The Steel Condor

[San Marco]

Hello all
I tested a Condor Fratello yesterday as I've never ridden a steel frame. I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable it felt.

The guy at the shop kept saying it is a good bulletproof do it all bike, can fit mudguards etc.

However I'm looking for a main bike for longish weekend rides (knee permitting) and have no intention to commute or go to France with a small tent on it. Do you think this would be a good compromise (better comfort with added weight) instead of an entry level carbon bike? Budget about £1300 (Vs Specialized Roubaix, Wilier Izoard XP, Trek Domane 4.0).

Cheers

 

[sazzaa]

Oh it's lovely. I may be in love.

 

[sazzaa]

Also, it's only 9kg.

 

[Cycleops]

Go for the Condor. How did you get to try it, I thought Condor were in London?

 

[vickster]

http://condorcycles.com/stockists.html

Dare to be different...everyone rides Specialized

 

[yello]

Have you ridden a Spec Roubaix? Or any of the other carbon framed bikes?

The Fratello is a lovely bike, tried and trusted. Ditto the Roubaix. And both would seem, on the face of it, to suit your purposes. You have to do a head-to-head to see which one you prefer.

But, personally, I'd need to be dissuaded from the Roubaix

 

[raleighnut]

Steel frames have a much longer "lifespan" than ally or carbon, with a little TLC they will last a minimum of 30yrs and comfort is part of their appeal in that they are a lot less tiring to travel longer distances on. There's not that much weight penalty either unless you spend mega-money on a superlight carbon frame.

 

[Fab Foodie]

Fratello without doubt.

It's a great all- rounder, comfortable, adaptable, long legged, will last at least 30 years, repairable, beautiful. People will stop and admire.
Condor are by all accounts good to deal with and quick to sort issues. Condor also has extra coolness points!
There are many reasons why people are returning to steel from other more exotic materials. The slight extra weight is neither here nor there.

I don't own one but Condor is always on my list.

 

[sazzaa]

What are the chances of Condor adding disc brakes as an option?

 

[AndyRM]

What are the chances of Condor adding disc brakes as an option?

Check out the Heritage Disc (pic 3 in the gallery):

http://roadcyclinguk.com/gear/cycle-show-2013-condor-cycles.html

 

[sazzaa]

Check out the Heritage Disc (pic 3 in the gallery):

http://roadcyclinguk.com/gear/cycle-show-2013-condor-cycles.html

Oh, doesn't come up as a disc brake option on the Condor site!

 

[vickster]

Can't easily fix full mudguards and a rack to a carbon bike. Another reason for steel

 

[San Marco]

Go for the Condor. How did you get to try it, I thought Condor were in London?

Cycle Heaven in York sell them. Could happily become my LBS. V friendly guys.

 

[400bhp]

Hello all
I tested a Condor Fratello yesterday as I've never ridden a steel frame. I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable it felt.

The guy at the shop kept saying it is a good bulletproof do it all bike, can fit mudguards etc.

However I'm looking for a main bike for longish weekend rides (knee permitting) and have no intention to commute or go to France with a small tent on it. Do you think this would be a good compromise (better comfort with added weight) instead of an entry level carbon bike? Budget about £1300 (Vs Specialized Roubaix, Wilier Izoard XP, Trek Domane 4.0).

Cheers

You're buying something with touring geometry?

Wouldn't you be better with an Accacio style geometry?

 

[marcusjb]

I love my Fratello (and I now have a matching Tempo on order).

It is a great bike for massive mile eating. Easy to see why they are a popular choice in audax world. It is supremely comfortable.

If I take off the guards and put a lighter set of wheels on, it is perfectly suited to faster riding as well. Later this year, I will throw a rack on it for some light touring. It is a very versatile machine.

It always attracts attention (partly because it is bright orange!) and admirers - everyone loves a Condor.

If you want an out and out racing machine for really fast hard riding, it probably isn't the right choice. But if you like to ride big miles and enjoy the view, it is perfect.

Lovely bike, can't wait to have my matching pair!