'66 Ironhead Progress

Rick Fichter: I'm trying to decide on the placement of the tank on the '66. I have to figure whether I'm going high Frisco style or drop it low; I'm leaning toward Frisco style. The tank is incorrect for a '66, but it was common in the early 70s to replace the tank with this sleek AMF era style. I really like it. Most likely I'll use my painting skills to patina the rear fender then match up the tank in that way-cool blue.

This is my brand spanking new but old stock Carlisle rear tire. These are pretty tough to come by around here, especially an old stock one like this. This is true Chopper in my eyes, if not the best handling tire. Made, basically to ride in a straight line - sounds like the Arizona desert to me - and I will sacrifice maneuverability for the great looks. I'm already in love with it. Settled; it's definitely not coming off.

Just got my hands on a new 21-inch front wheel. I’m going with a 21 front, 16 inch rear - pretty much standard Chopper issue I like this shit; I like the stance of the bike and it just feels right with that combo. Although I could try an 18 on the back, I think I’m gonna keep it this way. Stay tuned. 

Me and my buddy, Thor, welded up this rear brake caliper mount. It took a little bit of time to give it a neat, clean look.  I’m pretty happy with the way it came out. I don’t think I could’ve got it any smoother though I'' grind it down and make it cleaner. I like the way it looks on the back of the frame; you barely noticed that there’s a caliper on the back wheel, which was kind of the goal. So this is also a keeper.

What's New on the Bike Scene

Couples Who Pick Together, Stick Together

As 168 seeks to grow its brand, we'd like to take our friends and readers along with us for the journey. We started this site a few weeks back in media res - the fancy way to say "in the middle" - but now we'd like to backtrack a bit. A lot has changed over the years: the small tattoo shop has evolved into a two-artist studio - and growing - we've added the bike shop, offset printing, silk screening, and expanded our vintage goods. It's a 24/7 life. 

168 is the lifelong journey of Rick and Leah Fichter and it's their constant creative energy that drives the business along. "A chopper builder's wife isn't always happy," Rick says, "but Leah is the heart and soul of what we do. Leah is Ride or Die. She gets pissed at times and has to bring me down off the ledge: 'You don't need it; you're not trading that; no way; forget it; case closed," but if it wasn't for that we'd have no business and wallow in an endless vintage sea. If it wasn't for Leah, I'd be out of control; she knows me better than I do. At times the problem is, she starts thinking like me; that's what happens after awhile, but then the realities set in and Leah's the one who takes it all on. She turns problems in challenges."

It's been nonstop the past year or so with the shop's expansion and now the bike shop is settling into its new digs. Here are some before and afters, yeah, we're getting there:

Check back with us everyday for updates, vintage goods, bike news and bullshit - it's what we do.