ASK BERN

Bern. · April 2007

Hi AndrewJ,

Thank you.

Fulcrum Racing 3, Deda Zero 100, Magic Bar, Condor Carbon, Aliante or Pave Sport, Hutchinson Fusion.

Using stock frames approx 5 weeks at the moment, but can go up or down so would allow a week either way.

AndrewJcp · April 2007

Thanks Bern.

Andrew

Duncan Blackeby · May 2007

Bern,

I am looking at getting a bike on the cycle to work scheme but our company has gone with Halfords. I went in there at the weekend and was told they could only source Halfords own brand and Dawes. I understood that they could get a lot more. Do you supply bikes to Halfords?
I'm up north so may not be able to visit the shop, if I send you some measurements would you be able to advise what size I'd need?
Considering the Fratello with the Veloce groupset, looks like an ideal bike for commuting/light touring/club runs etc.

Thanks in advance.

mortuk2k · May 2007

Sadly a very common misconception, it happened to me on my first year of the Halfords scheme 2 years ago after walking into the nearest Halfords.

Don't deal with the store, ring the number on the voucher, they can source almost anything. Last year I had a Planet-X bike, this year Condor. Condor was even better as I didnt need to speak to Halfords at all, they do it all for you in the shop, and it doesnt get much better than that. [:)]

Bern. · May 2007

Duncan, Ourselves and lots of other bike stores can deal with the bike to work scheme. I also believe if it is Halfords scheme you don't have to stick to the brands they say. It is the same with a lot of insurance companies who try to give different brands to the bike being replaced.

For clarification it would be best to speak to one of the sales guys. I would recommend Peter or James as they understand the schemes well. If you pass on your measurements they can advise on size/fit, etc.

michaelmac · May 2007

On this bike2work thingy Bern, our company has signed up to an insurance replacement crew called Cycle solutions/wheelies. In there initial presentation they maintained that they could provide any bike under the scheme and when I aked about Condor they said no problem. Now however when enquiring about ordering the phone reps have never heard of Condor and won't advance an order. Do you recall if you have had any dealings with these guys? Thank you for any help on this.

Bern. · May 2007

michaelmac, as far as I am aware we have not done any through Cycle soloutions/Wheelies. If you call the shop and speak to Grant he may be able to offer advice. If they say they can offer anything then they should be able to.

sonicred007 · May 2007

Hey Bern

Sadly my Condor Squadra, with only 300 miles on the clock get hit by a car - it's worse than me, I got away with road rash and bumps. It's booked in with yourselves for an assessment on May 11

When I get the all clear from the drivers insurance company, I'm guessing there's plenty of red 52 frames to call off at this time of year.

JWSurrey · May 2007

Front Wheel Radial Spoking Question:
Bern, just been chatting with Neil via email regarding radial spoking Open Pros on Shimano hubs. (As usual, an excellent and detailed answer to my queries!)...
To save overloading Neil, and for the benefit of others...

Radial spoking will void the manufac. warranty / is not recommended:

If it does lead to problems/failure - what is the norm?
i.e. Do they catastrophically implode whilst downhilling at 30+ [:D]
or something normally more sedate, such a the odd spoke twang or hairline fracture at eyelet/hub's spoke hole?

How would you sum up the pros/cons of radial vs. 1x on the front wheel? I guess it's a stiffness issue?

J.

peds · May 2007

Hi Bern,

Could you please tell me the frame weight of the new Acciaio? Just curious, will probably be ordering one no matter what.

hevipedal · May 2007

Bern
I know this is a cheek as you didn't supply my bike or order the parts for me, but I have to ask someone who's reply I can trust.
Specialized say that the Roubaix has to have a Specialized Mindset headset fitted. Mine needs a new one but Specialized don't have any in stock and I've been waiting a while now. Is it true they must be a mindset? or is that just a manufacturer protecting their after sales?

 Hevipedal 
Phrase of the week - Lubarsky's Law of Cybernetic Entomology
 "There is always one more bug." 
51yrs old and Proud of it - Now just 88kg
Pedal to Paris Sept 2007

Bern. · May 2007

Will give answers in the morning. Will check 52cm red, give wheel advice and check on the headset problem, oh and find the weight.

alansmithy · May 2007

Bern

Up till what point am I allowed to change the spec of an order?

My venerable Punto is about to go through it's MoT. If it's vaguely well behaved, I may have enough beans left to secure an upgrade for the Fratello from Mirage to Veloce - if it's worthwhile...Having already upgraded from Khamsin to Vento, I figure that's the next best use of any spare cash...??

I thought the 2007 Mirage (with metal levers and ultra-torque) looked great value - is the Veloce upgrade worth it? Main difference seems to be the skeleton brakes...I'd be intersted in anybody else's views or experience on this.

Cheers

Alan

Bern. · May 2007

Sonicred007, Plenty there.

JWS, Radial spoking is very popular and has become increasingly so since a lot of major wheel companies like Mavic, Campag, etc build front wheels this way. The main difference is that a radial front wheel will feel a bit more direct to give a slightly more responsive ride. The direct spoking pattern does create more stress on the hub flange so it is better to use a hub that is designed specifically for radial as the spoke holes are drilled further from the flange edge to give more strength.

Having said all that, it is quite rare to see hub flanges break, but just be aware that it can happen and when it does your wheel will be far more out of true than if a standard crossed spoke broke.

Peds, Acciaio frame only weight 55cm painted frame, 1.7kg. Be aware that some manufacturers state unbelievably light weights for their frames and it is usually because they weigh the smallest frame without any paint on. One company even just states the tubeset weight as the frames actual weight which is a bit naughty.

Hevipedal, they are also very naughty as the roubaix will only take a Mindset headset as it is particular to their frame. It may be that another would fit, but you would have to make sure it was perfect. It may be that the top and bottom races are different bearing sizes or angles. I don't have one here to check unfortunately otherwise I could give more info.

They do say, however that they are expecting stock to return early next week.

hevipedal · May 2007

Bern

you are a star, thank you. I know where to come next time I'm buying......

 Hevipedal 
Phrase of the week - Lubarsky's Law of Cybernetic Entomology
 "There is always one more bug." 
51yrs old and Proud of it - Now just 88kg
Pedal to Paris Sept 2007

Bern. · May 2007

Alan,

The 07 Mirage is a very good group with nice upgrades from last year. the Veloce does have some upgrades with the main one being the skeleton brakes. On the Fratello however we fit a condor brake as the campag ones are not deep enough so even if you did upgrade the brakes would not change. Of course there are other changes with the groups which are mainly cosmetic.

If you like I can get Peter, our sales manager to call you as there is still time to change. He may be able to offer an alternative.

Vikcp · May 2007

Bern - I've got a Condor Italia in a 46 which I've been racing at Crystal Palace. I'm thinking of upgrading it to a Leggero. Can you do it that size? And if so, what's the lead time? Could you give me some idea of the Ultegra spec as well. Cheers, Vik

Bern. · May 2007

Vik, yes, can do, from stock with red decal. spec full ultegra with finish kit as on top of page 31, this thread.

Unknown · May 2007

hi Bern

if I ordered a baracchi 3 weeks ago, how patient do I need to be before I call the shop and ask if it's nearly ready?

Bern. · May 2007

hi miketherower, what is your surname?

Unknown · May 2007

taylor

Bern. · May 2007

Ordered 25/04, 59cm. Stock is arriving for every size apart from 59cm in 2 weeks time. By then our painter will have the 59cm and will take approx 7-10 days to turn them round and ship them. Normal build time at the moment is 5 weeks approx so we may just go over this. As soon as any pre-sold frame arrives it will automatically get priority. I hope this is okay for you. I have just spoken to Italy now and found this situation. All sizes were supposed to be ready, but they failed to tell us until now.

jimbo1964 · May 2007

Hi Bern

How are supplies of 58cm Classico Pista frames?

sonicred007 · May 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by bern

Sonicred007, Plenty there.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Thank you Bern

Bern. · May 2007

Jimbo, good.

Sonicred007, no problem.

Unknown · May 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by bern

Ordered 25/04, 59cm. Stock is arriving for every size apart from 59cm in 2 weeks time. By then our painter will have the 59cm and will take approx 7-10 days to turn them round and ship them. Normal build time at the moment is 5 weeks approx so we may just go over this. As soon as any pre-sold frame arrives it will automatically get priority. I hope this is okay for you. I have just spoken to Italy now and found this situation. All sizes were supposed to be ready, but they failed to tell us until now.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

hi Bern,
looks like you havent got a prayer of getting it to me by 5 weeks if the painter isnt going to get it for 2 weeks and he might take 2 weeks, and then you've got to build it up...

When do you think is a realistic date for me to get it?

Bern. · May 2007

I try to be under optimistic with estimates just in case there are any problems. It does not take much to delay prodcution. When pre-ordered frames arrive they are normally built within a couple of days as they do not loose their place in the priority queue. I will be back out at the factory on the 16th to check up on progress and will be able to give a more accurate first hand report rather than relaying what they tell me. I will update as I get fresh info.

alansmithy · May 2007

Bern

I hadn't appreciated the clearance issue with the brakes, thanks for pointing it out. I think it kind of makes my mind up for me - Mirage is fine, I'll leave the order as is. Besides, the Fiat will cock up in the MoT, I have that feeling. It'll be Xenon next week...

Cheers,

Alan

********************bern wrote***********************
On the Fratello however we fit a condor brake as the campag ones are not deep enough so even if you did upgrade the brakes would not change. Of course there are other changes with the groups which are mainly cosmetic.

If you like I can get Peter, our sales manager to call you as there is still time to change. He may be able to offer an alternative.[;)][;)][;)]

Bern. · May 2007

No problem Alan. Good luck with the MoT.

BERNIN RUBBER

JWSurrey · May 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by alansmithy

... is the Veloce upgrade worth it?....<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Hi Bern, hope you don't mind me jumping in -
Alan - welcome to the Fratello club!
I bought the Veloce spec. - It also comes with a carbon seatpost as standard (as well as the Vento wheels being standard for your 100 quid uplift - which is pretty good going).
I customised mine with a few extra bits, including:

GP4000 25cs with reflective sidewalls (ridden since Jan 1st, so they were OK for me through the cold-bit)
Upgraded to a Fizik Pave saddle which is good - though my new ride will have a Spez. Toupe gel.
You sorted for pedals? I'm having PD-A520s - Lightweight spuds with a platform (I notice you run spuds on your other ride)
It's worth the wait for the customisation and jig fitting. [:)]

Bern - Thanks for the info. on radial lacing. I've updated Neil on my requirements (though mailbombed is probably a more appropriate word for it) [:)]

What's the capital-to-coast Condor sponsored ride like?
Anyone from the shop going?

Edit: Oops - Alan, just seen your post written since I hit the "reply" button.

ASK BERN

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