Condor Acciaio
03-28-22, 09:12 PM
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Condor Acciaio
I have a chance to buy a Condor Acciaio for about $350 USD. It has Columbus Max tubes and Chorus derailleur. It is a perfectly grotesque blue-fade-to-purple. I’m not familiar with the brand. Any comments or ideas about its value, date etc.?
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03-29-22, 06:02 AM
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Columbus MAX was introduced for the 1988 model and was a (very successful) attempt at producing an very stiff frameset by using large diameter tubes that were elliptical at the ends and oriented to oppose the directions of maximum stress at the joints. Tubeset weight was 1900g, which was 25g lighter than SL. It was Columbus's top ranked tubeset for a handful years but many find it too stiff, to the point where Columbus released a more foregiving Mini-Max version. If you're one of these people who tries to stuff the fattest possible tyre into SLX frames, then this is not the frame for you.
There have been many Condor brands over the years but this is the English marque that traces its origin to 1948. The C&V modles are very highly regarded and they were one of the English builders showcased by Kolin & De la Rosa in their seminal 1979 book, The Custom Bicycle. A Condor was also featured in that other 1970's stalwart, Richard's Bicycle Book. Condor have been owned owned by many British celebrities inlcuding Bradley, Wiggins, Eric Clapton (who reportedly owns eight Condor), Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. Four time World Champion in the Pursuit, Hugh Porter, won the first of his world titles on a Condor and they have sponsored numerous pro teams over thee years.
That's an attractive offer, especially if it's $CDN but I can't emphasize enough the extreme stiffness of these MAX frames. On a test ride, on good pavement, they feel like the greatest frames, but they will really beat you up on long rides and/or rougher roads.
There have been many Condor brands over the years but this is the English marque that traces its origin to 1948. The C&V modles are very highly regarded and they were one of the English builders showcased by Kolin & De la Rosa in their seminal 1979 book, The Custom Bicycle. A Condor was also featured in that other 1970's stalwart, Richard's Bicycle Book. Condor have been owned owned by many British celebrities inlcuding Bradley, Wiggins, Eric Clapton (who reportedly owns eight Condor), Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. Four time World Champion in the Pursuit, Hugh Porter, won the first of his world titles on a Condor and they have sponsored numerous pro teams over thee years.
That's an attractive offer, especially if it's $CDN but I can't emphasize enough the extreme stiffness of these MAX frames. On a test ride, on good pavement, they feel like the greatest frames, but they will really beat you up on long rides and/or rougher roads.
Last edited by T-Mar; 03-29-22 at 06:06 AM.
03-30-22, 05:26 PM
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Thanks for the great information. I’ll take it for a ride before I decide for sure.
03-30-22, 07:50 PM
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I don’t know what the original fork looked like and it’s Hard to tell from the online picture is the fork is original but looks a little like it might be aluminum. Check the frame carefully fir evidence of front end damage. Otherwise looks good with some Chorus bits.
good luck.
Cheers.
Brad
good luck.
Cheers.
Brad
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03-31-22, 08:08 AM
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Pedal to the medal
Are you all seeing a picture of the bike in question? Because I am not...
03-31-22, 09:22 AM
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@romperrr there is a picture online but I’ll leave it to @Mountain Mitch to post it if he likes.
cheers.
Brad
cheers.
Brad
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03-31-22, 07:41 PM
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Can’t seem to download a photo.
04-01-22, 10:53 AM
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