For Tim Shaffer, bikes have always been part of the story.
Like a lot of riders, it started early—childhood days spent on two wheels, riding everywhere, all the time. And like many, that chapter paused during high school. But bikes have a way of finding their way back.
For Tim, that moment came in 1986.
Discovering Mountain Bikes
When Tim first discovered mountain biking, it wasn’t just another way to ride—it was a whole new world.
“I saw it as a way to explore, discover and most of all slide, jump and go fast on dirt trails, like a kid again!”
That feeling stuck.
By 1989, he entered his first NORBA-sanctioned race, and from there, he was hooked. His racing career spanned through the 1990s until retiring in 2002—a period he describes as the “glory years” of mountain bike innovation.
The Era of Small Shops & Big Ideas
Back then, mountain biking looked different.
Before mass production and global supply chains dominated the industry, there were small machine shops across the country creating aftermarket components—parts that made bikes lighter, faster, and more personal.
“Most of all cool and unique.”
It was an era defined by experimentation, craftsmanship, and individuality. Riders weren’t just buying bikes—they were building them.
Tim leaned into that fully, creating what he describes as “amazing, tricked-out race bikes” throughout those years.
Still Building, Still Riding
Fast forward to today, and not much has changed—except now, the builds are rooted in history.
Tim still enjoys curating bikes from that era, bringing together components that defined a generation of riding.
Which brings us to his latest build.
The Bike: 1993 Fat Chance Wicked Lite
At the center of this project is a 1993 Fat Chance Wicked Lite in gloss black.
Originally built as a “wife’s bike,” it was found on Marketplace in remarkably good condition—low miles, well stored, and equipped with Shimano XT/DX components.
A perfect starting point.
Building It Right
Tim approached this build the way many riders did in the early ‘90s—thoughtfully, intentionally, and with an eye for both performance and aesthetics.
Front End & Wheels
An early ‘90s Bontrager Switchblade fork sets the tone up front.
The wheels are something special:
- Custom-built with Nuke-Proof hubs (carbon front, titanium rear)
- Laced to WTB Power Beam rims
- Finished with polished Ringle Holy Stix skewers and matching seatpost binder bolt
Drivetrain
At the heart of the build is a full White Industries LMDS shifter/derailleur system, paired with:
- Custom polished billet crank arms
- Speed Metal titanium crank bolts
- Adventure Components 38T chainring
- Shimano HG chain
- Shimano XTR 8-speed cassette
- White Industries titanium bottom bracket
It’s a setup that blends precision, durability, and unmistakable character.
Braking & Details
Braking is handled by Paul Components Stoplight cantilever brakes, front and rear, paired with Scott/Mathauser finned pads.
Additional touches include:
- Polished Ringle MOJO peace sign front hanger
- Avid Tri-Align rear
Details that feel right for the era—and still hold up today.
Cockpit & Contact Points
Up top, the build continues with carefully selected classics:
- Chris King 1” polished headset
- Ringle Zooka stem with 17° rise
- Fat City Cycles handlebars
- Paul Components Love levers
- YETI grips
The seat setup features a Syncros post paired with a mint Selle Italia Flite saddle.
Rolling on Maxxis Holy Roller tires, with a Ringle H2O bottle cage to finish it off.
The Result
“What can I say? I think it came out awesome and it rides like a dream!”
That’s really the goal.
Not just a bike that looks right—but one that feels right. One that captures a moment in time while still delivering on the ride.
