How rare are chrome lugs?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 521
Bikes: 2015 Felt Z75 Disc, 2008 Fuji Cross Comp, 2010 Trek Navigator 1.0, 1974 Raleigh Sports, 1974 Schwinn Le Tour, 1981 Schwinn Super Le Tour, Surly Cross Check, 2021 Giant Talon 2
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 202 Post(s)
Liked 71 Times
in
60 Posts
How rare are chrome lugs?
I really like the look of chrome lugs on a vintage bike and was thinking I've seen very few with them for sale. I'm looking for a road bike from the 70s. Were there many bikes made with them? Are they all really difficult to find? I see them on Paramounts, but I generally only see those priced very high. I'm curious what I should be looking for to find one that hopefully isn't super expensive.
__________________
check out the Frugal Average Bicyclist
Frugal Average Bicyclist – The goal here is to help you keep cycling on a budget.
check out the Frugal Average Bicyclist
Frugal Average Bicyclist – The goal here is to help you keep cycling on a budget.
#2
I am potato.
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Pacific Northwest
Posts: 3,116
Bikes: Only precision built, custom high performance elitist machines of the highest caliber. 🍆
Mentioned: 29 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1789 Post(s)
Liked 1,630 Times
in
934 Posts
Chroming is a process done after the frame is built, but before the paint is applied. It's not terribly common. The only time I've seen "lugs only" in person was on a Windsor mixte. It's rare to do lugs only because of the additional masking & labor costs in the paint process
Having plain lugs & chrome socks (chain/seat stays) is common on low to medium low end bike boom era bikes. Nothing special there. It's as simple as dipping half of the frame in a vat of solution. It's an attempt to church-up an otherwise cheap frame.
Having plain lugs & chrome socks (chain/seat stays) is common on low to medium low end bike boom era bikes. Nothing special there. It's as simple as dipping half of the frame in a vat of solution. It's an attempt to church-up an otherwise cheap frame.
Last edited by base2; 04-24-22 at 08:42 AM.
Likes For base2:
#3
Happy With My Bikes
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 2,187
Bikes: Hi-Ten bike boomers, a Trek Domane and some projects
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 884 Post(s)
Liked 2,308 Times
in
1,118 Posts
Somewhere there is a thread here that shows some beautiful chrome lugs on some very nice bikes. But don't think that chrome alone is an indicator of quality as my Carabela shows that is not the case. I gave 10 bucks for this mid to late '70s Carabela and it is nothing special.
__________________
"It is the unknown around the corner that turns my wheels." -- Heinz Stücke
"It is the unknown around the corner that turns my wheels." -- Heinz Stücke
Likes For Chuck M:
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2020
Posts: 2,820
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1106 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1,328 Times
in
784 Posts
I really like the look of chrome lugs on a vintage bike and was thinking I've seen very few with them for sale. I'm looking for a road bike from the 70s. Were there many bikes made with them? Are they all really difficult to find? I see them on Paramounts, but I generally only see those priced very high. I'm curious what I should be looking for to find one that hopefully isn't super expensive.
Some other Italian lower-tier similarly chromed frames were made, Cararro, Bottechia, but the Torpados were/are the most common.
Likes For oneclick:
#5
Veteran, Pacifist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Seattle area
Posts: 13,328
Bikes: Bikes??? Thought this was social media?!?
Mentioned: 284 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3898 Post(s)
Liked 4,836 Times
in
2,229 Posts
Acer-Mex used chrome lugs a good bit.
Windsor is their top line product.
Here is the Carabela SemiPro with chrome headlugs. Low cost, far from a racer, passed thru my hands quickly.
Windsor is their top line product.
Here is the Carabela SemiPro with chrome headlugs. Low cost, far from a racer, passed thru my hands quickly.
__________________
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Likes For Wildwood:
#6
Happy With My Bikes
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 2,187
Bikes: Hi-Ten bike boomers, a Trek Domane and some projects
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 884 Post(s)
Liked 2,308 Times
in
1,118 Posts
I'd like my Carabela a lot more if its lugs were that pretty or even if it was in half as good of condition.
__________________
"It is the unknown around the corner that turns my wheels." -- Heinz Stücke
"It is the unknown around the corner that turns my wheels." -- Heinz Stücke
#7
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 521
Bikes: 2015 Felt Z75 Disc, 2008 Fuji Cross Comp, 2010 Trek Navigator 1.0, 1974 Raleigh Sports, 1974 Schwinn Le Tour, 1981 Schwinn Super Le Tour, Surly Cross Check, 2021 Giant Talon 2
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 202 Post(s)
Liked 71 Times
in
60 Posts
Oh that is pretty.
__________________
check out the Frugal Average Bicyclist
Frugal Average Bicyclist – The goal here is to help you keep cycling on a budget.
check out the Frugal Average Bicyclist
Frugal Average Bicyclist – The goal here is to help you keep cycling on a budget.
Likes For BikingViking793:
#8
Veteran, Pacifist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Seattle area
Posts: 13,328
Bikes: Bikes??? Thought this was social media?!?
Mentioned: 284 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3898 Post(s)
Liked 4,836 Times
in
2,229 Posts
Rode like a turd
__________________
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Likes For Wildwood:
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 3,304
Mentioned: 39 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1143 Post(s)
Liked 1,749 Times
in
965 Posts
I have a few, World imported by Schwinn is the cleanest. Rides much better than I thought it would. Weighs approximately 25.5 pounds, this one of the few bikes that came with Diacomp brakes matched with Shimano running gear.
I also have a Lygie from 1974, I haven't made the time to get this back on the road yet.
I also have a Lygie from 1974, I haven't made the time to get this back on the road yet.
Likes For Mr. 66:
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 3,304
Mentioned: 39 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1143 Post(s)
Liked 1,749 Times
in
965 Posts
I was going to say having chrome is not sign of quality, more fashion. I think originally the top models got the chrome to set them apart, as time moved forward the lesser models mimicked the top of the line. Much like how Team Raleigh had replicas, everybody wanted the look.
People wanted the look (or fashion statement) so much that company "Look" sprung forth.
People wanted the look (or fashion statement) so much that company "Look" sprung forth.
#11
Bike Butcher of Portland
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 11,639
Bikes: It's complicated.
Mentioned: 1299 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4682 Post(s)
Liked 5,802 Times
in
2,286 Posts
I have a couple.
74 Raleigh International
1979 Centurion Pro Tour. I also have a Centurion Semi Pro with sportier geometry that has chromed lugs, as well as a Windsor mixte, both with chromed lugs.
These were both production bikes, not hard to find if you search. I really like the look.
74 Raleigh International
1979 Centurion Pro Tour. I also have a Centurion Semi Pro with sportier geometry that has chromed lugs, as well as a Windsor mixte, both with chromed lugs.
These were both production bikes, not hard to find if you search. I really like the look.
__________________
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
Likes For gugie:
#12
vintage motor
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico
Posts: 1,595
Bikes: 48 Automoto, 49 Stallard, 50 Rotrax, 62 Jack Taylor, 67 Atala, 68 Lejeune, 72-74-75 Motobecanes, 73 RIH, 71 Zieleman, 74 Raleigh, 78 Windsor, 83 Messina (Villata), 84 Brazzo (Losa), 85 Davidson, 90 Diamondback, 92 Kestrel
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 164 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 102 Times
in
79 Posts
What frame size do you need? I have a 58 cm 1978 Windsor Super Carrera frame, which will be available in late May (when I get to Minnesota). It was modeled on the Cinelli Super Corsa with racing geometry and fastback seat-stays. Tange Champion #2 butted tubing and Suntour dropouts. Chromed long-point lugs, fork crown, and dropouts. Good chrome, the frame was recently repainted orange.
Some other frames with chromed lugs include the Raleigh International, Atala Record, and Windsor Profesional. Many of the better mass-produced Italian frames from the 60's-70's had chromed lugs.
Some other frames with chromed lugs include the Raleigh International, Atala Record, and Windsor Profesional. Many of the better mass-produced Italian frames from the 60's-70's had chromed lugs.
Likes For kroozer:
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Peoria, IL
Posts: 4,476
Mentioned: 86 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1829 Post(s)
Liked 3,376 Times
in
1,580 Posts
The Raleigh Internationals are nice bikes, and might be available for not a ton of money. Like Gugie, I've got a copper International, and it really is a lovely bike!
For no reason in particular, here's a close-up shot of the lower head lug and fork crown. I imagine that masking around the fancy Nervex lugs does add a bit to the cost of production. It doesn't look they spent too much effort with the lug lining, though.
If your appetite for chrome isn't satisfied by chromed Nervex Pro lugs, then perhaps a Hetchins Magnum Opus with optional chrome is more suitable?? It's a bit much for my tastes, but to each their own!
Steve in Peoria
For no reason in particular, here's a close-up shot of the lower head lug and fork crown. I imagine that masking around the fancy Nervex lugs does add a bit to the cost of production. It doesn't look they spent too much effort with the lug lining, though.
If your appetite for chrome isn't satisfied by chromed Nervex Pro lugs, then perhaps a Hetchins Magnum Opus with optional chrome is more suitable?? It's a bit much for my tastes, but to each their own!
Steve in Peoria
Likes For steelbikeguy:
#14
Klaatu..Verata..Necktie?
Join Date: May 2007
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 17,980
Bikes: Litespeed Ultimate, Ultegra; Canyon Endurace, 105; Battaglin MAX, Chorus; Bianchi 928 Veloce; Ritchey Road Logic, Dura Ace; Cannondale R500 RX100; Schwinn Circuit, Sante; Lotus Supreme, Dura Ace
Mentioned: 41 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10436 Post(s)
Liked 11,912 Times
in
6,100 Posts
My 1982 Lotus Supreme has chromed head lugs, fork crown, and chainstay. It was at or near the top of Lotus's line - Dura Ace, tubular tires, SR Royal Super Light stem. The lugs have cutouts, too, and came with the cutouts painted to match the frame. I also have another '82 Lotus, a Classique, which was farther down in Lotus's range. It has the bottom of the fork legs chromed, and that's it.
The paint on the Supreme was chipped all over when I got it*, which made it possible to figure how much of the frame and fork was actually chromed. They did the entire fork, but painted everything but the crown and the faces of the dropouts. The entire head tube, and the first 1/3 of the top tube and down tube are chromed, like they dipped it head tube first. For the chainstay, they seem to have dipped that at an angle, so the chrome goes a long way up the drive side seat stay but not the NDS.
*Hence its nickname, "Mrs. Peel".
The paint on the Supreme was chipped all over when I got it*, which made it possible to figure how much of the frame and fork was actually chromed. They did the entire fork, but painted everything but the crown and the faces of the dropouts. The entire head tube, and the first 1/3 of the top tube and down tube are chromed, like they dipped it head tube first. For the chainstay, they seem to have dipped that at an angle, so the chrome goes a long way up the drive side seat stay but not the NDS.
*Hence its nickname, "Mrs. Peel".
__________________
"Don't take life so serious-it ain't nohow permanent."
"Everybody's gotta be somewhere." - Eccles
"Don't take life so serious-it ain't nohow permanent."
"Everybody's gotta be somewhere." - Eccles
Last edited by genejockey; 04-24-22 at 11:17 AM.
Likes For genejockey:
#15
feros ferio
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: www.ci.encinitas.ca.us
Posts: 21,799
Bikes: 1959 Capo Modell Campagnolo; 1960 Capo Sieger (2); 1962 Carlton Franco Suisse; 1970 Peugeot UO-8; 1982 Bianchi Campione d'Italia; 1988 Schwinn Project KOM-10;
Mentioned: 44 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1393 Post(s)
Liked 1,329 Times
in
837 Posts
All stripped down and ready to rebuild. 1962 Carlton Franco-Suisse
Almost all-orig. 1960 Capo Sieger
__________________
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
Likes For John E:
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: PDX
Posts: 13,046
Bikes: Merz x 5 + Specialized Merz Allez x 2, Strawberry/Newlands/DiNucci/Ti x3, Gordon, Fuso/Moulton x2, Bornstein, Paisley,1958-74 Paramounts x3, 3rensho, 74 Moto TC, 73-78 Raleigh Pro's x5, Marinoni x2, 1960 Cinelli SC, 1980 Bianchi SC, PX-10 X 2
Mentioned: 267 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4512 Post(s)
Liked 6,387 Times
in
3,672 Posts
I really like the look of chrome lugs on a vintage bike and was thinking I've seen very few with them for sale. I'm looking for a road bike from the 70s. Were there many bikes made with them? Are they all really difficult to find? I see them on Paramounts, but I generally only see those priced very high. I'm curious what I should be looking for to find one that hopefully isn't super expensive.
Many of the iconic bikes that came with it were defined by it, you can see it from a long way off and know exactly what it is when you do.
A Raleigh International is your best bet bang for the buck, a copper, green or black one for contrast, it really pops on these and they can be had for decent $$$.
One example of value is Bianchi's top of the line, they were stingy with it but the ones that have it often command crazy prices and they don't have very much.
This is about as good as it got on them high end, very nice but somewhat minimal to me.
And a low end, stamped DO's and all with a very cool chrome fork crown.
Likes For merziac:
#17
Forum Moderator
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Kalamazoo MI
Posts: 20,650
Bikes: Fuji SL2.1 Carbon Di2 Cannondale Synapse Alloy 4 Trek Checkpoint ALR-5 Viscount Aerospace Pro Colnago Classic Rabobank Schwinn Waterford PMount Raleigh C50 Cromoly Hybrid Legnano Tipo Roma Pista
Mentioned: 59 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3091 Post(s)
Liked 6,601 Times
in
3,785 Posts
Another vote for the Centurion Semi Pro.
__________________
Likes For cb400bill:
#18
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 521
Bikes: 2015 Felt Z75 Disc, 2008 Fuji Cross Comp, 2010 Trek Navigator 1.0, 1974 Raleigh Sports, 1974 Schwinn Le Tour, 1981 Schwinn Super Le Tour, Surly Cross Check, 2021 Giant Talon 2
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 202 Post(s)
Liked 71 Times
in
60 Posts
What frame size do you need? I have a 58 cm 1978 Windsor Super Carrera frame, which will be available in late May (when I get to Minnesota). It was modeled on the Cinelli Super Corsa with racing geometry and fastback seat-stays. Tange Champion #2 butted tubing and Suntour dropouts. Chromed long-point lugs, fork crown, and dropouts. Good chrome, the frame was recently repainted orange.
Some other frames with chromed lugs include the Raleigh International, Atala Record, and Windsor Profesional. Many of the better mass-produced Italian frames from the 60's-70's had chromed lugs.
Some other frames with chromed lugs include the Raleigh International, Atala Record, and Windsor Profesional. Many of the better mass-produced Italian frames from the 60's-70's had chromed lugs.
__________________
check out the Frugal Average Bicyclist
Frugal Average Bicyclist – The goal here is to help you keep cycling on a budget.
check out the Frugal Average Bicyclist
Frugal Average Bicyclist – The goal here is to help you keep cycling on a budget.
#19
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 521
Bikes: 2015 Felt Z75 Disc, 2008 Fuji Cross Comp, 2010 Trek Navigator 1.0, 1974 Raleigh Sports, 1974 Schwinn Le Tour, 1981 Schwinn Super Le Tour, Surly Cross Check, 2021 Giant Talon 2
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 202 Post(s)
Liked 71 Times
in
60 Posts
Sounds like there are more options than I thought. Thank you for giving me some more hope of finding one.
__________________
check out the Frugal Average Bicyclist
Frugal Average Bicyclist – The goal here is to help you keep cycling on a budget.
check out the Frugal Average Bicyclist
Frugal Average Bicyclist – The goal here is to help you keep cycling on a budget.
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: PDX
Posts: 13,046
Bikes: Merz x 5 + Specialized Merz Allez x 2, Strawberry/Newlands/DiNucci/Ti x3, Gordon, Fuso/Moulton x2, Bornstein, Paisley,1958-74 Paramounts x3, 3rensho, 74 Moto TC, 73-78 Raleigh Pro's x5, Marinoni x2, 1960 Cinelli SC, 1980 Bianchi SC, PX-10 X 2
Mentioned: 267 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4512 Post(s)
Liked 6,387 Times
in
3,672 Posts
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Beaverton, OR
Posts: 14,744
Bikes: Yes
Mentioned: 525 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3230 Post(s)
Liked 3,868 Times
in
1,439 Posts
I just did a very unscientific survey, and it looks like about one out of every six bikes has chrome lugs. That's just counting the bikes in my garage, mind you. With a broader sample the proportion might be different.
I'm a very big fan of chrome lugs. They aren't easy to find, but when I do find them the chances that I'll try to buy the bike goes way up. Chrome fork crowns to go with them are also a bonus.
I'm a very big fan of chrome lugs. They aren't easy to find, but when I do find them the chances that I'll try to buy the bike goes way up. Chrome fork crowns to go with them are also a bonus.
__________________
My Bikes
My Bikes
Likes For Andy_K:
#22
Full Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Tropical Montana
Posts: 401
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 225 Post(s)
Liked 1,101 Times
in
327 Posts
Chrome lugs (head tube and fork crown) and dropouts.
__________________
Montana, where men are men and sheep are lying little tramps.
Montana, where men are men and sheep are lying little tramps.
Likes For majmt:
#23
Happy With My Bikes
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 2,187
Bikes: Hi-Ten bike boomers, a Trek Domane and some projects
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 884 Post(s)
Liked 2,308 Times
in
1,118 Posts
I've always wished the lugs on my Raleigh were chrome instead of the head tube. On the few places where the paint is chipped on it though, the chrome seems to be as good on the main tubes as it is the stays and fork. I'll never strip it though to find out.
__________________
"It is the unknown around the corner that turns my wheels." -- Heinz Stücke
"It is the unknown around the corner that turns my wheels." -- Heinz Stücke
Likes For Chuck M:
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: PDX
Posts: 13,046
Bikes: Merz x 5 + Specialized Merz Allez x 2, Strawberry/Newlands/DiNucci/Ti x3, Gordon, Fuso/Moulton x2, Bornstein, Paisley,1958-74 Paramounts x3, 3rensho, 74 Moto TC, 73-78 Raleigh Pro's x5, Marinoni x2, 1960 Cinelli SC, 1980 Bianchi SC, PX-10 X 2
Mentioned: 267 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4512 Post(s)
Liked 6,387 Times
in
3,672 Posts
I just did a very unscientific survey, and it looks like about one out of every six bikes has chrome lugs. That's just counting the bikes in my garage, mind you. With a broader sample the proportion might be different.
I'm a very big fan of chrome lugs. They aren't easy to find, but when I do find them the chances that I'll try to buy the bike goes way up. Chrome fork crowns to go with them are also a bonus.
I'm a very big fan of chrome lugs. They aren't easy to find, but when I do find them the chances that I'll try to buy the bike goes way up. Chrome fork crowns to go with them are also a bonus.
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: PDX
Posts: 13,046
Bikes: Merz x 5 + Specialized Merz Allez x 2, Strawberry/Newlands/DiNucci/Ti x3, Gordon, Fuso/Moulton x2, Bornstein, Paisley,1958-74 Paramounts x3, 3rensho, 74 Moto TC, 73-78 Raleigh Pro's x5, Marinoni x2, 1960 Cinelli SC, 1980 Bianchi SC, PX-10 X 2
Mentioned: 267 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4512 Post(s)
Liked 6,387 Times
in
3,672 Posts