Originally Posted by
jimmuller
I couldn't say, but they are shiny and bright. I see no obvious change in finish color between the race and the rest of the cup. I wold have thought chrome would wear off pretty quickly. Anyway, I really don't know but if I knew for certain and said I didn't know, I'd be wrong.
Sounds like the races aren't chromed.
You're right, any chrome comes right off under the rolling balls, leaving a jagged edge highlighted by the copper underplating.
I've also seen headset races with chromed raceways where the chrome flaked right off.