When hardtail frames are your bread and butter, it’s probably only a matter of time before you start thinking about titanium. Until now Chromag has stuck to producing chromoly hardtails exclusively, but it seems even the ‘steel is real’ crowd can’t resist the lure of lightweight, forgiving titanium.
The popular Surface 29/27.5+ all-mountain model was chosen as Chromag’s flagship ti offering. Aimed at those who ride rough terrain, the Surface is designed to fit a 150mm fork and features the brand’s ‘trail-honed’ geometry which keeps it in line with modern enduro/AM trends.
The Surface Ti is made entirely from custom-spec 3AL-2.5V titanium tubing and components, including the CNC machined head tube and dropouts (which have a replaceable hanger).
The rear end uses a Boost 12x148mm axle, and the 31.6mm seat mast is ported for stealth dropper post routing. Sticking with the tried and true, the bottom bracket is a 73mm threaded type.
Chromag’s new CNC machined ‘Yokel’ chainstay yoke allows for generous tire clearance: The new Surface can fit up to 27.5×2.8” or 29×2.5” tires. Chromag has refined their yoke into a smaller, asymmetrical design that helps accommodate bigger tires and chainrings while keeping weight down.
SIZING
| M | M/L | L | XL | |
| TYPICAL RIDER HEIGHT | 5’5″-5’10 165-178cm |
5’8″-6’2″ 173-188cm |
6′-6’4″ 183-193cm |
6’3″-6’7″ 190-199cm |
| TOPTUBE LENGTH (EFFECTIVE) | 23.75″ 603mm |
24.5″ 620mm |
25.5″ 648mm |
26.25″ 667mm |
| SEATTUBE LENGTH (C-TOP) | 17″ 431mm |
18.5″ 470mm |
19.5″ 495mm |
21″ 533mm |
| REACH | 428mm | 447mm | 473mm | 492mm |
| STACK | 653mm | 653mm | 653mm | 653mm |
As for geometry, the Surface has constantly evolved over the years to stay up-to-date. The new version features a longer front end, a short rear, plus slack steering and steep seating. To be exact, the head tube angle is 66° and the seatmast sits at 75° (all geometry is calculated with a 150mm fork). The chainstays measure a stubby 425mm on all frame sizes.
Although the size is not specified, Chromag lists the Surface Ti’s frame weight at 4.25lbs. The frame alone will retail for $3100 USD, in sizes M-ML-L-XL.
You can also buy the Surface Ti as a complete bike with a pretty high-end build kit. For $6450 the complete features a Rockshox Pike RC 2-position fork (150/120mm), a Sram X01 Eagle drivetrain, Sram Guide RSC brakes, and a Reverb Stealth 170mm dropper post. Chromag completes the build with some of their own components like a Ranger 40mm stem, 780mm Cutlass carbon handlebar, Trailmaster LTD saddle and Phase 30 wheelset.
Surface Ti frames come in a sandblasted finish with polished logos only. Interested buyers should contact Chromag to place an order. The Ti frames will be available in 2018.
