"I found it impossible to take riding seriously aboard this hardtail, and that’s a good thing"

- bikemag.com

The OG trail tool

Rootdown [Series VI]

The new Rootdown is a continuation of a story that has been evolving ever since we first started making hardtail frames over 20 years ago. We love the simplicity and purity of hardtails and revel in how capable and versatile they can be. The Series VI represents everything we’ve learned and evolved into this model to date! The Rootdown can be a bike for almost any type of ride and if you are looking for a 29er hardtail that delivers confidence and versatility in some of the most demanding terrain, the Rootdown is ready to deliver.


The Series VI carries forward the tried and tested geometry the Rootdown is known for with all sizing spec. remaining consistent to the previous version. New for 2024 are updates to tubing, materials, finishes, machined junction and interfaces.

160mm

29"

Steel

3 Year Warranty

Rootdown [Series VI]
Rootdown [Series VI]
Rootdown [Series VI]
Rootdown [Series VI]
Rootdown [Series VI]
Rootdown [Series VI]
Rootdown [Series VI]
Rootdown [Series VI]
Rootdown [Series VI]
Rootdown [Series VI]
Rootdown [Series VI]
Rootdown [Series VI]
Rootdown [Series VI]
Rootdown [Series VI]
Rootdown [Series VI]
Rootdown [Series VI]
$1,525.00 NZD Sale Save
COLOUR BLACK GRADIENT
SIZE M
BUILD FRAME ONLY

Item is in stock Only 0 left in stock Item is out of stock Item is unavailable

Pickup available at Chromag HQ

Usually ready in 2-4 days

"The new Rootdown continues a story that has been evolving since Chromag started making hardtail frames over twenty years ago"

- The Radavist

Banner Image

Builds & Specs

The Rootdown Series VI

There isn't much a Rootdown hasn't done. Its made for all around hardtail shredding in all kinds of trail conditions. Its a versatile All-Mountain 29er hardtail featuring premium materials, detailed construction, and progressive geometry.
The Rootdown is a versitle trail bike eager to keep going mile after mile. With confidence inspiring geometry it is both surefooted and involving. It is our best selling hardtail by far with a cult following.
The Series VI has been updated with post mount brake tabs, threaded BB and E.D. tube coating.

4130

The Rootdown is made from quality 4130 chromoly steel tubing. Chromoly is an abbreviation for chromium-molybdenum indicating the materials that the steel is alloyed with.

The added chromium helps increase the steels hardenability and also provide some corrosion resistance.
The molybdenum helps to increase the toughness of the steel.

It has a high tensile strength but is also malleable which is what gives our frames their notorious ride quality and feel. Chromoly is often used when more strength is required than that of mild carbon steel.

It falls under the AISI (American Iron & Steel Institute) 41XX designations which is where the “41” comes from. The “30” indicates it contains approximately 0.30% carbon by weight.

Chromoly is much stronger than traditional 1020 steel and it has a higher strength to weight ratio and high tensile strength, which means we can use less material and achieve a product that can withstand the abuse that riders love to throw at it.

Electrophoretic Deposition

ED (Electrophoretic Deposition) coating is the process of applying a thin layer of coating to all surfaces of a part, both inside and out.

Our ED coating is applied by fully submerging the frame in a liquid, to which, an electric field is applied (a bit like anodising). Not only does this completely envelop the frame inside and out, but it provides an incredibly even layer of protection.

This gives our frames great corrosion protection as the inside of all tubes are also coated.

The ED coat also acts as a great primer for the paint to adhere to.

The 6th series of the rootdown has post brake mounts, threaded bb, and our new E.D. undercoating

key features

CRAFTSMANSHIP

We've never tried to hide the fact some of our products are made in Taiwan, in fact, we're proud of it.

Our Taiwanese partners are incredibly skilled and some of the best in the business.

As you would expect, these products are held to the same strict standards that we're renowned for.

HEAD TUBE BADGE

Your bike is special. The head tube badge is the finishing touch so we’ve always made a point of taking the time to do something interesting with it. Our head tube badges have changed over the years and are an indication of the time each bike was made.

Whether it’s a cast bronze, or polished stainless steel, water cut aluminum or a 3D CNC carving, each one represents our commitment to detail.

Post Mount

New on the series 6, are post brake mounts and 73mm threaded BB.

Post mount tabs reduce hardware and the need for adaptors. If you are running the stock 180mm rear rotor you won't need an adapter at all.

Designed for life

Yes, steel might be a little heavier than it's
more flashy contemporaries, but these bikes are built to last.  We use high grade 4130 Chromoly steel which is durable and contributes to a great feel as well.  Steel tubes are known for their compliance and lend a calm, vibration-absorbent feeling to the ride of the frame.

Steel can theoretically last forever provided it's ridden within the scope for which it was intended.

UDH

The UDH is designed to optimize shift performance across all bikes as well as create a sensible solution for replacing damaged hangers. The UDH has been widely adopted throughout the cycling industry with hundreds of models already featuring it.

Available here
assembly & care

Whether you get your bike in a box, or roll it out the front door here at Chromag HQ, you can rest assured your bike has been pored over with pride, and built with the utmost attention to detail by one of our extremely talented mechanics.

Threads are chased, seat tubes are reamed, head tubes are honed, fits are checked and checked again, all to make sure when you get your bike, everything is absolutely dialed.

The one stop shop aggro hardtail.

geometry

The Rootdown is the latest evolution of our take on an aggressive do it all hardtail. Comfortable enough for all day adventures and capable enough for any mission. Many have tried to impersonate the long standing Rootdown.

Show: |
Frame Size STypical Rider Height: 155cm - 165cm MTypical Rider Height: 163cm - 174cm M/LTypical Rider Height: 172cm - 183cm LTypical Rider Height: 181cm - 192cm XLTypical Rider Height: 190cm - 200cm
Stack630630639648657
Reach421446463487503
Effective Top Tube578603622648667
Head Tube105105105115125
Wheel base11771202122312511272
BB Drop50.850.850.850.850.8
BB Height320320320320320
Stand Over677714738762799
chain stay425425425425425
Seat Tube368406431456494
Max Post Insertion*188226251276314
Head Angle64°
Seat Angle76°
Wheel Size29''

* Max. post insertion based on Rockshox Reverb

THIS IS AN APPROXIMATE GUIDE, SOME PEOPLE HAVE LONGER LEGS THAN OTHERS!

Sizing

If you're between sizes, it's a good idea to try to ride them both, either by hopping on a demo or stealing from a close friend. If that isn't an option, examine reach, stack and ETT numbers on your current bike and compare. If in any doubt, please get in touch and we'd be happy to chat about it with you.

You could also check out the review section, to see how this bike fits other people.

Catch a rare glimpse of the rootdown out in the wild.

gallery

"The shop's go-to hardtail"

Questions?

Buying a bike is a big deal.
Don't hesitate to reach out with any and all questions!

Contact Us

Worldwide shipping

We ship bikes anywhere in the world with competitive rates from UPS and FedEx. Alternatively you can pickup right here at Chromag HQ.

Service Guide

Need more info on setup, service and spare parts?

View the user guide

Warranty

All of our bikes are backed by our 3 year warranty.

After that, we still have your back with our crash replacement program.

Register your bike

FAQ's

Customer Reviews

Based on 25 reviews
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(24)
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K
Kurt L.
Certified deadly

Big money dollars quality swag sick doppeddidy dope dog

A
Anonymous
Ride One!!!

Always wanted a steel Hardtail. Being a Hardtail fan for years, I have ALWAYS had the desire to get one of these. Steel IS Real, and the team at Chromag knows how to make one heck of a hardcore Hardtail. The way this rides is different than anything I have ridden before from years of owning aluminum and carbon. Love my new Rootdown!!

M
Michael B.
Best Hardtail I’ve Ever Ridden!

Title says it all! Love the bike and the customer service when i ordered was amazing, thanks again Dave! I ride predominately on the North Shore and the Rootdown has the geometry to ride just about anything smoothly. Been putting it to the test for the last 4 months and its proven to hold up well, stoked to rip it for many years to come!

K
Kai
Rootdown Review

I have a 2020 M/L Indigo Blue which started out life with a 150mm fork and riding on 27.5 x 3.0 tires with 35mm inner width rims. Being 68 and not shredding like I'm in my 20's I found the 150mm fork a bit too much. I have since converted my bike to a mullet 27.5 x 2.8 rear and 29 x 2.6 front-both on 38mm inner width rims. My fork is a highly underrated Roughcut HLR X-Fusion McQueen 140mm but with crown to axle similar to a 150mm fork. I love this set up--it just fits, feels so right, rolls great, handles great, just feels so natural.
I'm 5'8" and like the extra little bit of stretch on the M/L.
I plan on keeping and riding this bike until I'm 70--and hopefully beyond.

B
Brad H.
Amazing hardtail

Just did my first ride and I love this bike! Great geo and handles really well.

W
Willie L.
Love this bike

I recently upgraded to my second Rootdown, and I couldn't be happier with my decision. Having owned the 2017 model previously, I was pleasantly surprised by the subtle yet impactful refinements in the geometry of the latest version.

The slacker head tube and steeper seat tube contribute significantly to my confidence as a rider. I feel more in control and comfortable when climbing and descending.

Moreover, my experience with Chromag has been nothing short of exceptional. Their professionalism, promptness, and unwavering support have truly set them apart. It's reassuring to know that I'm not just purchasing a bike, but investing in a relationship with a company that values its customers.

I look forward to seeing what Chromag has to offer in another 5-10 years. I will be back for more!!!

a
austin m.
Rootdown is Rad

The geo is great the bike is very compliant for a hardtail, handles the chunk better than any other hardtail I've owned. Will be coming back to buy a Monk DJ

A
Anonymous
This thing rips

I bought this bad boy thinking I’d use it as a second bike to make easier trails more fun when winter keeps us away from gnarlier options. I’ve only ridden fs but once I got used to this it quickly became my go to on double black rides - I’m shocked how capable it is. I’m 5’9” and the M/L is the perfect size.