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SOC16: the Slim Chance makes a return with beautiful U.S. made steel Fat Chance road bikes

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Slim Chance Fat Chance road bike chris usa handbuiltIMG_3637

There are probably more people in the world that know of Chris Chance through his iconic Fat Chance brand, but like many builders – it started with the road. Back in the late 70’s, Chris apparently honed his frame building skills on the skinny tire set before introducing Fat City cycles to the world. It wasn’t until 1991 that Fat City introduced the Slim Chance – one of the first production tig welded steel road bikes.

Now with Fat Chance cycles back to offering steel mountain bikes, it was apparently time to see the rebirth of another legend. 25 years later it’s time for the new Slim Chance…

Slim Chance Fat Chance road bike chris usa handbuiltIMG_3627

Slim Chance Fat Chance road bike chris usa handbuiltIMG_3632 Slim Chance Fat Chance road bike chris usa handbuiltIMG_3633

Slim Chance Fat Chance road bike chris usa handbuiltIMG_3636 Slim Chance Fat Chance road bike chris usa handbuiltIMG_3631

When it came time to give the Slim Chance a new look, Chris wanted a modern steel road bike with larger tubes and the option for a carbon fork, but something that still had the soul of the original. Produced through a collaboration with Stinner Frameworks who is building the bike in the U.S. to Chris’ design while the two are working together to streamline production.

slim chance geometry road bike

Built from True Temper Ox Platinum steel, the frames will be offered in stock sizing with a size specific tubing selection. Initially each frame will be offered only with a color matched ENVE 2.0 carbon fork in one of 4 hues inspired by the original, but Fat Chance plans to offer a segmented steel Yo Road soon.

Most of the details on the prototype above will see production including the 68mm threaded bottom bracket, 44mm head tube, and pump peg, but the cool little down tube cable stops apparently have to be changed which is a bummer because they look pretty slick.

Slim Chance Fat Chance road bike chris usa handbuiltIMG_3619

Slim Chance Fat Chance road bike chris usa handbuiltIMG_3623 Slim Chance Fat Chance road bike chris usa handbuiltIMG_3624

The frames also feature a laser cut stainless head tube badge, hooded dropouts and clearance for 28mm tires. Cable routing is set up for mechanical shifting with eTap, Di2, and EPS options available.

Slim Chance Fat Chance road bike chris usa handbuiltIMG_3620

Slim Chance Fat Chance road bike chris usa handbuiltIMG_3634 Slim Chance Fat Chance road bike chris usa handbuiltIMG_3626

Bikes will also be offered with color matched alloy or ENVE carbon stems for an additional charge.

Details from Fat Chance:

  • Available as a frame, ENVE carbon fork and Chris King headset package for $2295.
  • Segmented steel Yo Road Fork will be available as an option in the coming weeks.
  • Painted stem upgrade options; Carbon (ENVE) for $355, Alloy for $250.
  • Choice of mechanical or electronic shifting options at no extra charge.
  • 4 colors inspired some of our favorite Slim’s from the past; Blue, Pearl White, Pale Yellow and Red.
  • Framesets ship in 4-6 weeks, complete bikes in 6-8 weeks.

fatchance.bike

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postophetero
postophetero
7 years ago

Were these bikes built-up by @SCVelo perchance? Money is being wagered.

onrhodes
7 years ago

Love it! Brings me back to when I started riding in the late 80’s.

Eric
7 years ago

I like everything Chris touches, probably mostly sentimental from the old days, but still think the new bikes are awesome.

How about some disc brakes Chris?

JBikes
JBikes
7 years ago

Chance of buying….slim.
Kidding. Nice bikes, although I’d think 30-32 mm clearance would be nice. Perhaps on a disc model

OneLegDuck
OneLegDuck
7 years ago

PAC Man

Haromania
7 years ago

Gorgeous.

Alex Palmer (@ajmpalmer)

@postophetero I built them up in the @SCVelo workshop… not sure if that counts for your wager?!

John
John
7 years ago

I’m waiting on a Ti Slim Chance….

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