LONG-TERM REVIEW: CHROMAG LOWDOWN G2 – LONG, LOW, BUT DIFFERENT
A long-travel steel full-suspension mountain bike that defies the status quo
LONG-TERM REVIEW: CHROMAG LOWDOWN G2
Chromag’s Lowdown is the longest-travel offering from the British Columbia-based company. At 158mm of rear squish, it’s not going to catch anyone’s attention for pushing suspension boundaries. But, from a company historically known more for sturdy and slack steel hardtails, this steel/alloy full-suspension option is one worth eyeing for the chromoly connoisseur.
FRAME
A 4130 chromoly front triangle married with aluminum rockers and an aluminum rear triangle, the Lowdown continues Chromag’s take on low, long and stout bikes appropriate for B.C. trails. The steel tubeset is custom-drawn to the company’s spec, too. Why the steel front triangle? Chromag’s founder, Ian Ritz, says it’s a combination of extensive familiarity and experience with building steel frames, along with Ritz’s appreciation for steel’s aesthetics and ride characteristics.
Conversely, forged-aluminum rockers made the most sense for ideal strength-to-weight ratio, along with the shape and complexity of the rocker shape. And, the 6066 aluminum rear end was chosen for its stiffness, weight savings, and less complex pivot-bearing housing.
Geometry is really long with a 513mm reach on a size large and really slack with a 63.5-degree head tube angle. The seat tube angle is steep at 79 degrees, and the chainstay lengths are fixed across all sizes at 440mm. Chromag offers an MX link for those who want to run mixed wheels. This link retains the geometry numbers and costs $350.
Like many brands, Chromag has adopted replaceable UDH derailleur hangers and sources theirs from SRAM. Cable routing is also easy on mechanics, as it’s all external, save the last run of the dropper-post housing. A threaded bottom bracket shell, 148mm Boost spacing, an injection-molded chainstay protector, top-tube belly bosses, and room for a water bottle on all sizes round out the Lowdown’s details.
SUSPENSION
Beyond the rather niche material choices, the Lowdown uses a somewhat standard four-bar linkage suspension platform. Instead of a small company trying to reinvent the proverbial wheel, then entering the complex next step of outlier shock tunes, this platform allows much easier shock-tune orders from RockShox. The end result is a trunnion-mounted shock with a tune easily dialed in to Chromag’s target trail feel.
The main pivot uses an expanding collet-axle system to avoid too much preload and squeezing the bearings by over-tightening the hardware. All pivots use Enduro Max bearings, and the pivot hardware is machined from 7075 aluminum. All pivot hardware can be accessed without needing to disassemble anything, which is always a nice touch.
A rarity in current trends, the Lowdown is void of most anti-squat characteristics by design. According to Ritz, B.C.’s steep, loose and technical climbing calls for a more active suspension platform than average. The result is a bike that did in fact climb quite nicely up some of the steepest trails we’ve ridden. It’s a rather linear tune as well, but Chromag states there is a different air can for the RockShox Super Deluxe that provides a more progressive ride quality. It’s a popular choice among bike-park riders.
All Lowdown sizes use the same shock tune, which includes two volume spacers. This makes for a relatively easy adjustment in that there’s both room for one more spacer, as well as the obvious ability to remove one or two existing spacers. Front suspension duty is assigned to RockShox’s ZEB Ultimate fork with 170mm of travel, and a RockShox Super Deluxe Air Ultimate shock is utilized out back.
COMPONENTS
Pricing starts at $3650 for the frame with shock, and there are two complete build options, ranging in price from $8000 for a SRAM X0 Transmission setup to $6000 for our SRAM GX-based test bike. As one would expect from a company with a healthy components line, the Lowdown is chock-full of Chromag parts, which consists of handlebars, stem, wheels, grips, saddle, seatpost collar and headset spacers.
A SRAM GX Eagle mechanical drivetrain propels the Lowdown, and SRAM Code RSC brakes are on speed-regulation duty. Rounding out the SRAM package is a RockShox Reverb dropper post whose travel is tailored to the frame size. Our size-large frame was pleasantly adorned with a 200mm version, which was greatly appreciated. However, it needed servicing within the first couple of rides, so it seems Reverbs are still a bit finicky with their hydraulics.
CLIMBING
The mostly steel steed lugged its way up some truly steep and slippery trail covered with roots and slimy rocks. The Lowdown was predictable, stable and propelled forward with whatever wattage the rider’s legs produced. Admittedly, a few extra watts were needed to overcome the rather portly 38.8-pound, size-large Lowdown, but after a few rides the extra weight wasn’t much bother.
The omission of anti-squat made sense on challenging B.C. trails, and it was impressive to find traction in places that often prematurely flashed that vehicular traction warning icon in our minds. Even cranking up steep, slippery slabs while out of the saddle had the Lowdown firmly planted.
It wasn’t until pointing the Lowdown up forest service roads that the want of anti-squat crept in. For the niche vibe of Chromag’s long-travel bike, the heavier-than-average weight and squishier-than-average traits on smooth trail or road climbs are an admitted nitpick. It is, after all, a small-batch, mostly steel, full-suspension bike. But, for those who may need to hear confirmation of a steel-framed, long-travel bike not being the best of climbers, the Lowdown is not the best of climbers.
DESCENDING
Dropping into double-black Whistler trails on the Lowdown was a treat. It provided a balance of being lively and easily maneuverable, while firmly holding lines through some of the most demanding trails we’ve ridden. At a currently conservative 158mm of rear-wheel travel for a long-travel bike, it was half expected to bottom the Lowdown out on bigger drops and hits, especially with a rather linear shock tune. Yet, while all travel was being used on a daily basis, there was rarely a harsh end point in the rear-wheel path.
The steeper the trail, the more the 63.5-degree head tube angle felt at home. And, the rear end tracked nicely to wherever the front end was pointed. Whether it was characteristics of a steel front triangle, the shock tune or a combination of both, the Lowdown felt pleasantly planted and predictable throughout all conditions it was ridden through. These were welcome traits when riding over nasty roots, rock gardens, and even questionable wooden features.
At a whopping 20.2 inches of reach for a size large, the limo-like cockpit worked well in keeping rider weight nicely centered. There’s no denying that the long, slack Lowdown is, well, long. Just like many current bikes, the length equates to a balance of stability and reduced maneuverability through tight trail. Chromag uses 17.3-inch chainstays on all sizes, which felt appropriate on the large size. An optional mullet kit is available for the Lowdown for those interested in a tighter rear end. Otherwise, the 52.1-inch wheelbase on our loaner was manageable in all conditions, but needed a touch more concentration through low-speed twisty stuff.
WHAT DID WE LOVE?
Chromag’s Lowdown was a pleasure to ride in BC. It’s more than capable of being ridden down the burliest trails in North America, and respectably manages the climbs required to do so. Its stability and predictability stood out in regards to ride quality, and it’s dripping in steel style. In a world where house-brand components are often a more generic and budget option in build kits, Chromag’s hard goods only add to the Lowdown’s form and function.
WHAT DID WE HATE?
It’s likely wishful thinking to want a steel frame of this genre to be a little lighter, but there’s no denying that the Lowdown is a bit portly. We also had some heel-clearance issues on the seatstays with size-45 shoes and Shimano XT Trail pedals. Chromag says this isn’t a common complaint, and mentioned that the majority of Lowdown riders are on flat pedals, which offer more foot-placement options to avoid clearance issues.
BOTTOM LINE
For riders with an appreciation for a steel frame made by a small brand, Chromag’s Lowdown is a great option. There’s an undeniable fun factor of being on such a niche bike, as riding it around Whistler garnered many a compliment and inquiry. And, it is quite the conversation piece outside of Chromag’s backyard, too. From a strictly performance aspect, the added weight and lack of anti-squat on less challenging trail are worth noting. But, the Lowdown offers enough performance within the current parameters of long-travel bikes to likely be a satisfying choice for those interested in such a bike.
CHROMAG LOWDOWN G2
CATEGORY: Enduro
WHEEL SIZE: 29″
SUSPENSION: 170mm (front), 158mm (rear)
Price: $6,000
Weight: 38.8 pounds (without pedals)
Frame tested: 158mm travel 4130 steel and 6066 aluminum
Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe. Air Ultimate
Fork: RockShox ZEB, Ultimate 170mm
Wheelset: Chromag BA30 rims and Chromag R4 hubs
Tires: Maxxis Minion DHF/DHR Double Down
Seatpost: RockShox Reverb(150mm S, M), (175mm M/L), (200mm L, XL)
Saddle: Chromag Trailmaster DT
Handlebar: Chromag OSX35 25mm rise, 800mm
Stem: Chromag HiFi35 BSX 35mm
Grips: Chromag Format
Headset: Cane Creek Forty ZS
Brakes: SRAM Code RSC
Rotors: SRAM 200mm
Rear derailleur: SRAM GX Eagle
Shifters: SRAM GX Eagle
Crankset: SRAM GX 170mm
Bottom bracket: SRAM DUB 73mm threaded
Cassette: SRAM GX Eagle 10-52t
Chain: SRAM GX Eagle
Chainrings: SRAM GX 32t
GEOMETRY SIZE LARGE
Head tube angle: 63.5°
Effective seat tube angle: 79°
Reach: 513mm (20.2″)
Stack: 637mm (25.1″)
Bottom bracket height: 345mm (13.6″)
Chainstay length: 440mm (17.3″)
Wheelbase: 1,302mm (51.3″)
