Chromag Darco - Frame & Shock

This is a special order product, unless noted that it is in-stock please allow additional 2-3 weeks for fulfillment time.

Contact info@smithcreekcycle.ca for confirmation on availability and colours.

SHOCK // Rockshox Super Deluxe Air Ultimate

Chromag has been making bikes for almost 20 years, and all of this knowledge and expertise has trickled down into creating The Darco. As you might have expected, this bike draws strongly on their steel hardtail roots.

The Darco rolls on 29” wheels and has 150mm of travel up front paired with a stout 120mm in the rear, a hardtailers full-suser if you will. Chromag's geometry philosophy has carried right over onto this bike, pairing slack head tube angles (64°) and steep seat tube angles (78°), with ample room up front (490mm reach on M/L). Perfect for the type of terrain in the Sea to Sky, steep climbs and steeper descents.

Given what they know is achievable on a hardtail, it seemed appropriate to spec this bike with a reservoir shock. A shock intended for more aggressive riding and much less likely to be overwhelmed when in the thick of it.

This bike has been a labour of love for them, and a project with such scope deserves a name near and dear to our hearts. Their dear friend and Chromag mechanic D’Arcy Burke passed away after a courageous battle with cancer in 2020. They affectionately referred to him as “The Dark One”. The Darco is a tip of the hat to their friend.

Materials

As you might expect from any Chromag, The Darco relies firmly on a 4130 chromoly steel foundation. We believe that the ride characteristics and aesthetics for which our hardtails are known, absolutely translates to a full suspension platform.However, a dual suspension rig provides different challenges, which is why we opted for 6066 aluminum chainstays. Primarily for weight saving and stiffness, but the chainstay also houses bearings which is more difficult to do in steel. Building the chainstay out of aluminum helps strike the right balance of compliance and rigidity.The rocker is made from forged aluminum due to its strength/weight ratio and ability to be machined.

At the same time, it keeps things simple and intuitive. With no hidden hardware, sliders, or concentric multi-link pivots, every pivot can be accessed, bolt-checked, and worked on without taking the whole bike apart.

Suspension Philosophy

Geometry