After weeks of overthinking geometry charts and debating between a M and M/L, I finally ordered a Chromag Lowdown frame kit in size M. At 177 cm tall with an 82 cm inseam and a 182 cm wingspan, I was particularly concerned about the relatively short top tube on the Medium. On paper, it looked like it might be too small. So why not M/L?

Coming from a Trek Slash Gen 5 Carbon in size M/L, a bike I loved for years and always felt completely at home on, I was aiming for similar geometry numbers when choosing the Lowdown. Looking at the charts, most of the key geometry figures of the Lowdown Medium were surprisingly close to my Trek. As mentioned, the only number that kept making me hesitate was the effective top tube length, which is in theory 37mm shorter due to the steeper seat angle.

However, once the bike was built (straight forward and hassle-free), all my sizing concerns disappeared within minutes. Seated, the fit felt natural immediately, and climbing comfort was excellent from the first ride. Even though I swapped all components 1:1 over from my Slash, except for dropper post.

The biggest number on paper is the weight. The steel Lowdown frame kit is roughly 1.2 kg heavier than my Trek frame. Honestly, that's something I stopped noticing almost as soon as I started riding. The steep seat angle puts you in a very centered climbing position, making the bike feel efficient and balanced on the way up. Ascending fire roads, I would describe the feeling a bit less vibrant but more consistent.

What impressed me most, however, was how playful the bike feels. Despite the additional weight, it takes very little effort to move around on the trail. Rear wheel placements happen with minimal input, and popping off trail features or pulling into jumps feels surprisingly easy and intuitive.

When the trail gets rough, the Lowdown really comes alive. Compared to my previous bike, I feel like I have more reserves when things get fast and technical. The bike remains calm (and silent) over roots, ruts and rocks, giving me noticeably more confidence. This might add up to the frame's compliance. Even paired with carbon wheels, the Lowdown still delivers that subtle but unmistakable steel-bike feel, smoothing out trail chatter and adding comfort and grip. However, so far only home turf experience with no bike park time.

Beyond the ride quality, I also appreciate the simplicity of the frame. No unnecessary complexity, just a clean, well-executed design. Ok, the cables are no more neatly hidden ;-).
The best compliment I can give the Lowdown is that it made me forget about geometry charts, weight figures, and specifications. It simply feels right!

The ordering process from Canada to Switzerland was surprisingly smooth. Shipping was fast, communication was excellent, and apart from Swiss VAT, there were no additional customs duties. The frame arrived exceptionally well packaged and protected. I was also pleasantly surprised to find that the frame kit came with Rock Shox's latest generation shock. It shows that Chromag isn't cutting corners when it comes to spec choices and adds even more value to an already impressive package.

Chromag had the best price, shipping was good and everything I needed was right there in the package!

Purchased the rootdown frame and headset plus some handlebars.
It was posted to Australia faster then as if I bought something from Australia I couldn’t believe it.
Frame is mint and headset was pre pressed into the frame for me which saved alot of trouble to find someone to do it for me!
Very impressed with the whole experience
Thank you! 🙏

No problem.
I always install them on my Chromag bikes.
It's cheaper than buying them individually and the staff at Chromag installs them for me.
I have had no problems so far.

Hard to argue with the value and performance offered by Cane Creek headsets. I suspect this one will be no exception. My only issue is that Chromag failed to install it when I purchased it along with a new frame. This ended up costing me extra $ to take to a shop when it was supposed to be installed free at Chromag HQ

What a great deal! Chromag never let's me down always the best products and super fast shipping thats why all my bikes have the Chromag touch.

that's actually a really good price, even with a chromag top cap that's cheaper than the $90msrp