Chromag bikes

Zoso · May 23, 2004

I've never ridden one, but I've inspected a frame in person at Evolution in Whistler. The frame was really well made, the welds were solid for sure. The freeride version is a bit hefty for me, but I am definitely considering the 4x-type frame.

MMcG · May 23, 2004

How much do they cost?

And what makes them unique or different than all the other burly hardtails out on the market right now?

MMcG · May 23, 2004

Originally posted by segerton
the freeride version costs about 800. IMO, the geom seems to make it more trail/fr then dj/urban which makes it different than most of the other burly steel hartails out on the market.

You could probably get a builder to make you a custom bike based on your personal preferences for less than $800.

Unless that is $800 Canadian - then what does that make it?? Probablay still someting around $650 or so??

Enginerd A2 · May 23, 2004

I briefly looked into getting a TRL, mainly because they come in bigger sizes for tall dudes who still need to climb. The dudes who run the company were very cool, but the frames are a little pricey for my budget. According to the guy I talked to, all the bits and pieces are machined locally, so I would assume the fit and finish is pretty nice.

MMcG · May 23, 2004

Originally posted by segerton
It's $800 US. Any builders you could recomend? I'm in mass and I've been looking at the AZTECH's as well. U may have heard of them since you're from CT.

AZTECHS? Link?

Are you dead set on cromoly?

If so, contact Doug Curtlo of Curtlo Cycles

Or Steve Stickel of Bystickel bikes - not sure if he has a web site up and running but he makes kick ass custom frames.

Just provide them with the specs you are looking for.

There is also a guy who goes by Gonzostrike on MTBR.com who has his own line of steel hardtails coming out or already out - prices are well under $800 if I remember correctly.

Good luck!

Enginerd A2 · May 23, 2004

Originally posted by segerton
yup, that's what i'm talking about. i'm 6'1 and i don't want 2ft of seatpost hanging out of my bike for the climbs. and i try to climb everything.

I'm just shy of 6'3 and I ended up getting a used size large Planet X Compo, which is working out quite nicely so far.... It is pretty much my only bike, aside from a fixxie commuter, so it has to do everything. Other frames I was looking at include Surly Instigators, Banshee Morphines, Cove Stiffees, and SC Chameleons. Recently, I ran across a post for Soul Bikes. They have an 18" hardtail that looks decent and the price is most definitely right at $215 (I'm going cheap these days). However, they're pretty new and there isn't much feedback on their frames yet. A bunch of people on this board have gotten "sponsored" by them, but that seems more like a membership discount or something.

Evel Monkey · May 23, 2004

Soul Cycles just knocked down the price of the titan to $195 w/ free shipping.

Enginerd A2 · May 23, 2004

Sorry to temporarily derail this thread, but what's the deal with them? It seems almost too good to be true. Yeah, I know, Taiwanese frames, small inventory, etc. etc., but does anything have any real experience with this company?

Oh, and I think if I could afford a TRL, I would have a hard time choosing it without riding one. I also really like Endless frames, but, again, I'd need to log some miles on one to be convinced that I could go on long rides with it. A long Evil Sovereign, however, I could see myself taking the plunge on.

I may be offbase on this, but it seems to me that the TRL is a very nicely crafted, overbuilt, but a little standard, trail bike, cut from the very same cloth as your typical mid-90's steel hardtail. Some other frames out there are offering some different schools of thought with more regard to "new school" riding.

Honeywell · May 23, 2004

Originally posted by KonaJosh
Sorry to temporarily derail this thread, but what's the deal with them? It seems almost too good to be true. Yeah, I know, Taiwanese frames, small inventory, etc. etc., but does anything have any real experience with this company?

I saw they just signed up on the board a couple days ago. Hopefully they'll post some more information, as I too am seriously considering getting one to replace my FS.

Craw · May 23, 2004

Chromag is a sweet name for a bike company.

It is a must for anyone that owns a Chromag bike to scream out:

"HARD TIMES, ARE COMING YOUR WAY!"

Everytime they sit on the bike.

Mackie · May 24, 2004

Originally posted by Craw
"HARD TIMES, ARE COMING YOUR WAY!"

NICE! Harley Flanagan rules!

Roasted · May 24, 2004

Originally posted by segerton
It's $800 US. Any builders you could recomend? I'm in mass and I've been looking at the AZTECH's as well. U may have heard of them since you're from CT.

Are you sure? Its 800$ cdn here and the frames are beefy. Damn nice equipment. The geometry is pretty close to the 2002 models of Kona roast etc...Slack but not so slack it seem ridiculous to ride.

The company is small and building a customer base. I am sure as they grow they will start getting the bikes out there.

Evel Monkey · May 24, 2004

Originally posted by segerton
the geom attached

I like these numbers. For personal preferance, I would like to see just a bit lower st length, however. Nice frames.

buildyourown · May 24, 2004

Check out Peyto Cycles. They make a bike called the Wild Bill
I think he quoted me a custom price of ~$650 usd.
There prices are really good for custom work. They also make an 853 version of it. I have seen his work and was impressed. I have also done business dealing with him and he is a standup guy.

http://www.peytocycles.com/

I can also vouch for Curtlo. Very good price to quality ratio. Probably higher end but also more expensive than Peyto. Super nice guy too.

Peyto would probably be the better bet for a freeride bike. I'm not sure why more people don't look at custom. It really isn't any more money if you go to a smaller builder and teh quality is definilty there. Plus, you can spec whatever you want. Bottle openers, fancy dropouts, tubing spec, weight.

Good luck and have fun.

MMcG · May 24, 2004

Originally posted by buildyourown
Check out Peyto Cycles. They make a bike called the Wild Bill
I think he quoted me a custom price of ~$650 usd.
There prices are really good for custom work. They also make an 853 version of it. I have seen his work and was impressed. I have also done business dealing with him and he is a standup guy.

http://www.peytocycles.com/

I can also vouch for Curtlo. Very good price to quality ratio. Probably higher end but also more expensive than Peyto. Super nice guy too.

Peyto would probably be the better bet for a freeride bike. I'm not sure why more people don't look at custom. It really isn't any more money if you go to a smaller builder and teh quality is definilty there. Plus, you can spec whatever you want. Bottle openers, fancy dropouts, tubing spec, weight.

Good luck and have fun.

Good Call on the Wild Bill from Peyto!

buildyourown · May 24, 2004

Originally posted by segerton
Thanks for all the input. Are any of you riding a steel hardtail with a long travel fork for trail/fr??

I have a steel hardtail with a Z1 Qr20. It is setup more for trail riding and less for big stuff but its a lot of fun. I wanted a bike that I could ride all day without getting a sore back. For me, that means that the tt is so long that I really can't jump the bike. That is why I contacted Peyto about building me a bike. I wanted the best of both worlds. I never got one because I couldn't find the money. Stupid house :mad:

buildyourown · May 24, 2004

Originally posted by segerton
Yup, sounds like we're looking for the exact same thing. I'm trying to imagine what the measurements would be on my perfect bike with my 6 inch fork. Best thing about the fork is the travel control. I slam i down to 4 inches for climbing and flick the switch to 6 for the way down. I currenty have a 18 inch 2002 Stinky Dee with a 6 inch romic in the back. I love it but it's a little too small cause I'm 6'1 and would rather be stretched out for the climbs. I want to simplify to a steel ht to lighten things up and get back to my roots.

Sounds like we are looking for the same thing...the holy grail of bikes. I would really suggest that you go custom. I told Peyto exactly what I wanted and he said he could build it for a reasonable price.
I wanted:
Medium length toptube. Not cramped, but jumpable.
5" fork
Short cs with room for big tires.
18" seattube.

The problem I have with most "aggressive" hardtails is that I'm too tall and they are made for short people. I'm 6'1" with long legs. If I raise the seatpost up high enough that I can pedal, I run out of seatpost. I don't need the crouch clearance of a 13" bike.

Chromag bikes

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