Hello friends! Today, we’re going to talk about something pretty interesting if you’re into bikes and scooters: 100 percent chromoly bars vs 13-butted 4130 chromoly. If you’re wondering what all those numbers and terms mean, don’t worry! I’ll break it down in a way that’s easy to understand and help you decide which one might be better for your ride. Whether you’re an expert rider or just someone who’s starting out, this guide will give you some useful info to make the right choice.
What is Chromoly?
Before we dive into the differences between 100 percent chromoly and 13-butted 4130 chromoly, let’s first understand what chromoly even is. Chromoly is a type of steel that has been mixed with chromium and molybdenum (hence the name). These elements make the steel stronger, more durable, and resistant to rust, making it a fantastic choice for bike and scooter frames, especially for bars.
You might hear people talk about “4130 chromoly.” That’s just a specific type of chromoly steel that contains a balance of chromium (about 0.8%) and molybdenum (about 0.2%), giving it that perfect blend of toughness and flexibility. It’s commonly used in BMX bikes, high-performance scooters, and even race cars because of its amazing strength.
100 Percent Chromoly Bars – What Does It Mean?
When people say “100 percent chromoly bars,” they mean the whole bar is made from chromoly steel. There’s no other type of metal mixed in – it’s pure 4130 chromoly throughout the entire bar.
Why is this a big deal?
Well, if you’re a rider who wants your scooter or bike to be super strong, then 100 percent chromoly bars are a solid choice. Chromoly steel can handle a lot of stress and impact without cracking or bending. So, if you’re doing crazy tricks, jumps, or stunts, this is definitely something you’ll want to consider.
Chromoly is also lightweight, which is important because you don’t want your bars to feel too heavy when you’re trying to pull off a tailwhip or bar spin, right?
The Pros of 100 Percent Chromoly Bars:
- Strength: 100 percent chromoly bars are tough as nails! They won’t break easily under stress or impact, making them perfect for riders who push their gear to the limit.
- Lightweight: Compared to other types of steel, chromoly is light, so you won’t feel weighed down when riding or doing tricks.
- Durability: Chromoly is resistant to rust and corrosion, meaning your bars will last longer even if you’re riding in rough conditions.
The Cons:
- Price: Since chromoly is such a high-quality material, bars made from 100 percent chromoly are often more expensive than those made from cheaper materials.
- Less Customization: Because it’s solid chromoly throughout, you won’t get the weight savings that come from more advanced construction techniques like butting (which we’ll get to next).
What is 13-Butted 4130 Chromoly?
Now, onto the next part: 13-butted 4130 chromoly. This might sound a little complicated, but it’s actually pretty simple once you get the hang of it.
“Butted” refers to a process where the tubing is made thinner in some areas and thicker in others. The idea is to remove material (and weight) from parts of the bar that don’t need to be as strong, while keeping the crucial areas thicker and tougher. In this case, “13-butted” means that the tube has 13 different sections where the thickness of the tubing changes. So, a 13-butted bar is engineered to be strong where it needs to be but lighter overall.
Since 13-butted chromoly bars are made from 4130 chromoly steel (the same as 100 percent chromoly), they have the same strong base material, but the butting process makes them even lighter without compromising much on strength. Pretty cool, right?
The Pros of 13-Butted 4130 Chromoly Bars:
- Weight Reduction: The butting process helps save weight in places where extra thickness isn’t needed, making the bars even lighter than 100 percent chromoly bars.
- Strong Where It Counts: Even though parts of the bar are thinner, the most important areas (like the bends and stress points) remain strong, so you’re still getting great durability.
- Balance: These bars offer a fantastic mix of strength and lightness, giving riders the best of both worlds.
The Cons:
- More Complex Construction: Because the butting process is more complex, 13-butted bars can sometimes cost more than simple 100 percent chromoly bars.
- Not as Bombproof: While still strong, 13-butted bars might not be as unbreakable as solid 100 percent chromoly bars, especially for super intense riders.
100 Percent Chromoly Bars vs 13-Butted 4130 Chromoly: Which One is Better?
Now that we’ve looked at both options, you’re probably wondering: which one is better? Well, the answer depends on what you need from your bars.
If you’re someone who values durability above all else and you don’t mind a little extra weight, then 100 percent chromoly bars might be your best bet. These bars are built to last and can take a serious beating. So, if you’re going to be landing hard tricks and jumps, these bars will give you peace of mind that they won’t bend or break under pressure.
On the other hand, if you’re someone who’s more concerned about weight and performance, 13-butted 4130 chromoly bars could be the way to go. They still offer excellent strength where you need it, but with the added benefit of being lighter, which can make a big difference in how your bike or scooter handles.
Why Weight Matters in Bars
Let’s talk a bit about why the weight of your bars matters. You might not think a small difference in weight could change much, but it actually does! When you’re doing tricks, like whips and spins, the weight of your bars can affect how fast and easily you can move them.
Lighter bars, like the ones made from 13-butted chromoly, are going to feel easier to move, giving you faster rotations and helping you land tricks with less effort. That’s especially important if you’re doing a lot of bar spins or tailwhips where the bars need to move quickly.
However, if you’re riding more aggressively and throwing your scooter or bike around hard, having a slightly heavier but stronger bar, like the 100 percent chromoly one, might actually be an advantage. The extra weight can give you more stability when landing big jumps and tricks.
Which Bars Are Best for Street Riders?
If you love riding in the streets, grinding rails, and hitting big drops, then 100 percent chromoly bars are probably the better choice. The streets are rough, and you need bars that can handle big impacts and constant stress. Since 100 percent chromoly bars are all about strength, they’re ideal for this kind of riding.
However, if you’re doing street riding but also want to keep things light, a 13-butted chromoly bar could still work for you. Just make sure to pick one with a good reputation for strength!
Which Bars Are Best for Park Riders?
For park riders who spend most of their time hitting ramps and doing aerial tricks, weight can be a big factor. 13-butted 4130 chromoly bars would be a great fit here because they offer a good balance of strength and lightness. The less weight you’re carrying, the faster you can spin and the higher you can jump!
So, what’s the final verdict on 100 percent chromoly bars vs 13-butted 4130 chromoly? It all comes down to what kind of rider you are and what your priorities are. If you need maximum durability for heavy-duty riding, you might lean towards the 100 percent chromoly bars. They’re tough, reliable, and can take a lot of punishment.
But if you’re looking for something that will help you move faster and perform tricks more easily, the 13-butted 4130 chromoly bars offer a great balance between strength and weight. You’ll still get that legendary chromoly toughness, but without the extra bulk.
Both options are awesome, and both will make your ride feel smoother and more controlled. It’s really all about your personal preference and what kind of riding you plan to do. No matter which you choose, both types of chromoly bars are built to last and can help you take your riding to the next level!
