August 2010

Small wheels and a collaspable frame. It can only be a folding bike.

Photo: Larry Hickmott / British Cycling

Usually found on a train in the arms of a commuter these little feats of engineering were sent around the twisty Blackpool Nocturne course at the weekend, providing a unique experience for Condor staffer Claire Beaumont and a dapper Dan Craven.

Aboard the Dahon Vitesse and riding to finish 6th Claire explained "that was a tough five laps, I unfolded that pretty quick and got away nearly first. It takes a bit of getting used to when you want to hoon it round at full speed, especially through the corners, that was so fun. I'm in bits."

Riding a black Brompton M3L Dan was away from the line last not quite getting his unfold right but his racing tact and pro rider fitness allowed him to make up some time and take victory over the field. What a ringer!

We think summer is over. So lucky we made it out into the sunshine for a big ride. A couple of Sunday's ago we met up at the Gray's Inn Road store to head west, finding the river once or twice and ending up in the civil parish of Henley-on-Thames.

The ride gave us a chance to meet up with our sponsored young rider Tao, and women's team rider Natasha. Sammy got a chance to test an eight speed hub on his fixed Condor Tempo frame. And some of us were trying out the compression cycling shorts from Skins. Ben, Tom and Conrad grabbed a pair of the new CY400 range.

We had somehow timed it perfectly with brilliant sunshine all the way to our pub stop. A fairly flat route was planned from capital to countryside but with a mile to go one almighty hill stood in the way of the riders and their lunch. Whether we raced or grovelled our way to the top, it's safe to say all were glad we could stop at the top.

With bellies full of burgers or pizza from a wood fired oven at the top of Pishil (yes that is the name, it's near Assendon) and legs sporting a few Horse Fly bites, we rode back to Windsor to grab some cake. A ride isn't a ride without a bit of coffee and cake from the Chocolate Theatre before heading home.

There are more pics on our Flickr. We're now planning our Autumn ride - suggestions anyone?

Today something rather special arrived at Condor Cycles. Printed on the inside of fine-grained calf leather you will find the Rapha Condor riders against the backdrop of Paul Smith's multi-stripe Mini on the Nottingham Embankment.

Here is the link to the Paul Smith site, if, like us, you feel it catches your eye.

Rapha Condor Sharp's Dean Downing headed down to Herne Hill Velodrome to help comedian Dave Scheider with his preparations for the South West Tour Rides sportive.

You can also ride the London stage and the Stoke stage of the Tour of Britain and raise money for Prostate Cancer. Follow this link for more.