Blasphemy? (Yeti Replica)

[Farmfield]

So,

Back in the day I had a Yeti Ultimate (and also an FRO) and I'm currently rebuilding a early nineties 'Tucker' (Easton alu frame/fork) but the more I've been looking around for parts and such the more the interest to get a Yeti frame/fork rose...

But... They're not easy to come by - and thay aren't cheap if you do...

So, being a TIG-welder the though hit me... Should I build a replica?

My thought was this, build it close to the original, but not that close it's a copy (I won't bother with the oval toptube) and I'm also thinking of using interchangeable/movable dropouts (so it can run as singlespeed and/or design a disc brake version). If I'm doing this I'll use aircraft grade 4130 (already got a supplier).

One question though, am I out of line here, hehe... Is this blasphemous?

 

[FSR-Si]

Why not just build your own frame without calling it a Yeti, Sounds far better than building a snide imo of course.

 

[scant]

if you're using moveable dropouts & round toptubes it wont like anything like a yeti anyway as they're some of the most prominent yeti features.
building your own frame to your requirements sounds much wiser.



... yes I know a few yetis slipped through with round toptubes

 

[Crell]

It won't be a Yeti, and if you put Yeti stickers on it you will be mocked!

If you've got the skills to build your own bike that'll be far more interesting.

 

[Retroms68]

just do your own thing without passing it off as somethin else ... imo that would be cool. Or if your a patient person an orig yeti is worth waitin for. Have you any pics of your current build ??

 

[lewis1641]

I'm with the general feeling on this. Use your skills to make a frame suitable for your needs and style. Draw influences from other frames but don't pass it off as anything else. You will get far more respect

 

[Scrat]

+1

If you have the skills and motiation to build it, have enough pride to put you own name on it

You never know it may become a future classic like the early one offs that

Keith, Doug, Frank, Tom etc built

 

[kaiser]

do you mean using the yeti as a blueprint for your own?

 

[shovelon]

Sounds like a great project. I say go for it, as it would honor the design.

Post pics please.

 

[minor_LEGEND]

Likewise, building something that matches your requirement is cool, but painting it Yeti colours would be a crime. You thinking 1 piece stays? 4130 not a bit heavy?