This is one of a handful of first-generation Hutch frames known to survive (manufactured by Profile Racing during the short-lived (year-long) relationship between the two companies). Profile clues are found in the high weld points of the rear triangle top, angle cuts at rear axle slot entrances, and most importantly, a drilled brake bridge.
This particular frame was in very sad shape and almost destined to scrap. Many have already read this frame's history recounted by Brian Hays in the drilled registry thread (link); however, I'm repeating it to tie the bike to the story. After Brian, the frame went through at least one other set of hands in Colorado before I got a hold of it and brought it back to its home state of Illinois.
I would like to thank Brian for not throwing it away (lol) and passing on the story, Tom (KIW) for inspiration and encouragement, Alan McCorkle for parts and advise, Johan (JJR), Rob (vintagechromoly), eBay (more lol), John DeBruin and any others I've talked to along the way, and finally Rodney, of course, for his brilliant work bringing it back to life... get well soon man!
History of this Lil' Hole Shot frame via Brian:
The frame you have was sold new by Little Ade's back in the early 80's to a young boy who rode for the Little Ades Racing team at the Pekin Livestock review building track at Pekin Park and Detweiller Park in Peoria. The boy was killed in a car accident, from what I understand, at some point in the 80's and the bike (or frame at least) ended up back at the bikeshop. I have no info on when the frame damage occurred in the timeline but anyway......
Fast forward 25 plus years. Mike (Ade's son) who took over the shop when his father passed away, called me to help him clean out "the hot box" which was a storage trailer at the back of the bike shop property. We dug out a Race Inc RA10 (I still have) and about 15 other bikes and framesets. Reynolds Quads, loop Mini Rippers, Elf Mini, Mongooses, Hutches, loop PK Ripper. Just a ton of great stuff in this trailer from BITD. I bought alot of what I could afford at the time and Ebayed the rest for Mike to put the money back into the shop. We did real well with the endevor. This Lil' Hole Shot frame was in this bunch of stuff.
The headtube had a huge nasty repair at the top tube/down tube junction and had been ridden hard. Because of the shape of the frame and the repair, with me not being Hutch savy yet, I sold it on Ebay for him for $50, not realizing the significance of the drilled brake bridge. Mike and I talked about the frame itself and the story of the young boy who rode it trying to decide whether to sell it or junk it. I knew enough at the time to know that because it was Hutch, someone would want it. Glad to see you got it and that you have done it such great justice.
The Pictures
Parts list:
(You'll notice a purposeful lack of Hutch components, as I was aiming for an era-correct 1981 mini racer.)
- Hutch Lil' Hole Shot (by Profile) and Profile mini forks.
- Powerlite Powergrip Bar Jr. (used)
- Pro-neck Mini stem (used)
- Uni "hammerhead" seat with integrated fiberglass post (used)
- NOS A'me grips (bagged)
- NOS Shimano DX brakes (bagged)
- NOS Dia Compe 2-peice seat clamp (loose)
- NOS Campagnolo Junior Sport (150mm) crank set. (boxed)
- NOS Skyway Tuff Pedals (boxed)
- NOS Phil Wood hubs (boxed)
- NOS Araya tubular rims (wrapped)
- NOS Panaracer sew-up tires (bagged)
- NOS Shimano freewheel (boxed)
- NOS Izumi Chain (bagged)
