Finally Took the plunge on a Fratello
- Thread starter Triple3
- Start date
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In the flesh the frame is really nice. The welds are so so smooth and even and the paint finish oozes quality. Just looking at it you can see that it's a quality piece. It's light too, just the frame with no fork etc. I compared to some other mass produced steel frames and you can see the difference. I really like the Condor headstock badge too 
In the flesh the frame is really nice. The welds are so so smooth and even and the paint finish oozes quality. Just looking at it you can see that it's a quality piece. It's light too, just the frame with no fork etc. I compared to some other mass produced steel frames and you can see the difference. I really like the Condor headstock badge too
A chap I see regularly on my daily commute has the Blue one. Very smart indeed.
The blue frame was in the shop too, it looks almost purple when the light catches it, really smart. I only opted for green because it's not seen as much, lookes a touch classic and I couldn't afford to justify £150 extra for a custom paint job. I would be more than happy with the blue or the green.
It looks nice with white bar tape and the tan brown but white gets dirty quick, the wife commented that brown was too old man 
so I played safe with 2.5mm lizard skin black bar tape and a mixture of deda 100 finishing kit and condors own kit. I think black will look right. Saddle choice I could not decide so just picked a charge spoon and the shop are offering prologo saddles or I could opt for a brooks saddle. No experience of either so it's research time
so I played safe with 2.5mm lizard skin black bar tape and a mixture of deda 100 finishing kit and condors own kit. I think black will look right. Saddle choice I could not decide so just picked a charge spoon and the shop are offering prologo saddles or I could opt for a brooks saddle. No experience of either so it's research timeProfpointy
Legendary Member
i have their tempo -same bike ss fratello built as a fixie. Still delighted 15000m later
Oh that's excellent to hear. Looking like I made the best if slightly more expensive decision. The excitement keeps building. Hopefully 15,000 miles in I'm still smiling too
Any thoughts from those in the know regarding frame size. The build is around a 55 frame but I could easily ride the 58 from Condor.
The shops advise was as follows:
The 55 frame allows us to build the bike with a longer stem which makes for a better handling bike, especially on descents and in cross winds. You do have a little more drop from saddle to bars that way but you are a young and fit rider so I think it will work. I think you will work well on a 55.
Excuse my ignorance but does that all make sense and is the 55 frame the way to go ? I usually ride a 56 frame which is similar to Condors 55, mid size frame.
The shops advise was as follows:
The 55 frame allows us to build the bike with a longer stem which makes for a better handling bike, especially on descents and in cross winds. You do have a little more drop from saddle to bars that way but you are a young and fit rider so I think it will work. I think you will work well on a 55.
Excuse my ignorance but does that all make sense and is the 55 frame the way to go ? I usually ride a 56 frame which is similar to Condors 55, mid size frame.
Mrs M
Guru
- Location
- Aberdeenshire
That's lovely 
smutchin
Cat 6 Racer
- Location
- The Red Enclave
Basically, the fitter is saying that if you choose a frame with a 2cm shorter top tube, you can compensate by fitting a 2cm longer stem. I like a longer stem. It might feel a little different to what you're used to but you'll get used to it very quickly.
You've had a bike fitting with them so they're not just guessing here, they're going by your numbers. Personally, I would trust their experience.
You've had a bike fitting with them so they're not just guessing here, they're going by your numbers. Personally, I would trust their experience.
Thanks smutchin. They went on my size, height, torso etc and summised the 55 would be best and they can then set everything when the bike/frame arrives and do the full bike fit then. I think your 100 % right I should trust their experience.
Thank you for the reassurance
Profpointy
Legendary Member
I took a trip to london to sit on their fit-o-tron adjustable frame sizing rig, then they sized the frame and fitings from that. Picked up the built bike a few weeks later and rode it back from their shop in Clerkenwell to my car parked in west london. I think I lowered the handlebars by 5mm a year later and aprr from that it's spot on. Worth making a trip to Condor's shop given a fratello must be over £2k now.
Ps do get mudguards else you'll get a wet arse
Ps do get mudguards else you'll get a wet arse
vickster
Legendary Member
He did go to a Condor retailer, just one in Clitheroe
The shop did not do a bike fit on a jig, they just specced the 55 frame on experience and are asking condor to leave things like steering stem long so they can do a bike fit and set everything on the frame. I was just wondering if there was any advantages in taking a slightly larger frame.
I use mudguards on my other bike and will fit to this, its just I can get them cheaper and the shop can do them cheaper than condor.
- Location
- London
i can confirm that it is a very good shop. Much of it not my type of stuff but good nevertheless.Good afternoon all
I finally took the plunge and after starting the odd thread regarding equilibriums and other road bikes I have finally paid the deposit on a Condor Fratello disc in green like the one below without mudguards.
View attachment 151298
The Fell bike shop in Clitheroe are first class and went through the whole build and had frames in store to look at. Bike fit included and if your local or in the area just check out the shop its pretty special with and endless pool for triathlon lovers.
The frame welds where something else on the Fratello and the paint is much nicer in the flesh with metallic sparkles in the white.
Big thank you to @vickster for giving me the heads up on Condor dealer local to me otherwise I would never have known
