Is chrome done?

15 03 2019

S&M Bikes owner Chris Moeller may have just sounded the death knell for chrome bmx bikes.

A staple of the bmx scene for decades, a chrome frame was de rigueur for BMX riders in the 80s and remained popular for many right up until the present day.

But with more stringent environmental regulations hitting many chrome shops it’s getting harder and harder to make the business case with continuing to offer chrome bike parts.

This is especially true in California where S&M Bikes is located.

Moeller dropped the bomb on his Instagram last night:

More bad news from the chrome shop. As of April 1 pricing is going up again, and it’s way up this time…50% increase on chrome frames. Get your American made chrome @sandmbmx and @fitbikeco parts ASAP because we’ll probably phase chrome out after March.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu-ZmLNjjp1/

Granted, some companies that source from overseas may be able to make the numbers work for a little longer….but word on the street is that regulations are tightening up all over these days.

What does that mean then in the end?

Chrome parts are going to get rarer, what will be available will get more expensive….and if you have plans to get some chrome parts, you better jump on it like right now!

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Fairdale Taj Cruiser in classic chrome

30 03 2015

Way back in September, while poking around the displays at Interbike, it became clear that 26-inch cruisers were having a moment.

More and more companies were adding 26-inch cruisers to their lineups and it was pretty cool to see more big wheel BMX bikes getting some time in the sun.

One of the cooler 26″ cruisers on display was the Fairdale Taj Cruiser.

Built tough but maintaining a retro vibe in its appearance, it has always been a real eye-turner.

If you remember that post (or check it out here), you’ll remember we got the “inside scoop” that Fairdale had plans to offer it chrome.

Well, it looks like Fairdale is doing just that.

Upping the ante again, in the classic, old school looks department.

Yes, my friends…it looks like a classic chrome version of the Taj Cruiser is in the offing!

Fairdale Taj ChromeSo nice!

Word on the street is that these will be arriving in the next couple weeks.

Don’t sleep on these though, I have a feeling these are gonna go quick.





Fit CR24 gets an update for 2010

16 09 2009

Fit bikes just released their 2010 catalogue and it looks like the CR24 has been updated for the new year.  Available in chrome (pictured) and black it looks like Fit has followed the lead of Sunday bikes and gone with a higher bottom bracket. We the People also went with a higher BB on their 2010 24″ Avenue. (I guess there’s no better vindication of Sunday’s pioneering move to update 24″ bike geometry than to have other big-name companies use it on their own models.)

I’m a bit suprised that the top tube length is now shorter…down to 21.25″. While not a significant difference, a large number of 24″ riders are the big side so making the rider area smaller seems to be a strange move.

Also, would it kill them to put some gold components on the black version? They’ve done it on some of their 20″ models and it really makes the bike look sharp.

I do like the chrome version though. It’s got that sweet, old school 80s vibe to it.

Fit CR24 2010