Condor frames

Jellylegs1968
Jellylegs1968 Posts: 73
edited June 2009 in Road buying advice
I'm thinking of buying a Condor CX bike to serve as my winter steed and to try my hand at CX racing.

What are Condor frames like?

Comments

  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    Made in Italy, probably from the likes of Billato or Viner - you can sometimes buy the same frame for less without the premium of the 'Condor' brand
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • brownbosh
    brownbosh Posts: 602
    monty do you know what brand frame to search for if thats the case? If i can get one of their track frames on the cheap i would be very interested!
  • Tom753
    Tom753 Posts: 737
    Maybe Ribble, they used to do a frame that was the same as a Condor but several hundred £ cheaper.
  • paulwoconnell
    paulwoconnell Posts: 8
    They're terrible. The bikes are middle of the road and dressed up as something else.

    I've had no end of problems with them, awful service, warranties where I had to pay for a warranty replacement (?!) and unauthorised transactions on my credit card.

    Save yourself some money and trouble and get a better bike somewhere else.

    Ribble and Cyclesurgery spring to mind. Evans overpriced and ugh.
  • tenor
    tenor Posts: 278
    Their Steel frames are good value, but not so the Carbon ones - cheaper from Ribble or Dolan as others have said. Boardman seem to provide the best value in road bikes at the moement - Not sure how the alu/carbon CX frames compare with other options.
  • billy whippet
    billy whippet Posts: 171
    I have 2 of their steel frames, and love them, and the shop.
  • italiaandyf
    italiaandyf Posts: 120
    I have an 07 condor italia - my first bike, rides well. I wouldn't buy another one though - as there are other frames around that now take my fancy more.
  • rjh299
    rjh299 Posts: 721
    Anyone got any experience with the Condor Heritage? It's currently my front runner for a touring bike
  • alfablue
    alfablue Posts: 8,497
    No experience of the Heritage, but I will be going to see one with a view to getting it on Cyclescheme. It got 9/10 in Cycling Plus last year. In my view it is a better bet than a more expensive Galaxy Super - Italian steel frame, handbuilt wheels, and the groupset and finishing kit is entirely customisable. Plus they look great in either red or green.
  • rjh299
    rjh299 Posts: 721
    I like the classic british racing green. When you going to take a look at it? Thinking of gettting the deore build for 950 also on cyclescheme. Write up a little review of your opinions. Would like to see it myself but it's such a trek to get to for me.
  • alfablue
    alfablue Posts: 8,497
    Ah, well you may get it before me, my current Cyclescheme agreement ends in August, so thats when I'll be going. I was thinking of Deore, got to stay under £1k, although I may try for XT but minus wheels, seat and rack as I have some I would prefer to use. One thing I want to check out is if they can fit the Campag linear pull brakes to Shimano levers.

    I plan to go for a day out or overnight stay in London to coincide with checking the bike out, I can probably get a cheap enough rail fare if I plan ahead. They have already told me they will ship it for £25 when built so I only need to go once. I reckon if I couldn't get there I would still go for it. I bought my Planet-X that way, closely comparing the geometry with my existing bike, and the fit was exactly as I expected.
  • rjh299
    rjh299 Posts: 721
    I've been trying to figure out what size frame i would need but am stuck between the 55 and 58 i think it is. I ride a 58 Madone but think the top tube maybe too long for me as i'm getting neck and back pain because i'm too far stretched out i think. Might have to bite the bulet and venture out of Cornwall!
  • alfablue
    alfablue Posts: 8,497
    rjh299 wrote:
    I've been trying to figure out what size frame i would need but am stuck between the 55 and 58 i think it is. I ride a 58 Madone but think the top tube maybe too long for me as i'm getting neck and back pain because i'm too far stretched out i think. Might have to bite the bulet and venture out of Cornwall!
    I think it is probably the wisest thing to do, especially as you already have doubts about bike fit. Plus, this sort of bike you are likely to want to keep for years and years. They should do a proper fitting for you. I suggest you call them in advance as I gather they get very busy, they may not be able to spend the time with you if you just turn up. Anyway, you could make a good day out of it, lots to see, do, eat and drink!
  • fnegroni
    fnegroni Posts: 794
    On the italian bdc-forum.it, there is a chap, niknamed gattonero, who works for Condor Cycles in London.
    http://www.bdc-forum.it/member.php?u=2106
    http://wokinghamcyclist.blogspot.com
  • billy whippet
    billy whippet Posts: 171
    I bought my Condor Tempo without going for a fitting, and had it shipped, and it's spot on size wise...
  • billy whippet
    billy whippet Posts: 171
    btw there's a condor cx frame on ebay http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/CONDOR-ITALIA-CRO ... 7C294%3A50

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