Chromag Stylus

[enduramil]

Just wondering if the frame is any good for trail riding, meaning can it be ridden on mountain bike trails? Similar to say the Kona Stuff which I have seen used as a mountain bike.

I ask because I know some frames are pure dirt jump even though they claim otherwise.

[Chuck D. Railer]

i run the gypsy, so same numbers as the stylus.
i can hardly dirt jump
skatepark/street is like a foreign language to me
i mostly only ride trail on it, and its friken wicked! I had a stiffeefr before, and the chromag is waaaay sweeter. Steel rocks aluminum and is way more durable.
it even has a chain guide mount. what more could a guy ask?
This bike handles super fast, the back end is nice and short.
i'd rock it for sure

[enduramil]

I want to go back to a steel frame this winter and want a Chromag frame. Was looking at the TRL but $1100 for a frame is a bit much to swallow. Especially since I have my wedding next year to budget for.

I think I'll be getting the Stylus. What is the cost going to be roughly in Canada? I know the price listed in MBA is $645 US.

[TheGiggler]

if the guys at chromag say it's for trail too, you can believe them.

these guys aren't like some other companies.

all the details for trail riding are considered, proper seat tube angle, proper top tube length, nice seat tube extension so you are not running a stupid long seat post ...

i can't think of a single bad thing about these frames, if you can overlook the high cost. but it's a frame that could last decades so if you look at it that way ...

[enduramil]

if the guys at chromag say it's for trail too, you can believe them.

these guys aren't like some other companies.

all the details for trail riding are considered, proper seat tube angle, proper top tube length, nice seat tube extension so you are not running a stupid long seat post ...

i can't think of a single bad thing about these frames, if you can overlook the high cost. but it's a frame that could last decades so if you look at it that way ...

I agree, especially after seeing a TRL frame last Christmas at Dizzy when I was in Van to visit the parents.

The cost thing is why I'm going to go with the stylus, ironicically the fiance just looked at it in my MBA she "borrowed" and thought I should get that. Sort of that happy medium.

Anyone know the retail cost? Need to know so can budget for it.

[TheGiggler]

well if 645US you'd guess between 700 & 800... ?

that's pretty good IMHO, for a handbuilt frame. compared to what Evil and others want for handbuilt steel HTs.

i assume there are still being made in Squamish by Mike Truelove ...

[enduramil]

well if 645US you'd guess between 700 & 800... ?

that's pretty good IMHO, for a handbuilt frame. compared to what Evil and others want for handbuilt steel HTs.

i assume there are still being made in Squamish by Mike Truelove ...

I figured that would be what it is roughly. Just want a confirmation.

By the way, just looked at the updated site. When is the store going to be up?

[smoochy]

if the stylus is made in canada by the same guy, where are the cost savings coming from? the materials of construction are only a fraction of the total cost, esp considering that they aren't using boutique steels...

[TheGiggler]

if the stylus is made in canada by the same guy, where are the cost savings coming from? the materials of construction are only a fraction of the total cost, esp considering that they aren't using boutique steels...


good question.

IanR is on this board so he may get back to us...

[blunt boy]

From the article I was under the impression that the Stylus is made overseas.

from the article
"Like the handbuilt-in-B.C. models, the Stylus is a highly detailed frameset..."

I took that to mean it wasn't built in BC.

[enduramil]

From the article I was under the impression that the Stylus is made overseas.

from the article
"Like the handbuilt-in-B.C. models, the Stylus is a highly detailed frameset..."

I took that to mean it wasn't built in BC.

Still looks nice though.

[ZHendo]

i am actually going to get a stylus likely in the next month, and here's the deal about the frame. It is still handmade, but not made in the US. It is cheaper according to Ian because it is assembled entirely in one building and doesn't have to shipped around the the machinist and all the other guys that have to work on it, saving time and money. However, the attention to detail is clearly not as good as the other frames. At 6.8 lbs, it is heavier than the TRL from what I recall. This is a little strange because it doesn't even have all of the gussets and the full length seat tube that the TRL has. Ian seems confident that it will be able to handle tons of abuse and I believe him. It is still a beautiful, high quality frame, just not the caliber of the other Chromag's which are almost the nicest frames you can buy alongside an IF Beatstick.

[ianr]

Hi,
Some answers about the Stylus.
It is made overseas, we searched carefully for an excellent facility and we are very happy with the workmanship and the frame quality is to our standards. Also we believe we are dealing with good people....
The price is more affordable for a number of reasons, we are making a larger volume and the facility is able to perform every step of the process from machining to welding to paint, stickers, etc. We have simplified some of the machined parts, for example if you look at the dropouts the arcs in the pockets and of the overall shape are a larger radius, this means we can use larger tools that cut faster and dont wear out as easily.
The geometry is identical to the Gypsy, the intention is that this can be a true "trail" bike that is designed for versatility in singletrack enviroments but it is also compact enough to rip jumps, skatepark etc. There is also a large size for taller riders who need more seat tube extension and cockpit length.
The Tubeset gauge is also identical to the TRL and Gypsy and like these frames the intention is that this frame will stand up a very high level of rugged terrain riding, from the shore to the park and beyond. The frame weight is slightly heavier than our TRL or Gypsy, only by about .3lbs, this is due primarily to the simplification in machining detail. The complete shown in the picture, which includes Mavic 721's, Maxxis 2.5 dual plys and a Pike 426 weighs in at 34lbs.
MSRP is $750. and there will be a limited number of completes starting at $2350.
I hope that answers all the questions, I'm out for the day so wont be able to reply but feel free to email if you have any questions at info@chromagbikes.com

[enduramil]

Thanks Ian.

Forgot one thing. The graphics looking like the pic in MBA or the website?

[smoochy]

Ian is the bomb.
betcha those complete bikes won't last long...

[ZHendo]

I recently asked him about the completes and he said they were out until next year already

[blunt boy]

Still looks nice though.


TRUE DAT!!

[blunt boy]

Hi,
Some answers about the Stylus.
It is made overseas, we searched carefully for an excellent facility and we are very happy with the workmanship and the frame quality is to our standards. Also we believe we are dealing with good people....
I hope that answers all the questions, I'm out for the day so wont be able to reply but feel free to email if you have any questions at info@chromagbikes.com

You guys make great products and I think it was wise to diversify. It will only make your company stronger and allow you to continue putting out quality products, both locally made and overseas.

[senior discount]

the king of hardtails!!

[ZHendo]

so, i am going to build up a stylus, does anyone have any recommendations between the fox 36, rockshox pike 426 u-turn air and the manitou travis 150? Cheaper is better, as is lighter. Please consider that I will be using the bike for freeride, DH on smooth courses like the Sea Otter's, and 4X racing, but mainly all-mountain trailriding. i think that for these applications to all be applicable, i will need to go with one of the 2 adjustable forks.

[enduramil]

You guys make great products and I think it was wise to diversify. It will only make your company stronger and allow you to continue putting out quality products, both locally made and overseas.


That they do.

Well have made the decision that I want a Stylus. Time to work some extra shifts and clean out the junk at home, Hello EBay.

*rattling of tin cup*

Donations for Chromag Stylus fund.:P

[Straw]

well if 645US you'd guess between 700 & 800... ?

that's pretty good IMHO, for a handbuilt frame. compared to what Evil and others want for handbuilt steel HTs.

i assume there are still being made in Squamish by Mike Truelove ...

I think that it's made overseas and badged chromag.

For 2006 Chromag is proud to announce the debut of the Stylus frameset, a production model created to offer riders a frame with the features and detail Chromag is know for, at a competitive price. Like the handbuilt-in-B.C. models, the Stylus is a highly detailed frameset featuring many of the same unique components, including machined dropouts, chainstay yoke, headtube and two-piece seattube insert system.

edit: this has been answered already.

[enduramil]

Looking at the colour choices for Novembers frame purchase.

Anyone got a pic of the black or the Blue Stylus frames? Just want to check out the colour.

[smoochy]

what they call gunmetal blue?

[Straw]

FanatykCo in Whistler has a Stylus, complete. I think it's light blue. It's got Pike 426, X-9, Chromag, etc. It's a demo I guess, and it's going for a really good price considering the spec. $2100-2300 I seem to remember, but you best call them to be sure.

^^^I think this frame might be gunmetal blue?^^^

[smoochy]

pretty sure that gunmetal blue is a code for "baby blue" to make the hairy chested among us feel better. it's still hawt tho.

[TheGiggler]

anyone know when these frams will be avail. to general public?

is there any pre-ordering going on to ensure that you get one?

my bro needs one of these badddd ... for the price there is nothig on the market than can touch it, IMHO ...

[smoochy]

FanatykCo has a shitload in their shop - no need to wait or worry...

[TheGiggler]

FanatykCo has a shitload in their shop - no need to wait or worry...


any idea what they're asking for a frame-only ?

[smoochy]

i was too in awe of their radness to notice the prix - next time i stop by i'll check.
Max

[enduramil]

any idea what they're asking for a frame-only ?

$750.

Well I'm stuck between Black and The green. Anyone have a pic of the black frame?

[leverfingers]

Go Ian!

[enduramil]

Frame colour choice has been made as the process continues.

Just want to say the Ian is a great guy to deal with.