Classic & Vintage - how much will chrome add to the weight?

I thought the plating was around 1/1000 millimeter?

How much would chrome plating add to, say, a frame?

tia

The best way to deal with this situation is not to think about it too much.

But I suppose it would depend on the size of frame, the amount of chrome and the weight of the chrome......

I know what you mean, but i was considering chroming a rim so, y'know ...rotational mass etc etc..

The weight in a chrome rim is in the steel, not chrome. Chromed plated steel rims are as heavy as rims go, and don't add much to durability.

Not much more than paint will, if any.

Hmmm? I guess with main frame and stays 300 square inches of surface times 1/1000000 of a meter thickness times 30.48 inches/meter = ~ 1/100 of a cubic inch and 7+ specific gravity . . . cAll it a gram and forget about it.

How much would chrome plating add to, say, a frame?

I think it adds several ounces, but probably not as much as a half pound on an average size frame. I've got a Centurion Pro Tour, Tange Champion #2 tubing, 21" frame, fully chromed beneath the paint. The frame weighs 4 lbs., 13 ounces. I believe other frames with that tubing, in roughly that size, without chrome, weigh around 4 lbs. 8 ounces, maybe a little less. This is based on a discussion I had with someone about a similar bike with the same tubeset, but without chrome. Strictly a guestimate, though-

often chrome is put on over nickel or copper plating for better appearance, so you actually have two layers of plating.

I have more experience with things like bumpers, but the difference between a chromed bumper and a painted bumper is not noticeable, even with very thick plating, and thin paint.

Besides, every street racer knows that chrome makes you faster, so weight shouldn't be considered.

Ken.

Yeah, all those electrons reflecting off the shiny chrome chainstays actually move the bike forward faster.

Weight weenie! :p

The lightest frame I've ever had was a 60s, all chrome Carlton in 531.

OK thanks classic&vintage forumers.

I don't think chrome makes an ideal braking surface.

Personally I try not to brake, it slows me down.

Shoot, I've ridden Dura Ace AX brakes for so long, I don't think I know how to stop if I had to!

Don't worry about the weight. Hydrogen embrittlement is the real concern with plating.

A B I G +1


Regards,
J T