Condor Fratello or Specialized Roubaix?

blueski

Hi all,

First post here and much appreciate some advice!

I'm a keen cycle commuter in London and have done a couple of longer weekend trips on my mountain bike, fitted with road tyres. This has inspired me to tackle the Land's End to John O'Groats this Summer, which seems a good excuse to buy a "proper" road bike.

My priorities are a bike that's comfortable over this trip, but also nippy and quick for commuting once I'm back - would like to use it as my main commuter bike too.

Having trawled around the bike shops, I think I've narrowed it down to two models - the Condor Fratello (steel) for ~£1100, or the Specialized Roubaix (carbon) for ~£1450.

Seems like the Fratello might be the better bet for the trip, since it can easily carrier panniers and has a longer wheelbase for more stability. But can't help eyeing the more exotic Roubaix, which might be a little more nimble and more fun for shorter commutes.

If I went with the Roubaix, I'd fit large saddle and handlebar bags of some sort to carry a change of clothes - not ideal, but others have done it and seems to work.

I wouldn't be looking to race, just commute and tour, and my head says the Fratello would be more than sufficient for that. But my heart still prefers the look and lightness of the Roubaix.

Much appreciate any thoughts or advice!

Many thanks,
Russell

alfablue

Can the Roubaix take mudguards? This would be highly desirable on long tours and for commuting.

I think you should get the bike that does most of what you want, well, and save up for a pretty bike for sunny Sunday rides. Therefore Fratello!

alfablue

actually I think the Condor is pretty, in a retro Italian steel kind of way!

My pretty carbon bike was my third bike, the steel audax bike is still the do-it-all (mostly) workhorse, the carbon one for fast fun on smooth roads in good weather.

alfablue

I would suspect the Roubaix might also be more susceptible to theft and vandalism damage. You might be less anxious about the Condor when left unattended. I don't leave my carbon bike anywhere unattended for more than a few minutes.

acorn_user

Hi, the Roubaix is not designed for what you have in mind. It does not take full length mudguards and afaik has no provision for luggage. Both of those factors make it a poor commuter and a less than ideal end to end bike. I think you would be better off with a bike designed for the purpose like the Condor. It will also be much more useful when you finish the ride and it will not feel a whole lot slower.

giant_man

I would far rather go for the Condor Fratello which to me is much better value.

blueski

Thanks all! Sounding like the Fratello is the way to go.

Any other models I should consider before pressing the button?

alfablue

Only the Condor Heritage, it has the Fratello front end, and a beefed up rear triangle. This is appropriate if you plan on taking a heavier touring load.

Slow Downcp

Of the two I'd plump for the Condor.

Slow Downcp

Maybe another to consider, a little more than the Condor when built up:

http://www.enigmabikes.com/index.php?_a ... oductId=21

Or Mercian have some nice audax frames on special offer if the size is right.

keef66

Kinesis GranFondo?

Shezzer

I use a Roubaix Expert for my longer / hillier rides and I love it to bits. It's very comfortable BUT it's not the right bike for a LEJOG in my opinion. I certainly wouldn't look to be loading it up with panniers and all the gubbins you'd need for LEJOG.

Now if you had a support car that would carry all your stuff for you then that'd be a different matter ...