Mark, My own experience with chrome is from a mid 80's Miele that has a chrome fork. It stayed nice for 20 years then a small area chipped. I brought it to a chrome shop here in CT where they re-chromed it and it once again is beautiful. Then about a year ago I made a frame for a customer that wanted it full chrome. I used the same lugs as you find on the old chrome Paramounts. The bike is beautiful! Although it did take 2 tries at the Chrome shop. Now all it takes to keep it clean is a spritz of Windex and a wipe down with a paper towel. This is one of the lightest bikes I've built. The finish on the frame has to be perfect though. Chrome hides nothing. I also own 2 powder coated bikes. They wear well. By the way... He says he loves the bike. It's on my web site below.
Dwight
Dwight Bowen
Bowen Bicycle Works
http://www.bowenbicycles.com
(860) 836-9765
bowenbicycles@sbcglobal.net
From: Mark Lawrence <mark.lawrence@firstreadthis.com> Subject: [CR] How practical is a fully chromed frame? To: "Classic Rendezvous" <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org> Date: Thursday, June 11, 2009, 7:04 AM
Hello CR list members
Is there anyone who rides a fully chromed frame who is prepared to discuss the advantages/disadvantages of chrome as a finish for full frame and forks compared to stove enamel or powder coat?
I've seen some beautiful Alex Singer and Rene Herse bikes that are full chromed. My faith in these builders tells me that this was not a purely aesthetic decision. However, I wonder about the longevity though, in particular their resilience to wear, tear, chips, scratches and so on. I've also heard mention that chrome is heavier compared to paint, but surely this is negligible, isn't it?
I'm looking forward to finding out.
Regards,
Mark Lawrence
Oxford
United Kingdom