Kurt _____ asks:
Has anyone ever heard of a chromed frame cracking or breaking due to Hydrogen embrittlement? It's a stress reaction the metal experiences during the nickel plating phase of the chroming process. Also, what's your take on the merits of the use of "Frame Saver?" +++++++++++++++++++++++ I had one chromed Paramount develop a transverse crack ~2 cm long across the top tube, ~ 1 cm behind the back end of the head lug. Schwinn repaired under warranty, and gave me my choice of color - but they would not (and Waterford still won't) rechrome. It may be the only Paramount in captivity with chromed seat stay eyes and chain stays, but not chromed head lugs. :-) I still have, ride, and love the bike. I am not in a position to say whether the failure was due to hydrogen embrittlement, but such failures were not unheard of.
As far as using Frame-Saver is concerned, I am impressed that some pretty authoritative people are recommending its use. I have had one experience with a rechromed stay that corroded from the inside, so I would certainly use FrameSaver or equivalent on chromed bikes today. Even if it were no more than an amulet to ward off the evil rustie spirits, seems small price ($, grams) to pay in protection. Disclosure: I might be biased. I trust Peter Weigle completely, and have one of his bikes. He bribed me by giving me some to use, in a different transaction. :-) Easy to use.
May the blessings of the season help all of us become better people.
harvey sachs
mcLean va.