Most cyclists know about the importance of frame type, seat height, and wheel width, but few know the impact a frame’s material has on your ride. Our chromoly steel frames give our riders a distinct advantage when it comes to strength, durability, and comfort.

What is Chromoly Steel?

Chromoly is an abbreviation for "chromium-molybdenum.” Chromium is classified as a transition metal on the periodic table and is known for its resistance to corrosion; Molybdenum is an element known for its strengthening properties and resistance to temperature fluctuations.

When combined, these elements form a specific alloy that is creep-resistant, meaning that unlike standard steel or aluminum, it won’t deform or shift over time. This alloy is also extremely strong; it can put up with a lot more bumps and bruises than aluminum, and rivals industrial steel when it comes to a general lifespan.

In summary, chromoly steel is lighter than regular steel, more flexible than aluminum, more cost efficient than titanium, and the perfect material for your bike.

How Does Chromoly Steel Affect My Ride?

Reliability

With its resistance to extreme temperatures, chromoly steel needs a special welding technique when building frames or joints. This technique increases the strength of the welded edges compared to steel or aluminum, strengthening the bike all the way through. Chromoly steel is also treated before and after manufacturing to increase the natural resistance to corrosion, dramatically lessening the chance of rust. With a chromoly steel bike, you can worry less about bike upkeep and enjoy riding year after year, rain, snow, or shine.

Portability

Chromoly steel is also much lighter than average steel while still maintaining similar strength; this translates to sleeker frames, faster speeds, and comfortable maneuverability. These characteristics make chromoly steel the perfect material for the city and commuter bikes.

Comfort

Chromoly steel is naturally shock-absorbent. Instead of adding bulky shocks to your front wheel, or worse, jittering along with every bump and crack along the way, the frame itself catches unpleasant road vibration, leaving you with a smooth ride.

The material of your bike can make or break the quality of your ride. Our commitment to chromoly steel allows you to have the best possible ride on every Detroit Bike.