1990 Don McClung Shortie
The FRO, as an abbreviation of For Racing Only, went through many iterations during its long tenure within the Yeti line up. Starting out as something of an overgrown BMX cruiser, it would become a touring bike, a true cross country mountain bike, and eventually an overly stout bike capable of downhill runs such as this example. Using the Evolution headset size introduced by Gary Fisher, the front end of the bikes were rock solid and capable of staying on track regardless. Built at the Agoura Hills, CA facility, this particular bike found its way to people involved in the movie industry where Yeti founder John Parker had once worked. The bike has two graphic markings of some significance, the first being the "St. Henri's" bike shop sticker. Saint Henri's was a high-end shop in Malibu, CA operated by Trevor Lindsey and known for assembling exotic bikes for the local clientele. The other marking is the simple "Grafton Performance" decals on the fork legs, which are an early font and an indication of the earliest version of the exotic brake design. Of course, the standout feature of the bike is the paint scheme, which in real life is lavender and hot pink. Done in wet paint rather than powder, the scheme is the work of a painter name Girard that did a limited number of bikes for Yeti. While some like it and some don't, it screams 1990 without a doubt. The build of the bike is straight forward Shimano Deore XT, with the original, push-push version of STI. The tires are Tioga Farmer John and Farm John's Cousin, as made popular legendary racer John Tomac.
The Build
Year: 1990
S/N: N/A Frame: Don McClung Shortie Fork: Rock Shox RS-1 Modified Stem: McClung Clamp On Headset: Tange Falcon Sealed Bottom Bracket: Suntour XC-Pro Grease Guard Handlebar: Nitto Tapered Shifters: Shimano Deore XT M732 Front Derailleur: Shimano Deore DX FD-MT62 Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore DX RD-MT62 Brake Levers: Dia Compe Advantage 5-SL Front Brake: Shimano Deore XT M732 Rear Brake: Shimano Deore XT M732 Crankset: Suntour XC-Pro Microdrive Chainring: Suntour XC Pro 20-32-42 Pedals: Shimano Deore XT M737 Hubs: Shimano Deore XT M732 Rims: Ritchey Vantage Pro Tires: Pararacer Smoke 26 x 2.1 Seatpost: Strong Saddle: Selle Italia Turbo Grips: Magura Pow-R-Grip Cogs: Shimano Hyperglide Chain: Sachs Sedis |
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