ASK BERN

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  • Wittgenstein
    Wittgenstein Posts: 158
    Bern,

    I'm trying to steer a work colleague, who has about œ700 to spend on a road bike, to get a Condor because I've heard good things about them.
    In fact several of my club members have got one .I seem to remember them saying that Condor took a lot of time and care getting the right set up i.e. position on the bike, stem length, gear ratios...that sort of thing. If I sent my colleague to see you , would he get that kind of treatment and what after sales care is there?

    Many thanks
    W

    MY TRAINING BLOG
  • dave5ncp
    dave5ncp Posts: 3,198
    Have you stopped your junior range?

    A clubmate said you had, but you had a small racing bike in the back corner downstairs last week.

    A shame if you have, so few companies support children's cycling.

    <font color="purple"> <font size="1"><i>please pretend there's a horizontal line here. I couldnt work out how to put one in.</i></font id="size1"></font id="purple">
    Bless my cotton socks, I'm in the news!
    <font color="purple"> <font size="1"><i>please pretend there\'s a horizontal line here. I couldnt work out how to put one in.</i></font id="size1"></font id="purple">
    You stir my natural emotions
  • currieinahurry
    currieinahurry Posts: 2,695
    cheers bern ive mailed him so i hope i hear back soon.
    tikka

    hi my name is adam... and i have a problem with posting on cycling forums.
    hi my name is adam... and i have a problem with posting on cycling forums.
  • Bern.
    Bern. Posts: 58
    Witgenstein, yes he would get looked after the same way whether spending 700 or 7000.

    Dave, we still have some in stock and are clearing them out. They will eventually be replaced with a new version.

    Ok currie, you should get a quick response.
    BERNIN RUBBER
  • currieinahurry
    currieinahurry Posts: 2,695
    oh and mentioned your name!
    tikka

    hi my name is adam... and i have a problem with posting on cycling forums.
    hi my name is adam... and i have a problem with posting on cycling forums.
  • freshtrax
    freshtrax Posts: 79
    Bern, having looked at your brochure, I'm unsure as to which bike to go for. I currently ride a TREK 2000, which is an alu frame with carbon fork and stays and ultegra groupset. I've only been riding a couple of years, and my typical rides are 60-70 miles with the occassional 100+ thrown in. I've just started riding in cyclosportifs and have 3 * 100mile+ ones later in the year.

    Budget somewhere under œ2000.

    Carbon or Titamium?

    Groupset, depending on advise I would consider 105 rather than ultegra if it meant I got a better frame etc. My first bike was a Tiagra groupset and I can't honsestly say I found alot of difference between Taigra and Ultegra other than the Ultegra look better.

    Thanks

    David

    "It's about the bike"

    "It's about the bike"
    "It\'s about the bike"
  • Bern.
    Bern. Posts: 58
    Waht sort of ride are you after. If you want light and responsive then alloy/carbon mix is pretty good, the EM2 tubes are also the most comfortable alloy tubes I have tried.
    You can get good value carbon these days kitted out with a decent group within your budget.
    You should get in your budget if you use a 105 group with a titanium frame. I must admit to not being a Shimano fan in the recent past, but the 10 speed groups are fantastic, especially the value of the 105 group for the performance you get.

    The main difference between carbon and Ti is that the Ti will cost you more, but last longer. The Carbon will be cheaper and lighter, but has a shorter life span.
    BERNIN RUBBER
  • jimbo1964
    jimbo1964 Posts: 770
    Hi Bern

    What life span would you put on a carbon frame/forks? I only ask as I have carbon forks with a 1" steerer on my audax bike. Now that the standard seems to be 1 1/8 many people seem to be phasing out the 1" models (mine are Isaac). I am considering buying a spare pair of forks now while I can. Do you think it's worth it?
  • Bern.
    Bern. Posts: 58
    There is no standard lifespan. I have seen them last 15 years and others last 6 months, it totally depends on the weight of the rider, riding style, how much you look after the bike and of course, the quality of the frame.

    1" forks are certainly becoming less common, but there should still be something available for a goods few years to come as spares. Cotter pins are still being produced.
    BERNIN RUBBER
  • JWSurrey
    JWSurrey Posts: 1,173
    Hi Bern,
    Nice to see the site taking shape.
    Why the change from Deda Black Rain forks to ITM Visia on the Frat. ?
    Just curious.
    Does the ITM come with carbon drop-outs, and any difference in steerer tubes?
  • Bern.
    Bern. Posts: 58
    Hi JWS, the Deda were not available at the time of the original photoshoot back in Sept or Oct so we had to fit the ITM as they we're used in 06 and fitted ok on our sample.

    It is quite common to get delays in new products and it is just unfortunate that some don't make it into the brochure. The visia are a good fork, we just needed to have one with clearance for 28mm tyres and guards.
    BERNIN RUBBER
  • Fat Head
    Fat Head Posts: 765
    Hi Bern,

    How much would I be looking to pay for a condor touring build up minus the wheels, as i have mavic open pros on 105 hubs i would be looking to use.

    Fat Head
  • Bern.
    Bern. Posts: 58
    You would be looking at knocking off approx ¶œ100, but it would depend on the model.
    BERNIN RUBBER
  • hevipedal
    hevipedal Posts: 2,475
    Bern

    I have a Spec Roubaix Comp 2006, bought last July (not from you) and I've done about 3000 miles on it. When I checked the headset last Sunday, because it sounded a bit rough (very slight but there) I found the bearings were brown and the set itself full of gunk. The shop I bought it from were supposed to have checked this 6 weeks ago in a service but that's a seperate arguement. My question is should a headset have worn in 3000 miles and should the inside of a headset be that cacked up in less than a year?

    <b><font color="red"> Hevipedal </font id="red"></b>
    Phrase of the week - <b><font color="blue">"If you don't answer this call I'm going to come over to all your house and stamp on all your toys..Got it?" </font id="blue"></b>
    51yrs old and Proud of it - Now just 89kg
    Pedal to Paris Sept 2007

    And may you never lay your head down
    Without a hand to hold
    May you never make your bed out in the cold.
    Hevipedal
    It's not only people that are irrational; 1.4142135623730950488016887242096980785696718753769480731766797379907324784621
  • Bern.
    Bern. Posts: 58
    It can happen. I don't know the exact bearings they use in the Roubaix, but a lot of big manufacturers tend to use cheaper parts in these unseen areas. It is not something I would normally associate with Specialized though. Has the bike been ridden a lot in the rain? It does not take much water ingress into the bearings to cause rust and when it is raining without guards water can fire into the headset from the front wheel. Do you jet wash the bike?

    This should have been spotted on a service though and if the bike has not been ridden excessivly in the rain since then you should be able to get them to service the headset again without cost.

    It all depends, like most things, on usage and care of product. Headsets are very easy to adjust and maintain these days with a single allan key.
    BERNIN RUBBER
  • alansmithy
    alansmithy Posts: 80
    Bern

    Well, I'm all sorted - Ronan measured me up on Monday and the order for the Fratello is now in. I'm going to have to wait 6-8 weeks (49cm+rosso red = out of stock), which is a pain, but I'm sure it'll be worth it. The guys in the shop today were telling me just how popular the Fratello is. You know, it seems kind of strange, a fast, steel Audax machine that can take a rack - Condor seem to have a real niche in the market which the off-the-shelf brigade are missing.

    By the way, service in a (very) busy shop was excellent.

    Alan
  • Bern.
    Bern. Posts: 58
    Thanks Alan, glad to hear the shop experience was good and hope you don't have to wait too long
    BERNIN RUBBER
  • hevipedal
    hevipedal Posts: 2,475
    Bern thanks, it has been ridden in rain, but with race blades, never jet wash just sponge and bucket.

    <b><font color="red"> Hevipedal </font id="red"></b>
    Phrase of the week - <b><font color="blue">"If you don't answer this call I'm going to come over to all your house and stamp on all your toys..Got it?" </font id="blue"></b>
    51yrs old and Proud of it - Now just 89kg
    Pedal to Paris Sept 2007

    And may you never lay your head down
    Without a hand to hold
    May you never make your bed out in the cold.
    Hevipedal
    It's not only people that are irrational; 1.4142135623730950488016887242096980785696718753769480731766797379907324784621
  • Bern.
    Bern. Posts: 58
    In that case it may be that the seals are not great. Is it loose balls or cartridge bearings. The later are normally much better.
    BERNIN RUBBER
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Bern, one of the down tube mounted cable adjusters has broken (the knurled/threaded bit that the outer cable goes into) on my Condor alum frame. Can I order a new one from the shop? Are they all the same on Condor frames, as I notice they are different thread/size to another bike I have? Ta.

    I've been Thamed !!
  • barnesd
    barnesd Posts: 40
    Bern

    Are you open tomorrow and what time, as I had a slight problem with one of my pedals today and would love to see if i can get it fixed for the rest of the weekend, seeing as it is supposed to stay nice.

    Cheers
  • Bern.
    Bern. Posts: 58
    Proto, I believe they are all the same, but worth mentioning which model just in case. You can do this throug the shop.Greg would be the best contact for this.

    Barnesd, the shop is open from 10 till 5 on Saturday. I hope we can sort them for you.

    Happy Easter
    BERNIN RUBBER
  • pistonbrew
    pistonbrew Posts: 492
    bern - any idea if/when the izumi 1/8" halflinks will be back in stock?

    cheers [:)]

    bob

    __________
    "The people of Ulverston are liars, drunkards, whoremongers and thieves and follow filthy pleasures" George Fox, 1652.
    FGG#2484 & FGG#4529
    __________
    "The people of Ulverston are liars, drunkards, whoremongers and thieves and follow filthy pleasures" George Fox, 1652.
    FGG#2484 & FGG#4529
  • Bern.
    Bern. Posts: 58
    Pistonbrew, we are trying to get hold of them again. It should not be long before they are back in stock.
    BERNIN RUBBER
  • JWSurrey
    JWSurrey Posts: 1,173
    Bern,
    Is it poss. to purchase the Shimano Dura Ace brake shoes/holders separately? (i.e. to mount Swissstop brake rubber).

    Am having so much fun with my Campag. equipped Fratello I was idly toying with the idea of a summer bike. Something different to the ride and contrast to my Frat.
    Am after something stiff/tight, light and responsive to pedal input (not that the Frat. isn't - I see it as a responsive, comfortable steel, high speed mile eater) for short rides unloaded.

    Would a Squadra with Shimano 105 fit the bill?
    Regarding frame materials, how does the Aluminium frame on the Squadra compare to your almost equally priced carbon offering (Baracchi)?
    I'm guessing the carbon frame is more akin to the Frat. in terms of ride?

    What are your team riding this year? (or what's the closest production offering)?

    What price would a hand built set of wheels start at?
    (I'm knocking on for 80kg in weight, and would look to use the wheels for 30-40 milers on roughish Surrey back roads/hills - I have no intention of racing unless I can find a clandestine way of fitting an engine).

    How would handbuilts compare to factory wheels?
    I was thinking in terms of something like a set of Mavic Kysrium Elites.
  • Bern.
    Bern. Posts: 58
    JW, the dura ace shoes can be bought seperately, but with the pads included. Check the ones you currently have as if they have replaceable pads you may already be able to fit Swissstop pads.

    The squadra is a stiffer, lighter frame designed for racing or fast riding and goes well with 105 or veloce. The baracchi is a touch lighter and is set up in between the squadra and fratello for position. It would also make a good race bike, responsive, but not too stiff.

    The team are riding a lighter and stiffer version of the baracchi that is not on general sale at the moment. The baracchi is the closest production model.

    Handbuilt wheels can go from ¶œ120 to ¶œ350 depending on material choices. For the same money they would be as good as the elites. Factory wheels are more poular these days as less and less shops know how to build wheels.
    Although I think it is sad that there are less builders about I am impressed with campag and mavic factory wheels.
    BERNIN RUBBER
  • mmcp
    mmcp Posts: 79
    Bern,

    After the demise of my favourite 23 year old 531 frame, I'm in the market for a new steel do anything frame. I plan to swap bits (mostly 9 speed Chorus) and the new bike is intended to replace it's predecessor and will be my training / club run machine (though it may get a road race outing, if I'm stupid enough to get that fit). I really love the look of the Classico and last year's colour for the Acciao was ok. I have 2 questions:

    How long will it take to get my new frame after ordering?

    Is it possible to get the Acciao in a different colour?
  • Bern.
    Bern. Posts: 58
    The 07 Acciaio is now Blue. We can custom colour them, but you could be looking at an 18 week wait. Stock is now overdue and will hopefully be with us within the next week or two for the standard Blue colour.
    BERNIN RUBBER
  • mmcp
    mmcp Posts: 79
    <blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by bern</i>

    The 07 Acciaio is now Blue. We can custom colour them, but you could be looking at an 18 week wait. Stock is now overdue and will hopefully be with us within the next week or two for the standard Blue colour.


    <hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">

    Cheers. Presumably, Classico (which is the frame I really have my heart set on) is not available ex-stock, so 18 week wait here too?
  • Bern.
    Bern. Posts: 58
    There are some ex stock, but you would need to check this through the shop.

    Otherwise it would be the same.
    BERNIN RUBBER

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