Condor Fratello

[User169]

I've got one from 2006. Lovely bike which I've sadly had sitting in the shed for the last few years.

I'm going to build it up again this year as a light tourer for which it's pretty much ideally suited.

I'd agree that the paint job is a bit fragile and it's not the lightest, but it's very good value.

 

[outlash]

Only
Onll down side is that they aren't the lightest bikes, but they're not that heavy by steel standards

I'd go along with that. Mine comes in a smidgen over 11kgs with guards, Brooks B17, XT trekking pedals and Condors' own handbuilt wheels which aren't the lightest but it's still a fair bit lighter than my old Day One (albeit with an Alfine hub). But it matters not when you're cruising along serenely having a thoroughly nice ride.

 

[rideswithmoobs]

The fragile paint worries me a bit especially at that price point. Steel Genesis Equilibrium or Cannondale equivalents would probably have better, I'm narrowing my options of a new bike down and what I really want and expect to do on the bike.

 

[outlash]

Personally, I haven't had a problem with the paintwork and oddly enough, I gave read one or two reports of Genesis bikes having less than optimal paint jobs too.

At this sort of price point, along with the aforementioned Equilibrium, the only other option I can think of in this kind of bike would be the Spa Cycles Audax. And going on looks alone (I haven't ridden the other two), I'd have the Frat.

 

[rideswithmoobs]

I have read on a couple of occasions about Genesis paint although mine is good but bolts etc rusted and furred up after a couple of short rides in winter. I have needed to contact Genesis customer service a couple of times and they were indeed awful to say the least. I have spoken to Condor a couple of times and incredibly helpful, plus I need to go to London to Brazilian consulate for a work visa soon and by chance Condor is a few blocks down the street....oh lucky me

 

[Profpointy]

The fragile paint worries me a bit especially at that price point. Steel Genesis Equilibrium or Cannondale equivalents would probably have better, I'm narrowing my options of a new bike down and what I really want and expect to do on the bike.

As I mentioned above, although I have chipped the paint on mine I'd not regard the paint as fragile. Paint simply gets chipped on a bike used for daily commute, including a couple of offs. Paint job as such was perfectly fine in my view.