Rootdown M/L AXS Copper Plated 1/1
This special Chromag in-house project is the product of some serious daydreaming at our warehouse, a 1/1 Rootdown frame plated in copper complimented by machined in Canada components and AXS drivetrain tech.
At the Paris motor show in 2012, Peugeot revealed their Onyx hypercar concept. The Onyx featured the latest in hybrid engine technology. In stark contrast to the futuristic curves and state-of-the-art engine, were the materials used in the construction. The Onyx’s dominating aesthetic feature were two gorgeous copper plated front wings and doors, raw and uncoated, set to patina beautifully over time.
The design principles of the Onyx are what provided inspiration for the Rootdown you see here. It’s all about the materials: The simple steel frame provides dampening and an elegant and clean aesthetic. The alloy OSX LTD bars give compliance and comfort to the rider and the full grain leather saddle makes a hellova worthy throne. The copper, plating the entire frame, protects the steel from corrosion, as well as providing eye candy that will patina beautifully with age. While the Rootdown doesn’t have a V8 Twin turbo hybrid powertrain, modern wireless shifting drivetrain tech from SRAM ensures it goes as good as it looks.
The Rootdown was initially taken for plating in Vancouver, the frame is placed in a electrolytic bath and a current is used to cause copper ions to adhere to the surface of the 4130 Chromoly steel. The result is a strong and extremely well adhered copper coated surface. The frame was then polished by hand to a mirror finish, before having the graphics you see here added. To play into the patina-filled future of this bike, the graphics were added using a salt and vinegar solution around a set of decals, over a period of two weeks. This treatment accelerated the oxidation process, creating the vibrant teal Chromag graphics which mimic those of the production Rootdown. The Bike was built up with GX AXS wireless drivetrain and dropper post, making away with unsightly cables. This combined with the new 2023 Code Stealth Ultimate brakes and a silver accented Chromag cockpit results in an elegant, paired down look.
This antithesis of old and new technologies and materials culminates in a very special bike. This surface will change over time, depending on whether the new owner chooses to polish the copper, or leave it to age. No matter what they decide, we’re sure that it’ll never fail to spark curiosity of other riders with an appreciation for unique two-wheeled-aesthetic.
Disclaimer: This bike is uncoated and will change in appearance. Whether you choose to polish and keep it buffed is up to you, but we would recommend embracing the beautiful patina that will develop over time.
The purchaser of this special bike will be gifted a full Chromag riding kit, and receive exclusive access to our Friends & Family discount program.
Almost all Chromag frames are made from quality 4130 chromoly steel tubing. Chromoly is an abbreviation for chromium-molybdenum indicating the materials that the steel is alloyed with.
The added chromium helps increase the steels hardenability and also provide some corrosion resistance.
The molybdenum helps to increase the toughness of the steel.
It has a high tensile strength but is also malleable which is what gives our frames their notorious ride quality and feel. Chromoly is often used when more strength is required than that of mild carbon steel.
It falls under the AISI (American Iron & Steel Institute) 41XX designations which is where the “41” comes from. The “30” indicates it contains approximately 0.30% carbon by weight.
Chromoly is much stronger than traditional 1020 steel and it has a higher strength to weight ratio and high tensile strength, which means we can use less material and achieve a product that can withstand the abuse that riders love to throw at it.
Hub Spacing // Boost 148mm (Axle and Hanger Included)
Headset // 44-56 Semi Integrated
Seat Clamp Size // 35mm
Seat post Size // 31.6mm
BB // 92mm Press Fit (PF92)*
Wheel Size // 29" or 27+
Recommended Fork Travel // 150 - 170mm
Click here to view the frame user guide.
* We hand ream PF92 BB shells carefully to a high tolerance and BB cup dimensions from different manufacturers vary. We follow SRAM-Dub specifications and SRAM BB cups are our first recommendation for the most accurate fit. If there is a specific BB/Crank combo you wish to fit to your frame, we can assist in evaluating the fit and even potentially ream and fit the BB for your new frame.
PARTS | ||
---|---|---|
FORK | Rock Shox Lyrik Select+ 160mm |
|
STEM | Chromag RIZA 32mm | |
HANDLEBAR | Chromag OSX LTD | |
HEADSET | Cane Creek Forty ZS | |
CRANK | SRAM GX | |
BRAKES | SRAM Code Ultimate | |
ROTORS | 180mm | |
SHIFTERS | SRAM GX AXS | |
CASSETTE | SRAM GX 52-10t | |
REAR DERAILLEUR | SRAM GX AXS | |
WHEELSET | Chromag 29" BA30 Rims with Chromag R4 Hubs | |
TIRES | Maxxis Minion DHF/DHR | |
SEATPOST | Rock Shox Reverb AXS 170mm | |
SADDLE | Chromag Trailmaster LTD | |
GRIPS | Chromag Basis | |
CHAIN | SRAM GX |
Head Tube Badge
Your bike is special. The head tube badge is the finishing touch so we’ve always made a point of taking the time to do something interesting with it. Our head tube badges have changed over the years and are an indication of the time each bike was made. Whether it’s a cast bronze, or polished stainless steel, water cut aluminum or a 3D CNC carving, each one represents our commitment to detail.
Dropouts
As 12mm through axles have proven to be solid, reliable and convenient, we have committed most of our models to utilize this format. Our 12mm dropouts are accurate and tough and feature a removable derailleur hanger with a sturdy interface for strength and reliability. All 2017 models (excluding Monk and Nice Dreams) will follow the 148mm boost spacing.
Yokel
Our ‘Yokel’ design is a small machined junction on the chainstay that helps accommodate both tire clearance and chainring clearance. Our first versions were huge CNC yokes that bridged the entire front end of the chainstays. Over time we refined this to minimize weight by arranging our chainstay layout asymmetrically and reducing the yoke to a minimal size. It’s one of our most unique frame features and has been copied by other frame makers.
Chain Stay Protector
All Chromags now ship with our injection moulded chain stay protector to help keep the paint fresh and the noise low. These have an adhesive applied, but also slot for zip ties if they come unstuck years down the line, or if you want to apply it to another frame.
Rootdown Geometry
Frame Size | STypical Rider Height: 155cm - 165cm | MTypical Rider Height: 163cm - 174cm | M/LTypical Rider Height: 172cm - 183cm | LTypical Rider Height: 181cm - 192cm | XLTypical Rider Height: 190cm - 200cm |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
630 | 630 | 639 | 648 | 657 | |
421 | 446 | 463 | 487 | 503 | |
578 | 603 | 622 | 648 | 667 | |
95 | 95 | 105 | 115 | 125 | |
1177 | 1202 | 1223 | 1251 | 1272 | |
50.8 | 50.8 | 50.8 | 50.8 | 50.8 | |
320 | 320 | 320 | 320 | 320 | |
677 | 714 | 738 | 762 | 799 | |
420 | 420 | 420 | 420 | 420 | |
368 | 406 | 431 | 456 | 494 | |
188 | 226 | 251 | 276 | 314 | |
64° | |||||
76° | |||||
29'' |
* Max. post insertion based on Rockshox Reverb
















Rootdown Sizing
Note: This is an approximate guide, some people have longer legs than others! Feel free to contact us to discuss.
If you're between sizes, it's a good idea to try to ride them both, either by hopping on a demo or stealing from a close friend.
If that isn't an option, examine reach, stack and ETT numbers on your current bike and compare.
If you're between sizes, it's a good idea to try to ride them both, either by hopping on a demo or stealing from a close friend.
If that isn't an option, examine reach, stack and ETT numbers on your current bike and compare.