Chrome Dilemma - inspiration needed

[ken_shields]

Hi all

I was stripping the paint off my Koga frame yesterday and found that the dropouts and about half the seat and chain stays are chrome plated.

Now here's the dilemma........

Do I get the frame repainted as it was with just the chrome dropout showing or do I get the chrome masked and keep it on show on the finished paint job.

To help me out could you post me some pics of your bikes with chromed rear stays and dropouts so I can get an idea of what it will look like before I commit to a repaint

Thanks in advance

Ken

 

[Nob]

Get them re-chromed & return the frame to its original make up if you can.
Chrome looks sweet when polished & reflects the early morning sunshine

 

[ken_shields]

TBH the chrome is almost perfect so doesn't need replating. My dilemma is whether I should paint over it and just leave the dropout faces and chain pin as the only showing chrome

 

[roadking]

Less in More.

I believe less is often more.

Frames do look classier with just the dropout faces chromed, this approach often underwrites quality and craftsmanship rather than smothering a low quality frame in (usually) poor chrome as a selling point.

But then I like class and loath bling.

And on a practical note, new chrome delays restoration.

Rk.

 

[Old Ned]

Chrome stays etc. resist knocks and chain scratches. I'm having a frame refurbed by Chris Marshall at the present and will be keeping half chrome forks and rears. I think it looks smart.

 

[roadking]

Less is still more.

We rural folk in Lincolnshire can't afford all that chrome .

My personal ideal is my SBDU, fully chromed fork, chrome rear dropouts, I use a hi-tech aviation industry (clear film) product on the chain stay, it is almost undetectable and no paint damage.

Less is more IMO.

Did you ever see a chromed Massey Ferguson?

Rk.

 

[ken_shields]

Roadking

I think in the MTB world this mysterious aviation tape is known as helicopter tape from its use to protect the leading edge of carbon fibre rotor blades

 

[roadking]

Roadking
I think in the MTB world this mysterious aviation tape is known as helicopter tape from its use to protect the leading edge of carbon fibre rotor blades

Possibly, I have been using this product for over 20 years, my Dad worked in the aviation sector for many years (design engineer), which is how he/we became familar with all kinds of products - I have shelves of interesting stuff most people have never heard of (and most likely not interested in).

Example - was using the product now marketed as Rain X before it became commercially available.

Roadking.

 

[mrlee]

from this

to this

I love chrome in the sun, but only when it suits the bike,

 

[foz]

totally OT, but that pale blue paganini is stunning! really beautiful frame!