1990 Fat Chance Yo Eddy in Sapphire Blue

Lately I've been spending a fair amount of time about how to consolidate and put a nice bow on my bike collection. Largely driven by the fact that it's just too much and in part that some of the bikes either do not get ridden and others have just been hanging around for two to three years and I haven't even built them. Such was the case with this 1990 Yo Eddy. I bought it in 2012 and although I set out to build it I never finished and so it just hung there for the past four years. I've built a couple really nice Yo's in the past, but for whatever reason I don't really associate with the brand and so never felt the motivation to get mine done and check it out. So, now that I'm debating letting a few bikes go it was one of the first ones to not make the cut. But, after some strong urging from a buddy of mine who's a rider I really respect I decided to throw it together and check it out. All I can say so far is "Fuck you Mike!". Ok, ok.. so while I didn't fall head over heels for it immediately (read it's no Merlin) it is certainly showing some serious promise!

The bike certainly looks sporty and really quite modern. I mean if you buy a new IndyFab you get a lighter and more suspended version of this exact bike. What's not to love about that? If you were to distill this bike into a single word, without a doubt in my mind it would be 'fork.' It's what gives this bike the aggressive stance and the no-nonsense character. I'm certain that if the Yo Eddy came with a unicrown fork it would have fallen by the wayside in the annals of historically significant mountain bikes.

The build here is really basic, aside from the space age (at the time) 2.5" tires and a Titanium bar I really didn't do anything special on this build. Maybe that's why it comes in a somewhat hefty 26.2 lbs, which although not egregious is bit more than my 24.6 lbs Merlin (same size).

Say what you will about this color, but I for one really like it. The Grellos and fades are all quite amazing, but what attracted me to this bike was its relative uniqueness and subtlety. I think in a way it complements the otherwise aggressive nature of the bike and gives it a polished demeanor.

I really dig the asymmetrical decal placement on the seat stay, similar to the Yeti bikes of the time.

Bullet capped rear stays, because why not?

More and more I looks for bikes with original shop decals and other little touches that clearly identify the original condition of the bike.

Party in the back, business in the front. This fork is really amazing. I've been told that the 95 and 97 versions of this bike are far superior in both weight and ride characteristics. The later BOI fork, though not as imposing with its spindly 1" legs is supposed to be much more forgiving and compliant. I'll take the fat, non-wandering, wheel rocket anyday!

I really appreciate the work that went into these forks. While I may be somewhat partial to the grove box crown fork, the segmented design has an air of simplicity while still delivering terrific performance and GOBs of style!

This is the only Yo I've ever seen (doesn't mean it is) with these funky head tube reinforcements, not sure if it had something to do with the size or what, but it's a bit unique.

In summary; yeah I get what all the fuss is about. No, I haven't fully drank the kool-aid yet, but I'm getting thirstier.

Need to log a few more miles and file a ride report. Stay tuned!