Will Condor ever have a website?

Bern.

Hi Andy, I believe we are closing early christmas eve(not specified yet), Christmas day, Boxing day, early closing New Years eve(not specified yet), New Years day. All of the other days are normal opening times, 9-6, 10-5 on sat. I would advise calling the day before just to check as it is subject to change, the city gets pretty quite over Christmas as most of the offices shut for the Christmas period.

We do have examples in store.

JWS, cheers for the comments on the colours, decals, etc. For the bottles, I don't think our designer has even seen a Foska bottle, come to think of it neither have I. I must have a look at one.

JWSurrey

It'd be great if you had room for some Foska gear - as long as it didn't detract from all that nice Assos/Campag./Rapha etc. :shock: Their jerseys and baggies are very nice.

Can I ask a cheeky question - Why is a Centaur 2008 hub heavier than a Mirage? Is it worth the extra money?

Bern.

Hi JWS, I wish we had a bigger store as we could stock another 10 brands of clothing, but there has to be some space for accessories also.

Well spotted with the weights on the hubs. To be honest I don't know what the difference is apart from the skewers and the finish, maybe they make the difference.

I will see if I can find out.

chip42

Bern,sorry for all the questions,is it possible to have a Baracchi with a different Deda fork?

Andy

Bern.

Hi Chip42, yes this is possible, we tend not to colour match the forks as some customers prefer to choose straight blade or other brands/styles of fork. It just gives more options.

shfcook

I had my heart set on a De Rosa Avant as a replacement for my Colnago Dream; I had been quoted €3,280 for a Chorus equipped 2008 model incl delivery from a shop in Italy. Just before confirming the order, I had a quick look at the Condor website yesterday, and was stunned to see the new carbon offerings on the website (Sun morning now and I can't seem to access the website).

The prices of the Leggero Chorus model are comparable to the Avant, now the € has strengthened and given the rip-off fx spread charged by VISA. However it also makes me think if Condor are comparable to imported De Rosa prices, what other brands should I look at?

I know the Avant is a monocoque construction, Condor certainly say the Diamante is hand made, not sure about the Leggero, but does this make a difference?

I would appreciate any advice if the forum can spare it...

chip42

Bern,thanks for all your help,hope to see you on Thursday 27th if you are there.

Andy

Bern.

shfcook, for any sales advice on our bikes it would probably be better to call the shop, we are open tomorrow.

I can give advice/information on the difference between monocoque and hand wrapped construction. The Leggero is made in the same way as the Diamante and is hand wrapped.

A monocoque frame is made from 2 or more piece moulds in a number of sizes. This makes frames cheaper to produce in one respect, but there is a much bigger outlay for the original cost of the moulds. Once a mould is finished it is very difficult to alter the shape so you have to be really sure the shape will do what you want it to do.

For wrapped carbon frames individual carbon tubes of various shapes can be used, a bit like selecting different steel or alloy tubes to get the characteristics you want. Round carbon tubes are cheaper as they are rolled and shaped tubes are made using moulds. The main difference is that tubes can be mixed and matched as well as custom sized. The tubes are cut to to size, mitred, bonded then hand wrapped with carbon around the joints in all the right places to gain maximum strength. This results in a lightweight frame that is increadibly strong and available in custom sizes if necessary.

Be aware of manufacturers stated weights, we have found that they are quite often inaccuarate as some weigh the smallest frame size available, some state unpainted frames and others just tubesets. For example our Leggero could be stated at 850g, but realisically it is more like 1035g for a mid sized frame fully painted.

Also be aware of component specs, some companies state a groupset, but what they really mean is that some parts on the bike are from that group and others are from a lesser group. It is always worth going through the complete list of parts fitted.

For further advice please feel free to pop by or speak to one of our guys, we try to give impartial advice on all brands.

Chip42, no problem, apologies if I am not available in store on the 27th, my office is off-site.

Bern.

shfcook, for any sales advice on our bikes it would probably be better to call the shop, we are open tomorrow.

I can give advice/information on the difference between monocoque and hand wrapped construction. The Leggero is made in the same way as the Diamante and is hand wrapped.

A monocoque frame is made from 2 or more piece moulds in a number of sizes. This makes frames cheaper to produce in one respect, but there is a much bigger outlay for the original cost of the moulds. Once a mould is finished it is very difficult to alter the shape so you have to be really sure the shape will do what you want it to do.

For wrapped carbon frames individual carbon tubes of various shapes can be used, a bit like selecting different steel or alloy tubes to get the characteristics you want. Round carbon tubes are cheaper as they are rolled and shaped tubes are made using moulds. The main difference is that tubes can be mixed and matched as well as custom sized. The tubes are cut to to size, mitred, bonded then hand wrapped with carbon around the joints in all the right places to gain maximum strength. This results in a lightweight frame that is increadibly strong and available in custom sizes if necessary.

Be aware of manufacturers stated weights, we have found that they are quite often inaccuarate as some weigh the smallest frame size available, some state unpainted frames and others just tubesets. For example our Leggero could be stated at 850g, but realisically it is more like 1035g for a mid sized frame fully painted.

Also be aware of component specs, some companies state a groupset, but what they really mean is that some parts on the bike are from that group and others are from a lesser group. It is always worth going through the complete list of parts fitted.

For further advice please feel free to pop by or speak to one of our guys, we try to give impartial advice on all brands.

Chip42, no problem, apologies if I am not available in store on the 27th, my office is off-site.

Bern.

shfcook, for any sales advice on our bikes it would probably be better to call the shop, we are open tomorrow.

I can give advice/information on the difference between monocoque and hand wrapped construction. The Leggero is made in the same way as the Diamante and is hand wrapped.

A monocoque frame is made from 2 or more piece moulds in a number of sizes. This makes frames cheaper to produce in one respect, but there is a much bigger outlay for the original cost of the moulds. Once a mould is finished it is very difficult to alter the shape so you have to be really sure the shape will do what you want it to do.

For wrapped carbon frames individual carbon tubes of various shapes can be used, a bit like selecting different steel or alloy tubes to get the characteristics you want. Round carbon tubes are cheaper as they are rolled and shaped tubes are made using moulds. The main difference is that tubes can be mixed and matched as well as custom sized. The tubes are cut to to size, mitred, bonded then hand wrapped with carbon around the joints in all the right places to gain maximum strength. This results in a lightweight frame that is increadibly strong and available in custom sizes if necessary.

Be aware of manufacturers stated weights, we have found that they are quite often inaccuarate as some weigh the smallest frame size available, some state unpainted frames and others just tubesets. For example our Leggero could be stated at 850g, but realisically it is more like 1035g for a mid sized frame fully painted.

Also be aware of component specs, some companies state a groupset, but what they really mean is that some parts on the bike are from that group and others are from a lesser group. It is always worth going through the complete list of parts fitted.

For further advice please feel free to pop by or speak to one of our guys, we try to give impartial advice on all brands.

Chip42, no problem, apologies if I am not available in store on the 27th, my office is off-site.

Bern.

shfcook, for any sales advice on our bikes it would probably be better to call the shop, we are open tomorrow.

I can give advice/information on the difference between monocoque and hand wrapped construction. The Leggero is made in the same way as the Diamante and is hand wrapped.

A monocoque frame is made from 2 or more piece moulds in a number of sizes. This makes frames cheaper to produce in one respect, but there is a much bigger outlay for the original cost of the moulds. Once a mould is finished it is very difficult to alter the shape so you have to be really sure the shape will do what you want it to do.

For wrapped carbon frames individual carbon tubes of various shapes can be used, a bit like selecting different steel or alloy tubes to get the characteristics you want. Round carbon tubes are cheaper as they are rolled and shaped tubes are made using moulds. The main difference is that tubes can be mixed and matched as well as custom sized. The tubes are cut to to size, mitred, bonded then hand wrapped with carbon around the joints in all the right places to gain maximum strength. This results in a lightweight frame that is increadibly strong and available in custom sizes if necessary.

Be aware of manufacturers stated weights, we have found that they are quite often inaccuarate as some weigh the smallest frame size available, some state unpainted frames and others just tubesets. For example our Leggero could be stated at 850g, but realisically it is more like 1035g for a mid sized frame fully painted.

Also be aware of component specs, some companies state a groupset, but what they really mean is that some parts on the bike are from that group and others are from a lesser group. It is always worth going through the complete list of parts fitted.

For further advice please feel free to pop by or speak to one of our guys, we try to give impartial advice on all brands.

Chip42, no problem, apologies if I am not available in store on the 27th, my office is off-site.

Bern.

shfcook, for any sales advice on our bikes it would probably be better to call the shop, we are open tomorrow.

I can give advice/information on the difference between monocoque and hand wrapped construction. The Leggero is made in the same way as the Diamante and is hand wrapped.

A monocoque frame is made from 2 or more piece moulds in a number of sizes. This makes frames cheaper to produce in one respect, but there is a much bigger outlay for the original cost of the moulds. Once a mould is finished it is very difficult to alter the shape so you have to be really sure the shape will do what you want it to do.

For wrapped carbon frames individual carbon tubes of various shapes can be used, a bit like selecting different steel or alloy tubes to get the characteristics you want. Round carbon tubes are cheaper as they are rolled and shaped tubes are made using moulds. The main difference is that tubes can be mixed and matched as well as custom sized. The tubes are cut to to size, mitred, bonded then hand wrapped with carbon around the joints in all the right places to gain maximum strength. This results in a lightweight frame that is increadibly strong and available in custom sizes if necessary.

Be aware of manufacturers stated weights, we have found that they are quite often inaccuarate as some weigh the smallest frame size available, some state unpainted frames and others just tubesets. For example our Leggero could be stated at 850g, but realisically it is more like 1035g for a mid sized frame fully painted.

Also be aware of component specs, some companies state a groupset, but what they really mean is that some parts on the bike are from that group and others are from a lesser group. It is always worth going through the complete list of parts fitted.

For further advice please feel free to pop by or speak to one of our guys, we try to give impartial advice on all brands.

Chip42, no problem, apologies if I am not available in store on the 27th, my office is off-site.

Bern.

shfcook, for any sales advice on our bikes it would probably be better to call the shop, we are open tomorrow.

I can give advice/information on the difference between monocoque and hand wrapped construction. The Leggero is made in the same way as the Diamante and is hand wrapped.

A monocoque frame is made from 2 or more piece moulds in a number of sizes. This makes frames cheaper to produce in one respect, but there is a much bigger outlay for the original cost of the moulds. Once a mould is finished it is very difficult to alter the shape so you have to be really sure the shape will do what you want it to do.

For wrapped carbon frames individual carbon tubes of various shapes can be used, a bit like selecting different steel or alloy tubes to get the characteristics you want. Round carbon tubes are cheaper as they are rolled and shaped tubes are made using moulds. The main difference is that tubes can be mixed and matched as well as custom sized. The tubes are cut to to size, mitred, bonded then hand wrapped with carbon around the joints in all the right places to gain maximum strength. This results in a lightweight frame that is increadibly strong and available in custom sizes if necessary.

Be aware of manufacturers stated weights, we have found that they are quite often inaccuarate as some weigh the smallest frame size available, some state unpainted frames and others just tubesets. For example our Leggero could be stated at 850g, but realisically it is more like 1035g for a mid sized frame fully painted.

Also be aware of component specs, some companies state a groupset, but what they really mean is that some parts on the bike are from that group and others are from a lesser group. It is always worth going through the complete list of parts fitted.

For further advice please feel free to pop by or speak to one of our guys, we try to give impartial advice on all brands.

Chip42, no problem, apologies if I am not available in store on the 27th, my office is off-site.

Bern.

shfcook, for any sales advice on our bikes it would probably be better to call the shop, we are open tomorrow.

I can give advice/information on the difference between monocoque and hand wrapped construction. The Leggero is made in the same way as the Diamante and is hand wrapped.

A monocoque frame is made from 2 or more piece moulds in a number of sizes. This makes frames cheaper to produce in one respect, but there is a much bigger outlay for the original cost of the moulds. Once a mould is finished it is very difficult to alter the shape so you have to be really sure the shape will do what you want it to do.

For wrapped carbon frames individual carbon tubes of various shapes can be used, a bit like selecting different steel or alloy tubes to get the characteristics you want. Round carbon tubes are cheaper as they are rolled and shaped tubes are made using moulds. The main difference is that tubes can be mixed and matched as well as custom sized. The tubes are cut to to size, mitred, bonded then hand wrapped with carbon around the joints in all the right places to gain maximum strength. This results in a lightweight frame that is increadibly strong and available in custom sizes if necessary.

Be aware of manufacturers stated weights, we have found that they are quite often inaccuarate as some weigh the smallest frame size available, some state unpainted frames and others just tubesets. For example our Leggero could be stated at 850g, but realisically it is more like 1035g for a mid sized frame fully painted.

Also be aware of component specs, some companies state a groupset, but what they really mean is that some parts on the bike are from that group and others are from a lesser group. It is always worth going through the complete list of parts fitted.

For further advice please feel free to pop by or speak to one of our guys, we try to give impartial advice on all brands.

Chip42, no problem, apologies if I am not available in store on the 27th, my office is off-site.

Bern.

shfcook, for any sales advice on our bikes it would probably be better to call the shop, we are open tomorrow.

I can give advice/information on the difference between monocoque and hand wrapped construction. The Leggero is made in the same way as the Diamante and is hand wrapped.

A monocoque frame is made from 2 or more piece moulds in a number of sizes. This makes frames cheaper to produce in one respect, but there is a much bigger outlay for the original cost of the moulds. Once a mould is finished it is very difficult to alter the shape so you have to be really sure the shape will do what you want it to do.

For wrapped carbon frames individual carbon tubes of various shapes can be used, a bit like selecting different steel or alloy tubes to get the characteristics you want. Round carbon tubes are cheaper as they are rolled and shaped tubes are made using moulds. The main difference is that tubes can be mixed and matched as well as custom sized. The tubes are cut to to size, mitred, bonded then hand wrapped with carbon around the joints in all the right places to gain maximum strength. This results in a lightweight frame that is increadibly strong and available in custom sizes if necessary.

Be aware of manufacturers stated weights, we have found that they are quite often inaccuarate as some weigh the smallest frame size available, some state unpainted frames and others just tubesets. For example our Leggero could be stated at 850g, but realisically it is more like 1035g for a mid sized frame fully painted.

Also be aware of component specs, some companies state a groupset, but what they really mean is that some parts on the bike are from that group and others are from a lesser group. It is always worth going through the complete list of parts fitted.

For further advice please feel free to pop by or speak to one of our guys, we try to give impartial advice on all brands.

Chip42, no problem, apologies if I am not available in store on the 27th, my office is off-site.

chip42

Hi Bern,went to the shop on the 27th and the 31st and came away with one of your ex- team Scuro framesets..!!!.Excellent service from Neil,Grant and Josh.

Thanks

Andy

Bern.

Hi Andy, good to hear you have been looked after.

chip42

Bern,technical question for you..what sort of torque figure do you use on the seatpost to frame clamp on the Scuro frame?

Andy

Bern.

Hi Andy, I would normally suggest 5-6nm. I would suggest a small drop of oil on the bolt thread to stop any binding.

big daddio

I have to agree with reverendmark, I really like the purple it's very unusual.

How about the Koga Orange as used on the dutch national track bikes instead of the purple though. Now that would look dead cool, especially with the transfers removed to show the carbon in the white areas spelling out Condor.

JWSurrey

Hi Bern,
Here's the '07 Frat in full winter mode, complete with funky new DT RR1.1 DE rims with wear indicators...


(Yup, the chainset is deliberately crossed-over for storage, and the psi ratings are by the valves rather than the stickers)

ButlerG

'Any custom option can be done within reason, i.e. as long as our painter can feasibly do it.'

So I could have a white Acciaio? Would there be an extra charge?

Bern.

Hi JWS, good to see the Fratello being kept nice and clean.

ButlerG, yes, custom colours can be done. There is normally a surcharge for this. The guys in store can advise on what can be done and likely costs.

Lead times can vary with custom painting depending on model depending on where they are scheduled within our production.

remy martin

Hi Bern,

I am a lightish rider, just under 10 stone and looking at either the Squadra or the Baracchi.

Could you tell me the major differences in the ride quality?

I appreciate the frames are of different materials. I guess what I want to know is which bike will explode forward more when I apply force on the pedals? I currently ride a carbon bike (like it very much) but am not particularly fussed if the next bike I get isn't carbon.

Essentially, I'm looking for a stiff bike that can translate as much of my exertion to push me forward. I will be coming in to try them out soon but am looking to hear about your experiences with those models, customer feedback etc.

Many thanks in advance

Bern.

Hi Remy Martin,

If you are looking for out and out stifness then The alloy EM2 with Drive carbon rear end is stiffer and more responsive than the full carbon Baracchi. I have ridden a lot of various alloy/carbon mixes as well as full carbon, but I still feel that for racing the EM2/drive combo is hard to beat.

Customer feedback is good on both models, but I would say Squadra for response and Baracchi for longer distance comfort.

JWSurrey

Bern - Ever seen a dirty Ferrari?
Actually, can I ask a couple of questions:
1. Do I need to take care greasing the headset on a carbon fork?
2. Do you have approx. torque values for the stem and seat bolts (Frat/Squadra)

Remy - The Squadra is awesome - After 6 months with the Fratello, I went back for a bike - The brief was something that completely contrasted.
Bern and the guys in the shop recommended the Squadra.

On the day I picked it up, another customer in the shop who looked like he spent his life pedalling came over and said it was the best bike he'd owned.

Why do Condor make two bikes at almost the same price point? Well, I guess you'll find that out on your test ride. I rode both the Squadra and the Baracchi. I preferred the Squadra. (I previously rode the Fratello and the Agio, when I bought the Frat).

I broke all my PBs during the first sportive last year that I took it out on - distance, max. speed, average speed etc.
It is unusually comfortable, and I feel a lot more confident on it - it feels really solid and direct without being harsh/jarring - I went for some handbuilt wheels with GP4000-S.
In fact, I pulled an endo on it trying to avoid a lorry on a narrow lane, and was still able to steer it by shifting my weight!

On paper, it's not the lightest ride, but it more than makes up for it in the qualities that produces - solidity being one of them.
There's a strip of Pave behind the store - test both out on that, plus a few standing starts - that should be enough to get the feel of the differences.
I take it you've been to the store before? I'd recommend calling ahead and arranging one of the less frantic times.

If you want any info. on spec. etc. then let me know or PM me.

The Squadra stays in the house most of the time - It's far too good/light to use every day - I need something lesser to get the benefit of training!

remy martin

Bern,

Thanks for your quick response. I am very close to popping instore to test ride the bikes, just waiting for this rain to stop!

Incidentally, what do you think about adding a the 'drive' fork instead of the standard fork that comes with the Squadra?

I think I was told that the drive fork was a better 'fit' for the back end of the bke, lighter, stronger and about £150 more.

alcooker

I'd like to say a couple of things about Condor. I buy as much as i can from them, yes, i could probably go online and get things cheaper but I'd rather buy from enthusiastic people who generally know their stuff and i don't find arrogant at all.
If it's busy which it often is then staff are bound to become a little flustered and i think some people confuse this with arrogance. The thing is, if you're used to going to places like Evans, you're probably used to knowing more than the shop assistants, because that's what ( from me and my friends experiences) they are, they could be selling anything they haven't got a clue about. At Condor you're dealing with experts and enthusiasts same as somewhere like Bromley bike, these people will advise you and you can trust it, don't confuse this with arrogance.
Remember you always have a choice, there's an Evans about 30 yards up the road from Condor, but if you wait in Malletti's pizza queue in Soho for long enough you're gonna come out with something far superior than the Oxford st pizza places.
I haven't got a condor bike by the way I've got a Dura Aced Airnimal, an Orange patriot and an on- one inbred pub bike.
Nice bottle of wine I've just finished.

Bern.

Remy Martin, the Drive fork is certainly a great upgrade. They were my favorite fork of all time. I believe that Deda will not be producing any more. It's successor, the Wave fork is very similar in weight with a slightly more direct feel. I would say that either of these two would make a good addition to the Squadra andI now rate them equally.

Alcooker, fair comment. The other well known outlet 30 yards down the road has now closed it's doors for good. I bet that doesn't get advertised. Happy cycling, whatever brand you ride.

remy martin

Bern,
Thanks again for your thoughts.
I was quoted approximately an extra £150 for the Drive fork but its not going to be produced anymore, then I guess it will have to be the Wave fork upgrade. I hope it isnt too much of an increase over the Drive.