I think the biggest reason for absence of chrome on the frames from U.S.-based builders is that chrome is a very expensive process to undertake here in the U.S., which is a direct reflection on the fact that chrome plating has a lot of very nasty chemical by-products that must be disposed of. The EPA has, to my knowledge, has really cracked down on the rules and regulations that dictate this disposal process, as there have been some really major environmentally damaged sites where plating has been carried out and wastes not disposed of properly. Not all countries have such strict oversight of their plating industry, Italy and the U.K. for example.
It should also be said that not everyone doing plating does an exceptional job. The quality of a chrome plate (or nickel/gold etc) is directly linked to the quality of the prep work that goes into the job, which to a large extent involves buffing the metal. As a result, I think a lot of frame builders shy away from chroming, as they have yet to find a firm that offers superior plating on a consistent basis.
Dave Patrick Chelsea, Michigan
-----Original Message----- From: classicrendezvous-admin@bikelist.org [mailto:classicrendezvous-admin@bikelist.org]On Behalf Of Kurt Sperry Sent: Monday, August 19, 2002 2:11 PM To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Subject: [CR]American Framebuilders' Antipathy to Chrome
I have always wondered about American custom framebuilders apparent antipathy to chroming. I can't say how many times I've seen beautifully built and painted custom frames with really ugly DOs, the paint scarred by the simple removal and replacement of the wheels. I admit like a crow I am a sucker for shiny objects and both my Cinelli and my Bartali sport chrome lugs etc, but surely it is just common sense to chrome plate at least the DO flats if not the forks and stays so one's beautifully finished and expensive custom frame isn't turned tatty-looking by the first inevitable wheel removal and replacement. Or perhaps I'm missing something?
Kurt Sperry Bellingham WA
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