race Light, Specialized M2, Trek OCLV
Bike Setup:	Answer SX Ti, cook cranks, XTR/517 wheels, Magura brakes, Answer Body Shock Seat post, Ritchey Stem, Hell Bent Risers, Speedplay pedals
Bottom Line:	I have owned this Bike since 1993! I love this bike! I have put about 8K miles on the frame. It has been through 2 paint jobs, 3 shocks, and 5 drive trains. I have replaced this bike with several newer bikes only to end up riding the Fat even more. The bike is a consistent performer that builds your confidence as a rider. I would highly recommend it to anyone making a long term commitment to a steel hardtail. This is a great XC racer. Not really the best all around "fun" bike. The goemetry leans towards traditional race style. Bike handles great, but I would not recommend a stem shorter than 115mm. Frame does not handle well with new longer travel shocks. This could just be mine, since it came factory with about 1.5in of travel. The 1in head tube limits upgrades. All in all, I love this bike, but I still have a Dual suspension for the more casual rides.
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Submitted by Brian McKie a Cross Country Rider from SW Scotland Date Reviewed: June 10, 2001
Duration Product Used:	2 Years
Price Paid:	$1500.00
Purchased At:	Armstrongs of Belfast
Strengths:	build quality,finish,top drawer materials/experience
Weaknesses:	none
Similar Products Used:	Saracen Kili team, DeKerf
Bike Setup:	Z2 superflys, syncros chainset,paul mechs,kooka stem and post, mostly XTR finishing kit, hope hubs on X517s, magura brakes
Bottom Line:	With out a doubt the best all round frame you can buy, Im the kind of guy that changes things through boredom but I`ll be honest I`m scared to change this frame. Even though a Merlin or Litespeed are undeniably good frames I really cannot see them perfoming any better. The bike goes so well it amazes me still after two and a half years,I`ve rode many bikes and the only bike that rode as well was a Bro eddy! if you`re after a bike that cuts single track as good as anything else but is equally at home going a blast to your friends house then this is it. I love it, its just a shame they`re going to become thin on the ground,but I suppose that`ll make them all the more desirable. Buy one while you have the chance you`ll not regret it.
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Submitted by Chris Baker a Racer from Charlotte, North Carolina, USA Date Reviewed: May 19, 2001
Favorite Trail:	Tsali
Duration Product Used:	More than 3 years
Price Paid:	$1500.00
Purchased At:	Bicycles Etc (no longer in biz)
Strengths:	Agile, incredibly well built. Great tracking.I've raced this bike hard for over 10 years and it is still incredible. Just rode today with a friend who has a new 01 Jekyll and he could not believe how well this bike performs 10 years after...
Weaknesses:	1" head tube limits shocks available these days.
Similar Products Used:	Stumpjumper
Bike Setup:	8sp XTR, XTR crank, XTR fr & Rear Drls, King Aheadset, Syncros seatpost & Stem, Mavic rims, XTR rear hub, Ringle front hub, Cane Creek saddle,Judy XC.
Bottom Line:	Great investment, still race the bike, bombproof, Would like to find Chris Chance and have it repainted, a keeper. If I ever get a new bike, this will be a sweet ride for my son. I recommend this bike for the rider that wants a great hardtail that has a long life and yearns to be ridden hard & often
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Submitted by John a Cross Country Rider from Atlanta GA Date Reviewed: May 17, 2001
Favorite Trail:	Tsali
Duration Product Used:	2 Years
Price Paid:	$900.00
Strengths:	Steel ride very reliable, not twitchy
Weaknesses:	Customer Support and welds
Similar Products Used:	Dekerf Team SL and ST and Bontrager Race
Bike Setup:	Manitou, XT, Cane Creek Headset, Ritchey Tires
Bottom Line:	For all that I have heard about the Yo Eddy's legendary off road ability I felt it paled in comparison to my dearly departed Bontrager. I now have a Dekerf Team ST and I feel it is a closer match to the ride I once had with the Bontrager. My Yo Eddy was built by Serrota and I just didn't see the same level of craftsmanship as the old fats or my Dekerf.
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Submitted by Dick a Cross Country Rider from Wisconsin, USA Date Reviewed: May 9, 2001
Duration Product Used:	More than 3 years
Price Paid:	$1000.00
Strengths:	Indistructable, high speed handling
Weaknesses:	None
Bike Setup:	Campy, Bulleye, Avid, Sun, Tir Dyes, NO JAPANESE COMPONENTS!
Bottom Line:	Faster than anything else around, too fast, inspires confidence, handles anything until I tore tendons off my left fingers. I have the purple frame with purple componnets and will leave it that way. Sorry to see Fat City go. The bike was built by a fanatic, components were selected from the best around that would not fail! Only failure was from Moby seat post clamp. Awesome bike.
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Submitted by PAUL HOTALING a Cross Country Rider from MIAMI,FLORIDA,USA Date Reviewed: April 14, 2001
Favorite Trail:	oleta state park
Duration Product Used:	1 Year
Price Paid:	$1000.00
Purchased At:	OCEANFRONT BIKES,VA.BEACH,VA.(RIP)
Strengths:	TOP OF THE LINE CRAFTMANSHIP/HANDLING/RIDE
Weaknesses:	NONE
Similar Products Used:	INDEPENDENT FAB.,PRO-FLEX
Bike Setup:	XT,MAG-21,CONTROL TECH,ONZA
Bottom Line:	AWESOME RIDING/HANDLING XC FRAME , UNTOUCHABLE CRAFTMANSHIP.I WOULD PROBABLY STILL BE RIDING MINE,BUT SOME SCUMBAG STOLE MINE THREE YEARS AGO .FAT'S WHERE BEING MADE BY SERROTA AT THIS TIME,SO I BOUGHT AN INDEPENDENT FABRICATION DELUXE(GUYS WHO USED TO ACTUALLY BUILT FATS). FAT CITY CYCLES IS NOW (RIP) SO , YOU CAN'T BUT THEM ANYWAY.
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Submitted by Davinder a Weekend Warrior from Potomac, MD Date Reviewed: March 24, 2001
Duration Product Used:	More than 3 years
Price Paid:	$1500.00
Purchased At:	Newspaper Ad
Strengths:	Best ride of any bike Period!
Weaknesses:	Steel rusts
Similar Products Used:	DEAN Colonel
Bike Setup:	XT, Syncros
Bottom Line:	This is the best bike in the world. There is nothing that even comes close to the ride, no matter how much money you spend. Any setup on this bike is great. I traded it for a DEAN Colonel which is awesome too, but YO is in a class by itself. The biggest mistake of my life was getting rid of the bike, but it had a small dent in the frame from harsh riding. I would buy another anyday!
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Submitted by Sweet Lou a Cross Country Rider from Hell, Mi Date Reviewed: February 19, 2001
Favorite Trail:	Aint tellin
Duration Product Used:	Less than 1 month
Price Paid:	$500.00
Purchased At:	auction
Strengths:	The magical ride of steel and no one did it better than Fat City Cycles
Weaknesses:	They went down
Similar Products Used:	No such thing
Bike Setup:	Cmon now
Bottom Line:	I bought this purple to blue fade steel beauty at an auction site for $500.00 . Its a 1996 frame that takes a 1 inch headset. I then bought a Zokes Superfly and switched out the steerer crown to 1 inch... a match made in heaven! My original Yo..Sommerville, Ma was stolen and I have sinced owned other bikes but none, I REPEAT NONE are like my Yo Eddy. None are built the same way and none RIDE the same way... DO YOURSELF A FAVOR, there are still some of these legendary frames out there and they are not that expensive, so beg, borrow, steel the money and get one they are the best ride out there....Yo Eddy lives....
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Submitted by alex davidson a Racer from Blenheim. New Zealand Date Reviewed: February 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:	steep and twisty
Duration Product Used:	More than 3 years
Price Paid:	$900.00
Purchased At:	R&R sport , Ch/Ch, NZ
Strengths:	Its ride! never have I thought a bad thing about how it rides-fast, precise, comfortable and feels like it will go on for ever.
Weaknesses:	Tubes are sealed but watch the seat tube-can still rust near bottom bracket
Similar Products Used:	Avanti, cannondales(x3), klein, Dbr titanium, Kona kaboom S/S, Piere Jordan(NZ custom built).
Bike Setup:	Raceface HB, Bonty stem, King HS, 10yr old Syncros SP,Wtb seat, Mavic BB, Raceface CS, TNT ti RH, ringle FH, Old(92)xtr mechs, XT THUMBIES-Ohhh, deore V's, and those perfect Yo eddy forks.
Bottom Line:	Pretty damn old '90 in Grellow(neon green)this is the bike that made me a geek. My life almost revolves around it, pissing off a few girlfriends. As you will see in the other reviews fat chance owners are so happily loyal its almost(?)sad.. I have ridden and raced throughout NZ on it and now England the past two years. I gave it a respray in '98(the stocks of neon green paint in NZ had gone off!)and put some rack brazeons on the dropouts(didn't torch the seatstays though-clamp it round s/s bridge) and have since toured around Spain and Italy with more to go.. This is a bike that MAKES me want to ride rigid! to get the full feel and fun factor. Great mud clearance- good for cyclocross and I can run my 2.3" tioga factory dh tyres if I want no probs. It really is just a lovly bike. NOTE; when I got it stripped a small rust hole(pin prick) was found above the B/B on the rear of seattube-the tubes are all sealed but obviously water can still get down the seat tube- so spray some rust proofing down there!. And if your bikes got the pressed in B/B bearings than you can fit a sealed Mavic B/B( you will need to chamfer the B/B shell with a campy tool or similar)-these are the Kings of B/B's.
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Submitted by William Jones a Cross Country Rider from Silver City, NM, USA Date Reviewed: January 6, 2001
Favorite Trail:	the one I'm riding
Duration Product Used:	6 months
Price Paid:	$795.00
Purchased At:	Fat City Cycles
Strengths:	Ditto all the other reviews
Weaknesses:	Paint chips easily
Similar Products Used:	Wicked Fat Chance
Bike Setup:	Race Face, XT
Bottom Line:	This was the last large Yo Eddy made. There are still a few new frames out there at web retailers but if your reading these reviews your probably thinking of picking up a used Yo. Do it. You can't go wrong. Read the other reviews. I can't really say anything else. You buy a Fat Chance for the long haul. That's why you see so few used Fats. Only minor complaint is paint chips eaisily like IFs and most other steel bikes today. My Sommerville-made Wicked's paint was nearly as indestructible as the frame. I don't know if this is the case with all the New York made Fats or just mine. I've even heard it had to do with new EPA regulations. I don't know. Keep some touch-up paint handy so rust can't get started and you should be able to ride the Yo Eddy the rest of your life. I've seen a couple of Yos on the Web still priced at $1100. The factory sold their last Yo Eddys for $795 direct so I would try and bargin with the web guys if you find one. If your looking to pick one up used I've never seen a broken Fat no matter how old. The only broken one I've ever heard of is way down in these reviews.
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Submitted by SJ a Weekend Warrior from Upstate NY Date Reviewed: November 28, 2000
Duration Product Used:	Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:	TOO MANY TO LIST!!!! Where should I start?The beautiful ride,the speed,the East Coast geometry,the sparkling handling,the magical quality...Costly,yes,but no other hardtail can even TOUCH it!!!
Weaknesses:	They don't make 'em anymore....
Bottom Line:	So the eulogy goes: R.I.P Fat Chance Cycles "The Yo-Eddy! and its brother,the Wicked/Bro-Eddy!,are the best mtn. bikes to ever grace the singletrack....They outlived fad after fad for over a decade,and have brought a new meaning to the phrase "Steel is REAL!!" "We are forever indebted to you,Chris Chance,for bringing us an East Coast legend.Your commitment to excellence will be fondly remembered." Amen. Yes,friends--Fat Chance is gone,but its legacy lives on at custom builders such as Independant Fabrications,Merlin,Seven Bicycles,and others.But there can only be one Fat Chance Cycles!! The Yo-Eddy is beyond a mere 5 chilies.This is a piece of mountain bike history that will endure the ravages of time.Its ride is never forgotten.Its speed and handling have never dissapointed.No amount of chilies could be enough!! LONG LIVE CHRIS CHANCE AND HIS INCREDIBLE BIKES!!!! ------------------------------------------------------------ A small sidebar here:Some mail-order companies possess the last copies of the Yo-Eddy!Please make haste and buy one before they are sold out...Because when they are gone,so is Fat Chance!
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Submitted by Robert a Cross Country Rider from Cottonwood, AZ Date Reviewed: November 3, 2000
Duration Product Used:	More than 3 years
Strengths:	Good 'ol steel, steel is real!!! This bike climbs like a screaming banshee, it's as agile as a cat, and built like a freakin tank. The craftsmanship is a work of art.
Weaknesses:	none (the 1 inch steer tube is a little hard to get forks these days, but well worth it).
Similar Products Used:	not many
Bike Setup:	irrellivent
Bottom Line:	I am the proud owner of an original Massachusett's built Fat City ('94 model). Over these six years my Fatty has cared me thousands of miles across the U.S. Throughout these years I have grown fond of my Fatty. Even the lavender paint, which I entend to repaint the same color soon (purlpe was the rage in '94). Over time my fatty tought me that perserverience pays off. It shown me that you can do anything it you put your mind to it. My fatty and I have journied through some of the most bueatiful country one can imagine. Providing a huge breath of fresh air when needed. When I was down and thought I couldn't, it was my Fatty that reminded me that I could. Giving me the strength and courage to go on. Recently Fat City closed it doors. I would just like to thank Chris Chance. Thanks for the laughs, the smiles, the memories, the insperation, but most of all, thanks for all the happiness. Wherever Chris is, I am sure he is riding. That my friends is what its all about. Pedal on my friends, pedal on.
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Submitted by Brendon Davies-Patrick a Cross Country Rider from Wellington, New-Zealand Date Reviewed: October 5, 2000
Favorite Trail:	Makara Peak
Duration Product Used:	6 months
Price Paid:	$400.00
Purchased At:	Second hand
Strengths:	Stiff, Bullet-proof, Understated, Incredibly Rideable.
Weaknesses:	None so far.
Similar Products Used:	Various other stuff not worth mentioning.
Bike Setup:	Shimano XT, SUN/Ambrosio Rims, Kore stem, Chris King headset,Panaracer/Continental tyres, Avocet saddle, Pulstar hubs, Keywin pedals, Judy SL.
Bottom Line:	This was a second-hand bike that I bought off a guy (thanks Josh!)who was selling it to go overseas. It was a complete bitser, but had some cool (and not so cool) components and a new paint job. In his desperation to sell, what started off as a complete bike (all the above components came with the bike, plus Shimano shoes, Fox gloves, etc.) at $1150, ended up at $850 (work it out America - we're talking less than $400US for the whole she-bang). The first ride totally redefined my expectations of what a mountain bike could be like to ride. Not only was it incredibly light (compared to everything else I'd ridden) and handled brilliantly, it was also incredibly stiff and confidence inspiring. Since then, what had begun as a fairly "I should probably go out and do some exercise" type of hobby has become a 60 mile a week rain/wind/hail/sun road/single-track/4WD track/grass/mud/roots/rocks/straw (I'm sure you get the picture) passion. Though I often worry about some of the other gear on the bike, I've neither felt nor heard any shimmer or speckle of doubt or fear from the frame, and though it's only been in my posession for under a year, I'm fully confident this will be the last frame I ever need buy. It's the type of frame that makes you wish you were a better rider, and is without a doubt the best money I've ever spent on a bike. Mucho gracias to Chris Chance, I'm only sorry to hear that the legacy will not be continuing on.
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Submitted by Bob Carhart a Weekend Warrior from Bowie, Maryland, USA Date Reviewed: August 25, 2000
Favorite Trail:	Cedarville State Forest & Schaeffer Farms
Duration Product Used:	More than 3 years
Price Paid:	$1000.00
Purchased At:	Spokes, Arlington VA
Strengths:	An absolute 'ho for tight, twisty singletrack; steel is real (light!); hair-trigger steering; climbs like a goat (even if I cannot); shall I continue? It's simply masterful in the Eastern woods!!
Weaknesses:	What weaknesses?
Similar Products Used:	Ah, um....did you say similar?
Bike Setup:	It's a mutt: mix of '98 vintage XT and XTR bits for the drivetrain and shifting -- all XTR in the rear; Onza H.O. brakes (canti's); Grafton Joy Stix cranks w/Real rings (44, 34); '97 Judy SL; Chris King 1" headset; M217s w/WTB Velociraptor 44/50Ks; Shim 535 pedals; Post Moderne susp. s/p; Ritchey bar/stem. Frame itself is a 1995 model with a Sapphire Fade paint job as shown in the poster from that year.
Bottom Line:	The bottom line is that this review actually supplements one I submitted in early 1997. If you refer back to that one, all the comments are still valid now as they were then. So why a second look now? It turns out that Fat City is closing its doors at the end of this month, yes, August 2000. You still can call them (802.888.8800) and try to get any frames that remain, but sheesh, this is really the end of a most remarkable era and indeed, what a run for this small framebuilder. If you're on the fence, this is a purchase you can make with full confidence sight unseen. Now, I don't begrudge bigger builders their success, and I know some folks would find it difficult to fork over more than a $1000 for "just" a steel frame -- but they'd be missing the point. You buy this bike because it's something special, and getting harder to find; indeed, the only steel bikes the remind me of the Yo in terms of ride/build quality rest with the offerings of IF, Ibis, Ted Wojcik and perhaps a handful ofothers. There's a poignant irony here in that I'm one of those individuals who could easily justify adding other bikes to the stable ("there's always room for one more in my garage"), but this may have to do with the road side of things -- for the dirt, I have had this bike for five years now, built it up and changed its specs with a funny kind of hodge-podge of various parts (still no V-brakes, let alone disks), and have no immediate plans to buy a new one soon. 'Nuff said.
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Submitted by William a Cross Country Rider from Madison, WI, US Date Reviewed: August 19, 2000
Duration Product Used:	3 months
Strengths:	Magic in the tubes.
Weaknesses:	Designed for 63mm shocks in a world moving to longer ones, but I'm happy with 80mm and plush settings.
Similar Products Used:	My rigid Fat, a ti Fat, and some well known AL frames.
Bike Setup:	9 speed XT w/SID fork
Bottom Line:	Less than 3 months of ownership might not be fair considering I have just about the same in my '92 Fat w/Yo Eddy steel fork. With a few high-end bikes I tried to moderate the price, but couldn't do it after trying several other products. Nothing else felt so powerful and comfortable at the same time. The AL frames I tried were ass breakers and AL is the only frame I've ever had fail. I also rode a ti Fat against a Yo a while back, and couldn't rationalize the $ for 1/2 pound saved. My Treks and other trendy crap are long gone, while my orginal Fat still gives pleasure after many years and miles. I'm not a racer or too weight obsessed which is why I probably don't like AL. Nice frames like these are a long-term purchase. Look at your kitchen folks - you recycle or throw away the AL, and clean up the good steel stuff for years of rewarding use. Bottom Line: A magical machine - powerful, comfortable, thrilling, predictable and reliable. Score 5 for value when you consider the premium for ti, and score of 5 overall for the great timeless ride it is.
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Submitted by Drew a Cross Country Rider from NH Date Reviewed: August 3, 2000
Duration Product Used:	More than 3 years
Strengths:	Cornering, climbing, decending and mind reading.
Weaknesses:	Pressed bottom bracket bearings can be hard to find. However, this is a mute point as Fat City does not use them any more.
Similar Products Used:	Ridden scores of bikes - none compare.
Bike Setup:	Joe Bell candy tangerine to candy apple red fade. Judy SL, Chirs King HS, Answer stem, XT tranny, Cook Bros racing cranks, Avid breaks, Real leavers, Mavic & White Ind, Bontranger seat, and some other cool stuff.
Bottom Line:	My Yo is one of the first ones out the door and is approaching 11 years, 15k+ miles and shows no sign of fatigue. I have ridden my YO in all kinds of terrain and locations including east coast single tracks, Utah slick rock, Tenn. red mud, Cali fire roads, Hawaii lava fields, Hong Kong, Singapore jungle, Bali mts, Austrailian Outback, Oman Waddi, Dubai deasert, Jordanian sand dune, Thai rain forest, and many stops along the way. This bike functions like an extention of the body and enables its rider to focus entirely on the "groove". DON'T RIDE THIS BIKE if you don't plan on owning one - nothing you ever ride again will compare.
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Submitted by nick a Weekend Warrior from boston Date Reviewed: May 1, 2000
Duration Product Used:	More than 3 years
Strengths:	I own a genuine made-in-*itchin'somervillemassachusetts original made by some of the same welders that now make IFs. Had it since early 94. Amazing at just about everything. I've never seen a bike that I would rather ride. I hate aluminum and I'm too po' & too heavy (6' 200lbs )to ride ti. East coast geometry is perfect for singletrack and xc riding. Welds are a work of art (go IF!) There really aren't any weaknesses.
Weaknesses:	My old '93 has a 1" steerer. New ones all have 11/8". I am in the process of ordering a new fork and stem - not easy.
Bike Setup:	Xt/xtr mix w/Hershey cranks and hubs. Upgrading some tired and broken stuff with a-bomb, SRAM, Arch 50s.
Bottom Line:	5 flourescent turds! I hope it lasts forever. I would highly recommend a new Fat or a new IF (Keep to the local Boston weldahs)
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Submitted by dave masino a Cross Country Rider from seattle, wa Date Reviewed: March 28, 2000
Favorite Trail:	open to bikes
Duration Product Used:	More than 3 years
Strengths:	Quick and stable handling. Reasonable weight.
Weaknesses:	Not the cheapest frame you can buy.
Similar Products Used:	Fisher HK2, Ibis Mojo, Voodoo Canzo, Wicked Fat Chance
Bike Setup:	Shimano XT, Marzocchi Z2 BAM, Syncros Ti Seatpost, WTB SST98 saddle
Bottom Line:	I could not be happier with this frame. The combination of quick-handling and stability it offers is awesome. Every type of trail conditions I ride, this bike feels right at home. It seems to be well built also. I've been riding it hard for 3 years now, laid it down many times, and it's still holding up fine. Hats off to Fat City.
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Submitted by Burt a Cross Country Rider from Oakland, CA Date Reviewed: February 8, 2000
Favorite Trail:	Joaquin Miller
Duration Product Used:	More than 3 years
Strengths:	the feel of steel, lightweight for a steel frame, durability, craftsmanship
Weaknesses:	1" headtube
Similar Products Used:	Giant ATX, Ibis, GT Xizang, Cannondale
Bike Setup:	Yo Eddy, Manitou 4 or the Big One Inch, XT and Synchros
Bottom Line:	This is a great hardtail bike, the only weaknesses my 9 year old Yo Eddy has is w/r/t its 1" headtube, and Fat City switched to 1 1/8 awhile back so the new frames don't have this problem. I would reccommend anyone looking to buy a hardtail seriously look at the Yo Eddy. The frame is not that much heavier than a comparable aluminum frame and more than makes up for the weight in other aspects of its character such as ride quality and durability. If you've never ridden a good steel bike there is nothing like it, it's as close to being as one with a bike that you can get. As for durability, I am 6'2" 195lbs and have been thrashing on this bike for nine years and it just keeps kickin' Chris Chance is the man.
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Submitted by Todd a Weekend Warrior from Maryville, TN, USA Date Reviewed: February 7, 2000
Duration Product Used:	More than 3 years
Strengths:	great bike - have owned since '94 (pre-serotta buy-out frame). tight, solid frame; very nimble on the twisties, stiff but so stiff it sends shock waves through you spine - excellent power transfer to b.b.; i'm a big (6'-2"/215#) powerful hardcore rider and as best i can tell this frame is built to last; it bombs the tough stuff but nimble enough to hold treacherous lines.
Weaknesses:	the only gripe i've got is there isn't (at wasn't) enough tolerance in the seat tube - i had one syncros post seize on me - totally destroyed the post. Lube seat post and often!!!
Similar Products Used:	none that i've used
Bike Setup:	YO! frame painted sapphire fade, manitou SX-R, boone twist cranks and helix ti. b.b., XTR hubs laced to mavic 517 rims, XTR ('96) shifters/levers, XTR 12-32 cassette, XTR front der., XT vee-brakes, XT rear der., king headset, syncros post, kore stem, club roost riser bars, wtb saddle and tioga factory xc tires (1.95)
Bottom Line:	this is one groovy bike, it was my dream bike this one. i've ridden/owned other hardtails but they fall miserably shy of my YO!. i've got a new c-dale raven 2 w/ a lefty now and, hopefully, plan to rebuild the YO! with a YO! fork in the near future and do some retro riding.
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Submitted by Jason a Cross Country Rider from Portland, OR Date Reviewed: February 7, 2000
Favorite Trail:	McKenzie River National Rec. Trail
Duration Product Used:	6 months
Strengths:	built to fit you, there are many sizes to choose from. hands like no other. Has a nice steel feel, but is still stable, not noddley lkie some steel frames
Weaknesses:	I haven't found any yet, and plan on finding any in the future. Can you say life time warranty!!
Similar Products Used:	None compare to the Yo!
Bike Setup:	King/Mavic wheels, RF crank/bb,9.0sl Sram shifters and rear deralliar, XT brakes, XTR brake levers, Syncros stem, Azonic riser bars
Bottom Line:	If you want a bike that will last for ever and stand for quality, this bike is for you. If you build one get ready for an addiction to biking.
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Submitted by D.C. a Cross-Country Rider from the woods of Michigan Date Reviewed: December 31, 1999
Favorite Trail:	Cave Run,KY
Duration Product Used:	more than 3 years
Strengths:	Fast, strong, light, agile, stiff, steel, woods bike! The Best.
Weaknesses:	Cannot be ridden nonstop due to work, wife, etc.
Similar Products Used:	Ibis, Rocky Mtn, Bontrager, Marin, Kona.
Bike Setup:	Yo! with Yo! eddy Team Fork. Built with durable woods riding comonents from Race Face, Chris King, Syncros, WTB, and Salsa.
Bottom Line:	My little Fat Chance rockets through the woods. The harder you rip-it, the louder yo eddy screams dig-it!!! Top quality, no compromise, handcrafted by humans in New England, USA
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Submitted by DC a Cross-Country Rider from Michigan's woods Date Reviewed: December 31, 1999
Favorite Trail:	technical singletrack
Duration Product Used:	more than 3 years
Strengths:	The finest frame money can buy.Zen and the trail - Jam it! Feel the woods - feel the trail. This is it.
Weaknesses:	none
Similar Products Used:	Fat City Buck Shaver, ibis, rocky mountain, bontrager, kona, marin, bridgestone etc etc
Bike Setup:	'92 yo! with yo! team Fork built with bombpoof woods bike products
Bottom Line:	check one out
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Submitted by Tom a Racer from Minnesota Date Reviewed: May 22, 1999
Favorite Trail:	CAMBA trail system
Duration Product Used:	3 months
Strengths:	fast, agile, unbelievable handling in single track, stiff yet that classic steel feel. Craftmanship is master quality, toothpick anti chain suck device!!! Dream to ride!! Best handling MTB I've been on. size large built to 23.4 pounds easily. Beautiful paint, sealed frame tubes.
Weaknesses:	None
Similar Products Used:	Ibis Mojo, Jamis dragon, Fuji Mt. Fuji, Ritchey Comp, Specialized S-works M2, Cannondale F900, Bontrager race, Klein Attitude.
Bike Setup:	Manitou SX-TI, Kooka crank, Kooka Stem, XTR brakes/levers/shifters, XT FDR, XTR RDR, Sun RPM, Panaracer FIRE XC 2.1, Syncros BB and bars, Giro Nisene saddle, thudbuster susp seat post, time atac pedals.
Bottom Line:	If you want an incredible agile quick handling bike that decends, climbs, and carves single track this is your bike. Best handling bike in sinlge track I've ridden bar none.
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Submitted by Tom a Racer from Minnesota Date Reviewed: May 22, 1999
Favorite Trail:	CAMBA Trail system
Duration Product Used:	3 months
Strengths:	Single track dream, fast agile and quick, tracks like an arrow. Beautiful Paint, sealed frame tubes, Master craftmanship.
Weaknesses:	None
Similar Products Used:	Ibis Mojo, Jamis dragon, Bontrager race, Klein Attitude, Cannondale F900, Fuji Mt. Fuji.
Bike Setup:	97 SX-TI, Kooka crank, kooka stem, XTR brakes/levers/shifters/DER, Sun RPM wheel, Panarace Fire XC, Time Atac.
Bottom Line:	The best handling bike I've ever ridden bar none. Climbs, decends and tracks through single track unbelievable (like it's on auto pilot)!! Craftmanship is masterful.
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Submitted by Steven Cowboy Johnson a Racer from Breathing down your back Date Reviewed: April 27, 1999
Favorite Trail:	If I told you , I'd have to kill you
Duration Product Used:	more than 3 years
Strengths:	Where do I start ? Hmm? The year was 1992 and I was sidelined unable to even walk for 7 months. Unfortunately I dislocated my Talus ad partially severd my achilies tendon. i,e, I hit a 5 foot tall brick mailbox at 30.5mph. Really ugly. Laid up and bikeless I had plenty of time to research my next ( 5th )bike. I Knew what sort of qualaties I needed and bought a YO ! even before I could walk. Presently. if my bike were my son. He would be in second grade and it rides and has ridden so kick ass throughout his maturity. He has been blessed with his 2nd paint job by I.F.(black w/ red cow spots, 6 sets of cranks ( 98 XTR) 3rd fork '98 Judy sl Man Icould go on forever. I've broken several thousand $ of parts and that darn frame is as sweet now as it was back in Nov. of 1992 when i crutched in to its birthplace
Weaknesses:	Chris Chance having to sell out and go to a 1 1/8th head tube. I dont have to worry about my 1 headtube because my forth headset was a purple Chris King and I have an extra crown assembly.
Bike Setup:	So cool it would make Zap drool!
Bottom Line:	HELL YA!
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Submitted by Jeff Boyer a Cross-Country Rider from Dillon,CO Date Reviewed: April 2, 1999
Favorite Trail:	Back Ranch Loops
Duration Product Used:	more than 3 years
Strengths:	This is perhaps the most predictable ride you can own. It climbs quickly and is wonderful on the quick sprints and descents.
Weaknesses:	ONE INCH HEADTUBE!!!
Similar Products Used:	CDALE BIKES TREK MARIN
Bike Setup:	factory rshox sl xtr old drive train xtr new brakes control tech suspension seat post syncros stem king head set
Bottom Line:	The frame makes any set up ride like a dream.
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Submitted by bryan watson a weekend warrior from San Francisco Date Reviewed: February 24, 1999
Bottom Line:	A fansastic Experience! It stays right on trake around corners. The ride is described as Like driving a fast Cadilac very very comfortable ride. Uphill is a doddle, effortless fun. Makes up for those tough days we have now and aagain.
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Submitted by Jon a cross-country rider from Missouri Date Reviewed: February 8, 1999
Bottom Line:	REAL MEN RIDE STEEL. Carbon Fiber, OCLV, Aluminum, Easton, M2, cheap steel, ti, Screw them all!!! I've logged a fair share of miles on each, but yet they haven't inspired the kamikaze in me like my Yo Eddy does. My Yo is teamed up with xt/z2/onza/hugi/mavic/sachs/syncros, but each time I ride it I want to go faster, jump higher, corner harder, go longer. The geometry for me seems pretty relaxed with the z2 on the front, but I have descended the depths of hell(so I can't complain). Climbing is like a good stiff aluminum bike, without the dislocated disks in your back. Craftmenship is outragous, It is hard to take your eyes off of. infinite***************************************************
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Submitted by peter a cross-country rider from hartford,ct Date Reviewed: January 20, 1999
Bottom Line:	see the reviews below.....their is no hype here....there is no other hardtail that can compare...this bike can climb...check out the chainstays....it loves singletrack...this bike demands to be ridden...hard....it is like no other.............
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Submitted by Robert Otanez a cross-country rider from Corona Del Mar , Ca. Date Reviewed: November 21, 1998
Bottom Line:	Have two Fat City bikes. A MONSTER FAT (92) and a TI FAT (98). We will talk about the TI FAT. Chris has done his magic again. With the marzocchi z2 atom bomb fork this bike is as smooth as a prom queens thigh....Just not as risky... I am 190lbs. and the bike is not a noodle! Stiff as the YO EDDY yet has that Ti feel. If you are in the market for a TI frame check this one out.The Ancotec external butted tubing (double butted top and down tubes and triple butted chain stays) are the best stuff around. The dropouts , welds and over all finish are clean. Its the detail that makes this bike a dream to ride. All my questions were answered by the FAT CITY staff. They sent me letters of info,e-mailed and returned phone calls in a timely manner.(GREAT SERVICE) Chris is in control of FAT CITY again. A couple of years back when they merged with Serrota I must say service sucked.That has changed in a big way.
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Submitted by tielz a weekend warrior from VA Date Reviewed: October 17, 1998
Bottom Line:	I bought my Yo Betty about 3 years ago because I wanted a frame that fit my very petite frame. I also wanted a lightweight, easy handling bike. The Yo fits me just right and when I think it, it does it! I love the handling! I bought a Shock-a-Billy for my hubby and he loves it...SWEET!!! I admit, my main ride has 4 hooves and poops a lot, but my bike is my safe, fun ride that NEVER lets me down!
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Submitted by monkeyman a cross-country rider from eugene, ore Date Reviewed: October 15, 1998
Bottom Line:	I must change my original view of the bike(see below) and agree with olle nordin a cross-country rider from Norway. My YO! started to get a crack in the seat tube, I stripped it and sent it to Fat City(cost $13) then a month later they send it back COD($22) ssaying they wont do anything, no repair no deal on a new frame.. NOTHING.. I'm was out a bike for a month and $35 to boot. The bike was great Fat City sucks, and you can bet that when I start my shop up I'm NEVER going to deal with them.
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Submitted by Lynn H. Johnson a cross-country rider from Ketchum, Idaho Date Reviewed: October 15, 1998
Bottom Line:	I have a 1990 Fat Chance Ti, pretty much all XTR. with mavic cer.wheels, kooka kranks with a 20 tooth granie(all right, I'm old) 747,King hd. set, '90 sl ti.,m950 ti cassette. The point is, the bike is old, I put a min. of 1000 mi. per year on it which = 8,000 mt. trail riding miles (absolutly no pavement)It weighs about 21 lbs and after all those years, it is still the talk of the shop everytime I take it in for repairs. They've never found one lighter. I've washed it maybe twice and squirted it a dozen. I weigh 185 so its had its work cut out for it. Our trails, of which there are many, generally are 1500' to 3500, in alt. and the longer ones are 8 to 15 miles long. You'd be pressed to ride all of them in 2 weeks. I ride everyother day at least. For the review, I can say that the 6000.00 that the bike initially cost was cheep, because I haven't had to replace many parts other than the obvious. It'll still climb trees with the right rider, and I watch with complete amazement at the industry trying to reinvent suspension and geometry that worked so well in 1990 and still does today. Call me in 10 years, I'll still be on it and financially better off than those buying all the new stuff every couple of years. Many sports eq. has to be replaced every couple of years, but I haven't had a good reason to replace my Fat Chance ti yet. Can you give me one.
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Submitted by bill schneider a cross-country rider from malvern, pa Date Reviewed: August 31, 1998
Bottom Line:	I have been a loyal fat city owner since 87'. I am extremely pleased with my 95' Yo Eddy, this frame is perfectly designed for technical mountain biking. The frames are extremely durable and handle well, are very light, and climb effortlessly....... check em out!!The only drawback would be the 1 headtube and the unfortunate business problems fat city had awhile back.... hopefully, they are resolved.....
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Submitted by kb Turner a cross-country rider from Valley Forge, Pa. Date Reviewed: August 22, 1998
Bottom Line:	Bought mine in `92, and the ride has always been PERFECT.Old XTR has hung on it w/out fail. Who knew back then that the 1 inch headset would soon be obsolete? I had to replace the RS mag 21, and the options for high end were few. I ended up finding a rare 97 Judy SL 1', and the ride is even better. I have other more expensive bikes, rigid, and some dualies, but I always come back to the Yo! with a big ass smiley face.
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Submitted by RWB a weekend warrior from Tucson(get it right!) Date Reviewed: August 22, 1998
Bottom Line:	This thing MUST be good, it's been around for almost as long as I've been into MTBs(14yrs!), maybe I'll have to try one(any free rides in Tucson?).Rated AVG for lack of data.Now the damn MTBR server is telling me I need to WASTE MORE SPACE, so just ignore the rest, I just want get my request for a FREE ride posted(I'm also OOS(out of shape!!!!
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Submitted by Stan a cross-country rider from Berlin, Germany Date Reviewed: August 20, 1998
Bottom Line:	What an incredible bike frame! My Fat Chance Yo Eddy! frame is already six years old but still performs as on day one. It is extremely well built and looks as on day one, too. (Have a look: http://members.xoom.com/fatfans/nbyoph2.jpg) During the six years I have toured many continents and raced in Europe and America. With its neutral handling and durability the Yo Eddy! won't let you down. On this frame you won't stop smiling for a long time - no matter what terrain you ride.
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Submitted by Bill a cross-country rider from Ohio Date Reviewed: June 15, 1998
Bottom Line:	I've had my Yo Eddy for 4 years and I never get tired of riding it. It always inspires me to go faster. It gives me confidence. I love the way it climbs and accelerates and it handles extremely well, great for single track. It can be a bit skitish on fast, bumpy downhills but it's still fun. I weigh 185 and ride this bike very hard. No problems. It is built extremely well. One of the top 2 or 3 steel hardtails in existence.
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Submitted by SST a cross-country rider from North Carolina Date Reviewed: June 12, 1998
Bottom Line:	This is the best hardtail made...... I've ridden one for over 4 years and no matter where I've been this bike smokes!!!!! fast fire roads, super steep rocky single track, 6 mile hell bent climbs, smooth fast single track, bumps, jumps, logs, it does it all. This is the best climbing bike i've ever been on. I've worn out countless forks, and two XTR groups. I've have ridden the shit out of this thing and it always wants more!!!!!! mine was built in mass. My brother has one of the newer ones { built in N.Y} and he likes it as much as I do mine. Just go buy one it will not let you down!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Submitted by Dave Pinkert a weekend warrior from Norwalk, CT Date Reviewed: April 21, 1998
Bottom Line:	I have been riding Fat City frames since 1987, and my '95 Yo is the best yet. Highlights: great climbing, especially out of the saddle, probably due to oversized stays. Super singletracking: point and shoot - this frameset gives great confidence in the twisties. I have ridden this bike in all terrain, and it just plain works. Lowlights: paint quality is not as good as earlier models. Steerer tubes: have I heard correctly that RockShox no longer makes steerer tubes that will fit my frame?Overall, a gas to ride. One of the only bikes that will instantly make you ride better.
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Submitted by Kris Swift a cross-country rider from Arlington, TX Date Reviewed: March 26, 1998
Bottom Line:	I have ridden everything from Mantis to Yeti. I have owned bikes from Klein Monolith, Mantis, Rocky Mtn., Specialized, Yeti, etc. I have raced and just bombed the local trails. Never have I ridden a frame any sweeter than my new Yo Eddy. I am absolutely in love. This bike is not only beautiful but it's as fast as anything I've ever been on. Thank God and Chris Chance. (and also Mark & Wendel)
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Submitted by olle nordin a cross-country rider from norway Date Reviewed: March 26, 1998
Bottom Line:	new updated review.Yo-Eddy still rules! so don`t mind one earlier review on this page.read this instead.There aren`t many bikes that will give you such a sweet ride like this one.it has a kind of agressive snap in sprinting,and still the goodie flex to absorb vibrations,a little fragile ,but the best ride. overall rating= 4 chillies
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Submitted by Bruce a weekend warrior from PHX AZ Date Reviewed: March 15, 1998
Bottom Line:	I've been riding with my friend Mike since 86, and in 92 he bought a Yo from the old Somerville shop. I'll tell you what, that bike is the fastest, truest, on the mark machine, that to this day I have ever riden. I just wished I bought it from him when he sold it years later.
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Submitted by JoeBob a racer from The drive-in Date Reviewed: October 3, 1997
Bottom Line:	I loved my Yo. Loved: Past tense. It was a sweet sweet betty of a ride. Then it broke. This isn't a problem. I rode it hard for many many rides over the years and it lasted longer than I expected. Now the sad part. Fat City was less than responsive. Hell, I had a hard time even finding them. Its like they dropped off the face of the earth. I heard that they were bought up or something(?) Anyway I was told about some ex-Fat workers that started a company called Independent Fabrications. I took a look at their frame and sure enough, it had the Fat characteristics I loved, + some great improvements. I bit and got a IF and dare I say, Its sweeter than my Yo was. This isn't an IF review however. The Yo is a piece of art. A wonderful ride. I'm afraid that it has become the wonderful ride of the past though. My past at least, but I found one that's better:-) I have to knock off a star for the lack of service. Other than that. You probably won't be a bit disappointed if you pick one up. (check out an IF too though!)
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Submitted by Josh Varon a from cross-country rider Date Reviewed: October 2, 1997
Bottom Line:	I have been riding my FAT for over a year now and can see myself on the same frame for the rest of my life. Simply, i can do things on this bike that are not possible on any other bikes, espeically climbing and cornering. Once you go fAT, you'll never go back.
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Submitted by Randy DeVoe a cross-country rider from N.Babylon, NY Date Reviewed: September 21, 1997
Bottom Line:	Let me just say that I have finally bought my last Mountain Bike, A Yo Eddy. I This bike has made all the difference, truly. You will not understand until you come to the Fat City side!!!!
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Submitted by Big Dave a cross-country rider from vail,co Date Reviewed: September 18, 1997
Bottom Line:	What a blast! I've never been so inspired to ride in all my life! Smooth, supple ride. Uncanny handling. Beautiful paint. Lay down the coin, and experience the ride of your life.
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Submitted by Lefty a racer from boston Date Reviewed: September 3, 1997
Bottom Line:	Incredibly nimble bike. the cornering on this work of art is almost unfathomable. not too stiff and not too soft-it's just right. there is nothing bad i can say about this ride.
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Submitted by hobbes a weekend warrior from Columbus,Oh Date Reviewed: July 17, 1997
Bottom Line:	I got a yo' about a year and a half ago,what can I say this bike rides like a dream.If you want to turn just think about it,because thats all it takes,this bike responds instantly.It's stable at speed and just soft enough without being flexy to take the edge off of the bumps,thanks to that oh so sweet steel.
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Submitted by monkeyman a cross-country rider from Bloomington, IN. Date Reviewed: June 26, 1997
Bottom Line:	I've got a '90 YO! with the big 1 fork. This is the bike I ride the most out of all 18 of my bikes. Sometimes I think of selling it then I think of what I would get to replace it. The answer is nothing. The bike rides like a dream, though a bit stiff. This bike will be with me till it falls in to a pile of rust while I ride it. If anyone knows the URL of the new Fat City page drop me a line.Keep it rubber side down.
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Submitted by Matt a from cross-country rider Date Reviewed: March 26, 1997
Bottom Line:	Have riding my Yo Eddy for approx. 3 months and its without a doubt the best bike I have ever ridden (which includes some Ti. and full suspension exotica).If you've got the money then buy one but be prepared for people to druel over it.
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Submitted by Tom a cross-country rider from Peshastin,WA Date Reviewed: March 23, 1997
Bottom Line:	If you buy a Yo! and ride your Yo! you will become one with your Yo! Best all around hardtail MTB because of its balance. Get one and go ride it.
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Submitted by J Larson a cross-country rider from Pittsburgh, PA Date Reviewed: March 9, 1997
Bottom Line:	Best bike I've owned. Indestructible. Extremely stiff on the climbs. Handles tight singletrack easily. Also, great for downhills. One piece of advice: lose the chainsuck plates that arrive with it. The chain sticks less without them.
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Submitted by H Russek a racer from Mexico Date Reviewed: February 21, 1997
Bottom Line:	Forget the tech stuff. The more you ride it, the more you´ll like it. The more you can throw at it, the better it works. This bike is like nothing else I´ve ridden. I´ve raced the same frame for 4 years, 4 wheelsets, 6 drivetrains and a dumped full suspension bike. I wouldn´t change it for anything.
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Submitted by Guy Kotlizky a racer from Israel Date Reviewed: January 19, 1997
Bottom Line:	I have a 94 Yo Eddy and I love it. After riding countless other hardtails the Yo Eddy is without a doubt in a class by itself. It carves singletrack, loves the downhills and although not great on the uphills it certainly holds its own.
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Submitted by Bob Carhart a cross-country rider from Bowie, MD Date Reviewed: January 17, 1997
Bottom Line:	I got my Yo! in July 1995. In these days of full-suspension mania, I must say that it's quite a thrill to ride an amazing hardtail like the Yo! As suggested by one of the posts below, I was converted by riding a bud's Yo (even though his frame was too big for me!!) for a short while so I could feel the difference between it and my own GT hardtail. Well, the GT no longer lives with me (although it was an amicable divorce), but some of its parts still do, the Mag 21 in particular. If there is a weight penalty with this bike, I have yet to see it; my friends never fail to miss the difference when hefting their own beasts. Aside from the bike itself, it's really nice to be able to actually talk to Chris Chance himself (imagine that -- can a McBike owner say the same about talking to the head of his bike's company?). Oh, the paint job is muy sweet too. Fun bike, fun company, fun attitude -- money well spent.
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Submitted by Jonathan Fairman a cross-country rider from Tempe, AZ Date Reviewed: January 6, 1997
Bottom Line:	I bought a Yo! in the summer of 94', and I am afraid to buy a new bike. Nothing in the world rides as well as my Yo Eddy, if you're hardcore and want the best mtb frame in the world this bit of fat is where it's at!
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Submitted by Alan Davies a cross-country rider from Dublin, Ireland Date Reviewed: November 19, 1996
Bottom Line:	I have owned a Yo! Eddy frame for over a year now. It is the best handling frame I have ever ridden. I think it is best at singletrack & fast downhills. Climbing is very good also - there is a destinctly different feeling out of the saddle to sitting down. Taking BIG air on it feels a bit weird (have to say I feel more comfortable jumping on my Specialised Rockhopper), but it's not the type of bike I would trash around in the woods on whilst training anyway. The paint job is superb (I got aqua-fade) and the build quality of the frame truely excellent. There is no better steel frame out there - period. The tubing, in my opinion & for my riding style, offers better quality than either Al or Ti tubing does (or carbon fibre, thermoplastic, etc.). The only reasons I can see for everyone not getting one of these frames is firstly the price (You paid THAT much for a steel frame ??? type syndrome), and secondly the weight - it is not heavy, but other frames at this price can be up to 1.5 lbs lighter. With all the emphasis these days on new 'wonder' materials for MTB's, it is easy to forget that steel has been around for a long long time and much can be done with it to give that extra 'feel'. Newer materials are in an early stage of development and do not offer as many options for manufacturers. If you don't believe me about how 'nice' these frames are to ride, try and borrow one for 5 mins off someone next time you are at a race, or get a test ride at you local bike shop - you probably will be converted. When I sell this one, I will be getting the current model again. Try it .... buy it. ;)
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Submitted by John Wolters a cross-country rider from The Netherlands, Europe Date Reviewed: November 11, 1996
Bottom Line:	Excelent riding propperties and nice paintjob. My previous bike was a Klein (pre Trek) Pulse so I thought that I'd loose some stiffnes in the rear but there isn't much difference and you can take the corners much faster with this one. On climbs the bike makes you take them faster.
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Submitted by ricky deLeyos a cross-country rider from lanham, maryland Date Reviewed: October 30, 1996
Bottom Line:	I've had my Yo! for over two years now and I am still lovin' it! It's great around these parts on singletrack and climbing. Yo! get one!
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Submitted by Clyde Prestowitz a racer from Royal Oak, MI Date Reviewed: June 7, 1996
Bottom Line:	In short, I truly think this is the BEST cro-mo hardtail that anyone could buy. I used to ride/race more 'main-stream' bikes like Raleigh, Specialized and Trek. I got lots of good miles out of those bikes. But since I started riding on my FAT last spring, it has been a world of difference. First of all, the bike just wants to go, go, go... every pedal stroke just transfers into forward momentum, especially on the hills. And on the singletrack, the bike corners like it is on rails... I just have to LOOK where I want to make my turn and the bike just glides through before I blink. The main drawback on my FAT was the $$$$, but I beleive it was worth every penny. FYI, I have my FAT matched with a '95 Judy SL and they work beautifully together. If you really want to have an awesome ride, throw your leg over a FAT. You won't be dissappointed!
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