Condor Acciaio (COMPLETED)

2poc

Photos up very soon....

term1te

I do like sky blue steel, I look forward to the photographs.

the_fuggler

This sounds fabulous - looking forward to seeing the finished article...

bendertherobot

Get on with it!

I've done about 200 miles on mine this week. Can't tell you how much I love it. My only slight niggle is my Arione R3 saddle which I may swap out for a Brooks C15 in due course.

2poc

Groupset & pedals arrived. Merlin Cycles 10/10 for service. Frame and forks being prepared and posted today. Stem, bars and brooks tape en route from France - hopefully the build will begin Tues/Weds next week.

By my very rough calculations the full build will come in at 8.1 kgs, we'll soon see.

2poc

Most parts are ready, just waiting on the frameset, bars, stem and tape. Getting excited now!



Wheels good to go:

2poc

And can i just say that after 5 years of BB30 ball ache i can't wait to get back to a conventional threaded Shimano bottom bracket. It just works!

bendertherobot

I'm excited for you. You are going to love it.

2poc

Good news - its here:



Bad news Condor sent through the wrong fork so more waiting :-(

Build underway, now waiting to hear on how i'm going to get the new fork.

2poc

Great service from Condor. Sincere apologies plus the new fork is already in the post, coming tomorrow. More photos of the build to follow...

velogee

This is gonna be good. I liked bendertherobots a lot.

bendertherobot

It's gonna be great!

Out of interest why the fork change?

(I should add here that I'd really like to have a matching colour fork, like the Super A's have).

2poc

I've gone for the Columbus minimal fork that comes with the Acciaio stainless steel. It's lighter, slimmer so more in keeping with the frame, great reviews and was also recommended by condor. They also offered it at a good price so hard to refuse.

Colour wise I'm happy with the naked carbon. Black will match my saddle and leather brooks bar tape.

bmxboy10

Just got a San Marco regale carbon, amazing saddles! So comfortable!

2poc

Agree, used them for years from the old school riveted ones to the lightweight version now.

bendertherobot

2POC wrote:

I've gone for the Columbus minimal fork that comes with the Acciaio stainless steel. It's lighter, slimmer so more in keeping with the frame, great reviews and was also recommended by condor. They also offered it at a good price so hard to refuse.

Colour wise I'm happy with the naked carbon. Black will match my saddle and leather brooks bar tape.

Yeah, had a look, looks really nice indeed.

bmxboy10

Anyone able to comment on how this compares with the Ritchey Road Logic?

2poc

Great question. These were the two frames on my short list. I was originally leaning towards the logic but the more I researched the more I was put off. For me the sizing on the logic just didn't work and I was torn between the 53 and 55. The head tube was just too short on the 53 and the top tube on the 55 too long. I was also put off by not knowing the type of steel ritchey use and it being made in the Far East. Lastly I've read that the paint job wasn't as nice in the flesh although I have no real world experience. Not being able to see one before buying wasn't great either.

So why the condor. Well for me the geometry works. The 55 has a shorter top tube and taller head tube. It's handmade in Italy with decent steel tubes, not the best steel but not far off and at least I know what it is. I like the idea of knowing where it's from, the heritage of condor frames and supporting a british manufacturer. The clincher was when I saw one built up. The blue frame kitted out with decent components just made it look beautiful. After taking it for a spin I knew it was the one.

In the end I have no direct comparison as I didn't test ride the ritchey but so far extremely happy with my choice.

Btw the whole experience talking and buying from condor has been an absolute pleasure.

bmxboy10

My Road logic is on back order so maybe I need a trip up to condor....

bendertherobot

I've yet to enter foot in Condor but have 2! Can't wait till I'm up there next to pop in and have a look.

Seb's brilliant on email. Just a very easy process.

styxd

I like the colour. Any reason you've fitted an in line seatpost?

2poc

Fitted the inline so the geometry works for me

drlodge

With a 73.5 deg seat tube angle, I would have through an inline post would put you too far forward.

styxd

Yes, road frames tend to be designed around layback seatposts

2poc

Agree, the saddle is way back on the rails and dimensions fit to the spec i have from a custom bike fit a few years ago.

2poc

Must admit it was a toss up between saddle all the way forward on a layback masterpiece or all the way back on an inline.

2poc

Completed. Taken for a short spin this morning and it feels great, fits like a glove, light and snappy. I'll weight properly tomorrow. Stem may drop after a few weeks. Chain is short as i wanted to minimise chain slap and chipped paint on the chain stay. I'm seriously happy with how its turned out.

Quick photos to show the bike. Formal shots to follow.

TMR

Beautiful. Ultegra really is all you'll ever need.

bendertherobot

Welcome to the club. When you get used to it, ride faster, you'll be surprised just how much better it gets when you're hammering it. Truly wonderful bikes.

bmxboy10

Can you get these with the forks painted?

bendertherobot

Probably. Give Condor a buzz.