Why are modern steel bicycle parts painted rather than chromed?

I always thought that chrome was very attractive on a bicycle, yet most of the time when modern bicycles do use steel parts they are painted instead. Why is this? Even little details like the headset cups are now painted.

Well, cost has something to do with it, but it isn’t the whole reason.

Unlike you and I, many people consider chroming as cheap looking and gaudy… the general move away from chrome is due to the preference of the buying public. Just look around at all the cars… almost no chrome.

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