how much will chrome add to the weight?
09-24-07, 07:42 PM
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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
How much would chrome plating add to, say, a frame?
tia
09-24-07, 07:50 PM
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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......
But I suppose it would depend on the size of frame, the amount of chrome and the weight of the chrome......
09-24-07, 08:02 PM
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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.
09-24-07, 09:20 PM
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Not much more than paint will, if any.
09-24-07, 09:38 PM
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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.
09-24-07, 09:41 PM
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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-
Last edited by well biked; 09-24-07 at 09:47 PM.
09-24-07, 10:27 PM
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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.
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.
09-25-07, 08:52 AM
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Weight weenie! 
09-25-07, 08:56 AM
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The lightest frame I've ever had was a 60s, all chrome Carlton in 531.
09-25-07, 12:01 PM
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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!
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!
09-25-07, 04:39 PM
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Don't worry about the weight. Hydrogen embrittlement is the real concern with plating.
