Last week we wrote an article that compared the weights of some of the most popular alloy frames on the market, it was called One for the weight weenies: Alloy Frames. Since then there’s been a request from readers to compare the weights of current cromo frames, which is right down my alley, so here goes.

When BMX racing was at it’s peak in the early 80’s cromo was king. There was no sign of carbon fiber or titanium, there were some alloy frames like Race Inc and of course SE, both were, and are still, considered many years ahead of their time,  however alloy frames then were about as common as cromo frames are today.

Only in the mid 90’s, with manufacturing advances – thanks to the construction of mountain bike frames – made aluminum cheaper and easier to work with. This was the turning point where alloy race frames began to out sell cromo. Today the aluminium BMX frame is the standard, but cromo is far from dead.

I find it interesting that cromo race frames are marketed as a race/trails frames or one frame to do everything. It’s true, it would be more suited to all aspects of racing. But it doesn’t mean it can’t be a serious race frame. For example the Supercross Bolt LT and the Supercross ENVY frames share the exact same geometry. The only difference between the two frames is the material used and the slight weight difference between the materials. They share a proven race winning geometry that won Supercross many awards.

In some pockets around the globe cromo is still very much alive, the East Coast of Australia is one of the healthiest areas in the world for cromo frames with brands like S&M, Supercross and Standard quite popular. While it would be safe to assume that a lot of the people riding them are in the older age categories, there are a bunch of youngsters also enjoying the unique feel of cromo.

Once again we’ll compare apples with apples and the weights listed will be for the 20″ Pro XL frames.

It’s been a lot more difficult than I’d imagined to obtain simple information about cromo frames like the weight. But don’t worry there are a whole lot more cromo frames around like the reborn Elf and Hutch, then there’s the Brew, Schneider, and others. There’s also a few more to come, CCH is about it reveal it’s prototype cromo frame and Supercross are about to release the production model of the 450z, the Bolt LT replacement.

The lightest cromo frame in our list, the Standard 125R, is 3.9lbs or 1769 grams, the lightest frame in the alloy list, the Supercross ENVY, is 2lbs 15oz or 1332 grams. While many would say that cromo is “too heavy” you are talking a difference of just 15. oz or 438 grams. It’s not significant enough to write off the cromo frame as an option for a serious race frame.

Many riders will never get to experience the feel of a cromo frame just because of the era they are racing in. It’s a peer thing to ride the latest alloy frame, just as much as it is for new riders to use clip pedals before they learn the correct riding techniques and basic skills. There’s a tonne of fast people racing on cromo frames and in most cases those guys are on flat pedals. If you haven’t raced a cromo frame it’s time to question your peers, next time you see someone on a cromo race bike ask them if you can check it out.

The thing about cromo is it tends to have a greater life span than alloy, so in the long run could prove to be a better investment. Weight, looks, brand name…none of that has ever been a priority for me what’s important on the track is a comfortable and reliable race frame which is why I choose cromo and have for many years.