Thorn Audax mk3 vs Condor Fratello

yannigr

I am after a nice commuter and I am hesitating between these two.

Which one would you go for?

sean65

I've just bought a Fratello so I'm biased.

I looked at the Thorn before I made a decision and just preferred the Fratello. I'm sure they have similar ride qualities but the Fratello came with a carbon fork and seatpost as standard just for that bit of extra comfort.

You'll find that Condor offer a more extensive set of build options. But apart from the Brook's Swallow, mines a standard Veloce build.

The Thorn colour's look a bit naff, But I'm sure it's versatile and well built.

All in all the Condor is a great ride. Keeps me out cycling longer than I'm used to. Feels smooth and is lively enough when you want to cane it.

But for commuting, I think both would be great bikes. Depends which one you prefer the look of and if you're particular about the build.

pete.whelan

I'd go for the Condor. The range of sizes from SJS for Thorn is not briliant. You might be lucky and one fits you well. The choice of parts from Condor is up to you and a bit limited at SJS

giant_man

If it's just for a commuter then the Thorn will be fine, but if you were planning to do sportives and some audax riding then I would go for the Condor.

yannigr

Thanks all for all this useful info.

I think that I am going to have a go at doing an audax or two but 80-90% of the mileage will be commuting (50, 75 or 100 miles per week depending how lazy I am)

Before I had heard of the Fratello I was onto the Thorn but I think that I am now changing my mind.

GeorgeShaw

I've been on my Fratello for a year and a half now. Condor's pre-sales support was exemplary, especially proper bike fitting. It gets a battering on the rough country roads around me, but gives a good ride and the Ventos are bullet-proof. I've done one sportive, and comfort was never a problem.

Mind you next year I'm thinking about titanium

acorn_user

Neither old boy. Woodrup will make a lugged frame for around 300 pounds. Bob Jackson will do the same for about the same outlay. You can spec your own dropouts that way.

Ellis Brigg offer a complete Audax bike that would work for commuting for around 700.

PHcp

I prefer the paint finish on the Condor but the powder coat of the Thorn will be a lot tougher, might be a consideration if you're using it daily.
I doubt there's much difference in the frames and although the bikes are around the same price the Thorn frameset with headset and seatpin is a bargain at £300. I reckon with some careful shopping you could get a better build than either for the same price.

GeorgeShaw

Correct, I think, PHcp. My Fratello has a couple of wear patches on the head where the cables rub. Investing in Lizard Skins shortly.

yannigr

PHcp wrote:

I prefer the paint finish on the Condor but the powder coat of the Thorn will be a lot tougher, might be a consideration if you're using it daily.
I doubt there's much difference in the frames and although the bikes are around the same price the Thorn frameset with headset and seatpin is a bargain at £300. I reckon with some careful shopping you could get a better build than either for the same price.

My technical skills don't go much beyond tuning brakes and gears, truing wheels and tightening what loosens, but it might be an interesting challenge.

I always had assumed that the some of the bits was greater than a complete bike!

Would you be able to recommend a place where to start doing some "careful shopping"?

Though I am not quite sure how it would work with the cyclescheme.

Thanks

Yannig

yannigr

I went for the condor... will tell you if I love it!