ASK BERN

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  • Bern.
    Bern. Posts: 58
    alexB, I'm sorry to say that we seem to be the same with our stock of colours. If you call our clothing department and ask for Karl he will be happy to order one for you in the correct colour.
    BERNIN RUBBER
  • alexB
    alexB Posts: 2,199
    OK, thanks Bern, should have done that in the first place, but wondered if others might be in the same boat.

    Alex
  • Bern.
    Bern. Posts: 58
    For an emergency type jacket, Yellow seems to be the most popular colour so I think most shops tend to run stock this way. Have passed on info to Karl also for future.
    BERNIN RUBBER
  • mollymc
    mollymc Posts: 13
    Hi Bern,

    I came in at the weekend and tried out a few bikes. I have never ridden a road bike before but was surprised to find I really liked the Bellissima. However I wonder if this is the right bike for me. I commute to work in London (8.5 miles each way) every day in heavy traffic and don't expect to do any actual racing. Would something like the Italia Cross or Fratello be better for commuting? I've never used drop bars before. Would it be a sin to put flat bars on one of the road bikes?

    Thanks,

    mollymc
  • Bern.
    Bern. Posts: 58
    mollyc,

    The Fratello will have a set-up not too dissimilar to the Bellissima, but will be much more commute friendly. It has the option for guards and rack which is a bonus. It would not be a problem to fit flat bars, but remember that they will not necessarily be more comfortable. A Flat bar tends to be much wider as the way shifters, levers and grips have to fit which broadens where you place your hands, pushing you forward. A drop bar can be fitted to the width of your shoulders, can still be raised to a comfortable height, you get loads of different hand positions and they are much better for negotiating traffic.

    Having said all of that it would not be a problem to fit flat bars if it is your preference.
    BERNIN RUBBER
  • JWSurrey
    JWSurrey Posts: 1,173
    <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>

    ...Is it essential to have a replaceable dropout on a Ti frame?....
    <hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">
    Well, it would be a nice feature, however it wouldn't put me off buying a frame without one. Now replaceable titanium knee joints - that would be something else [:D]

    Mollymc - I think Jon Snow rides a flat bar Gran Fondo - the titanium version of the Fratello.
    Fratellos are great. Just did day 1 of the Tour of Wessex on mine, complete with mudguards, rack and pack!
  • mxc070
    mxc070 Posts: 77
    Hi Bern

    I managed to bend the rear mech hanger on my Alu Condor frame in a crash at the weekend. Is it a generic spare that Condor do or is it frame specific. Also the rear drop out is bent, do you have any advice to bend this back?

    Cheers
    Mark

    P.S. I am based in Switzerland.
  • mollymc
    mollymc Posts: 13
    Thanks for the very prompt reply Bern. Was planning to come in again today before making up my mind. Do you have a Fratello in the show room?
  • Bern.
    Bern. Posts: 58
    mcx070, We should have most spare dropouts in stock. If you email a pic or state model and year to info@condorcycles.com they should be able to help.

    If the dropout is only slightly bent it can be re-aligned by any shop with the appropriate tools.

    mollymc, there should be one suspended in the air on the stairway in the shop plus hopefully another downstairs so there should be at least one example.
    BERNIN RUBBER
  • mxc070
    mxc070 Posts: 77
    many thanks for that only problem is that I do not know the model or have a didgy camera. Is there any other way to identify the frame. How many Alu frames have you made in the last 5 years.

    Thanks again.

    Mark
  • Bern.
    Bern. Posts: 58
    loads, is there a model name on the top tube? Is there a frame tube badge, can you describe the colour and decals? does it have carbon stays, if so what name is on them?
    BERNIN RUBBER
  • mxc070
    mxc070 Posts: 77
    frame red and blue (not very helpfull I know), however the top tube is triagular section and the down tube is oval section. No Carbon stays or frame tube badge.

    Thanks agian
  • Bern.
    Bern. Posts: 58
    Is there a frame number under the bottom bracket?

    It sounds like it could be from 2001 to 2004 when we were using mainly Columbus tubes on our frames. We had a red/blue model.

    Maybe the best thing would be to trace an outline of the hanger or dropout and fax it to the shop?
    BERNIN RUBBER
  • mollymc
    mollymc Posts: 13
    Hi Bern,

    Can you give a quick summary of what you check during a fitting for a new bike? Just curious.

    Thanks,

    mollymc
  • muthas
    muthas Posts: 108
    Bern,

    I am looking at 2 options for a new bike - a Specialized Roubaix Elite or a Baracchi. Both have a higher front end geometry that suits me as I am 6 foot 6. Both are around the same price.

    My questions are - which is the lightest? Which is more suitable for a heavier rider (15 stone)and which ultimately offers the highest front end height?

    Chris
  • Bern.
    Bern. Posts: 58
    mollymc,

    We have a very adjustable measuring jig on which we can set up your position. We check frame size, saddle height/position, bar to saddle differential to get the front height, stem length, bar width, postition of levers, crank length. Everything that is required for a perfect fit.

    muthas, I would say that the roubaix will have a higher front end than our baracchi for the size that you would require. Weightwise they will be similar, it depends on the finishing kit and bike weights can vary a lot depending on components fitted. Most manufacturers will not state weights as there are differences depending on size and manufacturing tollerances. A heavier rider should be okay on either of these two frames as long as they are looked after and checked regularly, but some manufacturers may not it.
    BERNIN RUBBER
  • mxc070
    mxc070 Posts: 77
    "Maybe the best thing would be to trace an outline of the hanger or dropout and fax it to the shop?"

    good plan, have scanned the holder and emailed it to the shop.

    Thanks for you help.
  • Bern.
    Bern. Posts: 58
    No problem, I hope they can help, I will check to make sure they have it.
    BERNIN RUBBER
  • alansmithy
    alansmithy Posts: 80
    Hi Bern

    Is there any news yet on the latest batch of Fratello frames? I understand there's been some delays with the suppliers in Italy - are they in the country yet? Mrs Smithy suggests I am now in a stage of bikelessness akin to cold turkey...

    Cheers,

    Alan
  • Bern.
    Bern. Posts: 58
    Hi Alan,

    I have just come off the phone to Italy. The 49cm Fratellos are around 1 week behind the other sizes which have already left the factory. I have asked if there is any way they can advance a couple a bit quicker. They will get back to me this afternoon, but I am hoping they will DHL some to us early next week.

    I was in Italy 2 1/2 weeks ago, they were in the paint shop and I was told they would be despatched within 7 days. After a short holiday I came back to find that they had not left still. This is typical, they painted and sent other frames that were not urgent at all instead.

    I will have to pop back out there again to put them in line.
    BERNIN RUBBER
  • alansmithy
    alansmithy Posts: 80
    Thanks for the update and efforts to speed thing up, Bern, much appreciated.

    "I will have to pop back out there again to put them in line" = go get 'em!
  • Bern.
    Bern. Posts: 58
    My have to start renting out there the way it is going.
    BERNIN RUBBER
  • JWSurrey
    JWSurrey Posts: 1,173
    <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>

    ...have to start renting out there.....
    <hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">
    Sounds like they're maximising their profits by increasing their customer base.
    I can think of worse places to rent!
    Tartufi Bianco and a nice glass of Brunello in the sunshine vs. Stir-fried dog and the local rice-wine whilst sitting in a sauna. [:D]

    Keep chipping away at it Bern - Your enthusiasm and dedication is becoming legendary!
  • Bern.
    Bern. Posts: 58
    Thanks JW, have just come back from Hong Kong and it was hot and rainy, defiantely sauna conditions.

    I think our guys have been trying to call you to let you know that your squadra has been finished, but can't seem to get through to leave a message.
    BERNIN RUBBER
  • JWSurrey
    JWSurrey Posts: 1,173
    Way Hey! That's really good news, and faster than I expected - Better get my clip-ins back on the Frat for a weekend of crash-training (hopefully not literally).

    What brand of saddlepacks do you stock? I'm looking for something with enough room to pack the Gore Packlite 5"x8" (squashable) jacket that Ronan sold me (superb). Preferably with room for a set of levers and a tube, plus a lamp strap - was thinking Topeak large aero. or poss. something slightly smaller.
    Looking forward to spinning up Monty's handbuilts.

    Just in time for the Highclere 100.

    Doh... Mobile's at home today. Will contact Neil/shop to arrange pickup some time next week.

    Hot and sweaty Honkers and their manic drivers - what a combination. Did you try the cockroaches? It's when you see the clear ones in the fridge which haven't had any daylight that the dieting starts [;)]
  • barnesd
    barnesd Posts: 40
    Bern, a friend of mine (honestly) is interested in getting a 58cm Baracchi Centaur Triple. What would be the approx lead times from order? Is there much of a back log?

    Many thanks
  • Bern.
    Bern. Posts: 58
    JW, there are lots of packs to choose from to list here, but easy to choose when your collecting. I hope you like the wheels.

    Barnesd, I have to admit the lead times for building with stock frames has gone up to almost 6 weeks, but we will have 2 more mechanics next week and expect to claw back to 3-4 weeks very quickly, then back down to 2 weeks in a couple of weeks time I hope.
    BERNIN RUBBER
  • mxc070
    mxc070 Posts: 77
    "have scanned the holder and emailed it to the shop."

    Have not had any reply yet, maybe you could give then a gentle nudge, as I am starting to go cold turkey with no bike.

    Kind regards

    Mark
  • hevipedal
    hevipedal Posts: 2,475
    <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>

    My have to start renting out there the way it is going.

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

    Life's a bi<s></s>tch isn't it, fancy having to rent a place in Italy, tsch.

    <b><font color="red"> Hevipedal </font id="red"></b>
    Phrase of the week - <font color="red"><font size="3"><b> I've got a bike. You can ride it if you like.
    It's got a basket, a bell that rings and
    Things to make it look good.
    I'd give it to you if I could, but I borrowed it.
    </font id="red"> </font id="size3"> </b>
    51yrs old and Proud of it - Made it to 87kg 2 more to go for the target.
    Pedal to Paris Sept 2007
    Hevipedal
    It's not only people that are irrational; 1.4142135623730950488016887242096980785696718753769480731766797379907324784621
  • barnesd
    barnesd Posts: 40
    Thanks Bern, I imagine you maybe getting a visit from my friend soon!!!

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