January 2010

The 2010 Condor Leggero team bikes made their first appearance last night as Rapha Condor Sharp team was launched.

The man that is at the centre of it all, team manager , John Herety took to the stage at the Classic Car Club to describe how it all came together for 2010 and outline the plans for the year.

"For 2010 the certainty that the Tour Series will continue and the growth of the National Circuit Series means we’ve been able to invest in riders who can focus on that side of the sport, whilst at the same time ensuring we’re well equipped for the bigger road and stage races. The squad splits into three really, guys for the crits, guys for the road and those who can do both. I think we’ll perform well on all fronts this year. "

To find out more about the Rapha Condor Sharp Team bike click here

You can keep up to date with all the latest news on the team at raphacondorsharp.cc

Organisers of the Tweed Run announced its return this week. Registration will open on the 27th Feb and the ride takes place in April.

We've ear marked a couple of bikes from the 2010 range (see read more) that would fit to this suitably this epic day. Although they have a retro look they are of course made with modern materials and techniques. Now to figure out what style of herringbone twill will look best.

The Tweed Run aims to raise money for Bike4Africa. Head over to http://tweedrun.com/ for more information.

With a visit from the folks at San Marco saddles came hand-delivery of the first sample of the revised Condor Blaze saddle.

http://www.sellesanmarco.it/

Our heart felt sympathy goes out to the family of Don Wiseman, who recently passed away. He will be remembered as a very respected man who will be greatly missed.

Don was a very well known track cyclist and figure in the 1950's and had a close association with Condor.

Don was a fully qualified chartered engineer and the the Managing Partner of one of the largest Civil Engineering partnerships in the South of England. He played a key role in the design and construction of both the Hillingdon and Eastway circuits in London, two venues which have contributed so much to cycle sport in this country, providing safe year-round racing, especially for grass-roots riders.

He is pictured here between Rapha Condor team manager Jon Herety and Condor Cycles founder Monty Young.  Also pictured below is the Rapha Condor Sharp team with members of the Pedal Club at last years Lincoln Gran Prix, Don's last big outing which he thoroughly enjoyed.

New project for 2011: shown original Condor lug sets as used in the 1950's.

Another fantastic Revolution event at Manchester Velodrome. The cycling stars were out and we were down at track centre. You can read the report from the event here

There is only one Revolution event left in the championship taking place on the 27th Feb, we'll be there so if you fancy seeing the racing from a different angle come down to track centre and say hi. You'll also be able to get up close and watch Olympian's Chris Hoy and Victoria Pendleton warming up in the centre.

Mark Phillips captured some of the action for Condor Cycles.

Our new Condor Pioggia Fenders are nearly here. Pioggia is the plural for rain in Italian, the full standard fit mudguards are designed to keep all the spray away - and in recent conditions even freezing snowy slush.

We previewed a pair on the Condor Fratello at the London Cycle Show in October, where they caught the eye of Bike Radar editor Jeff Jones who reported on our homegrown Condor mudguards in his show round up.

Available in matt black or silver the fenders feature stainless steel stays. Our soggy butt saver will be in store shortly priced at £39.99 a pair.

The Rapha Condor Sharp team are racking up the results Down Under. That must mean the season is fast approaching and the 2010 riders need some 2010 bikes.

Production Director, Neil, snapped these images of the Condor Leggero team frames awaiting their final finishing colours at the paintshop where the bikes are handmade in Italy.

Team launch is on the 28th January where the new jersey and bike design will be unveiled

Ever wondered how bike chains are made? Well... here's the answer courtesy of the Discovery Channel's How It's Made series.

"A huge smile crossed my face this morning as I opened the curtains, horrible weather and snow. Winter tights, the ubiquitous softshell of course but today I'd get to wear my new Belgian merino wool hat, yesss!. It's a day for the fab Condor team edition Terra-X cross bike too, out of the garage the black beauty came, a shot of GT85 and its chain sang back to me, c'mon baby lets dance, have some fun whilst the rest of the world shuffles along and puts their fate in our third world public sector. "Helmet" she screamed as I opened the door - what on top of my virgin Belgian hat, are you kidding me! I slid the jack plug into the ipod, a day for Fleetwood Mac, and as I slipped into my left egg beater, "Hold Me" flowed into my ears, a brake test, a quick slide and the smile took hold, I was off, bring it on…. Chapeau Rapha, thanks Condor"

We then found a video about playing in the snow from London cyclo cross blogger Andy Waterman. It spurred us on to get out while it lasts.
To be safe we followed Matt Seaton's top tips for riding in bad weather

New signing Dean Windsor has taken to his new Condor Leggero like a duck to water.

The Austrailian found the runner up spot on Thursday at the Austrailian Criterium Championship.

His Rapha Condor Sharp team mate Zak Dempster also featured during the race.

Kemps narrowly held off new Rapha Condor Sharp signing Dean Windsor for the race victory. Behind Windsor was Tasmania’s William Clarke (Praties).

For a full race report visit Cycling News

You can follow all the team's exploits throughout season - via their official site  RaphaCondorSharp.cc

Cyclo-cross rider and Condor Cycles staff member, Konrad Manning has been crowned Central Cyclo-Cross League Veteran Champion and as a double whammy takes the runner's up prize in the senior’s category.
After the disappointment of the Mallory Park National Trophy where Konrad's rear mech was ripped off in the sticky mud, he bounced back to claim a succession of high placed finishes in less than great conditions which include heavy rain, snow and ice. He also rode a top ten finish at the South East Cycle Cross Champs

Konrad said 'this is a great boost going into the race this weekend,' where he is competing at the National Cyclo-Cross Championship. Next stop (weather permitting) is Birmingham.

We'd like to congratulate Konrad on his hardy mud filled efforts

In action at the South East Champs

Snowy Herne Hill League Race

Dissapointment at National Trophy but still all smiles

Look out for Konrad's dad, crucial member of Konrad's pit crew

Team Sky has their first public outing today. Condor staffer Tao managed to grab a spot on the Team Sky ride, which left this morning from the chilly Embankment. Wonder if he got the chance to chat to the the final piece of that Team Sky jigsaw - Bradley Wiggins or maybe Norwegian ace Edvald Boasson Hagen.

Speaking of ol' Wiggo - while we were spring cleaning our files, we came across this little piece of Bradley Wiggins race winning nostalgia.

You can follow today's launch in detail - and all the team's exploits throughout their debut season - via their official site TeamSky.com

We've reduced our winter clothing too to help you stay warm and toasty in the big freeze. If you don't fancy riding outside, we've reduced our CycleOps turbo trainers range.

Here's a selection of what's on offer in our winter sale or click here for our Condor sale bike list

Components & Accessories -

• Campagnolo Chorus carbon '06 chainset 10 speed now-£109.99 - was £299.99 save 62%
• Campagnolo Centaur carbon '06 chainset 10 speed now-£109.99 - was £209.99 save 47%
• Campagnolo Record alloy '06 chainset 10 speed now-£69.99 - was £139.99 save 50%
• Shimano Dura-Ace pedals now- £159 - was £199 save 20%
• Shimano Ultegra pedal now - £75 - was £119 save 37%
• Mavic Race SL Ti pedals now- £148.74 - was £174.99 save 15%
• Deda Olympico road tubular tyre now- £39.99 - was £59.99 save 33%
• CycleOps Magneto turbo trainer now- £144.99 - was £165 save 12%
• CycleOps Mag + turbo trainer now - £125 - was £145 save 14%

• CycleOps Mag turbo trainer now - £104.99 - was £120 save 13%
• Tacx Turbo trainers - save 10% on all Tacx trainers and have it delivered free

Clothing

• Assos 851 Jacket £193.99 save 10%
• Assos Clima Micro Jacket £140.99 save 10%
• Assos F1 Mille bib tights £175.99 save 10 %
• Gore Tool II Jacket (red, green or black) £99.99 save 29%
• Gore Alp X Thermo Jacket £52.99 save 30%
• Gore Xenon Ladys Windstopper Jacket (black) £49.99 save 56%
• Gore Power Lady Jacket (white, black, pink) £64.99 save 35%
• Helly Hansen Stripe shortsleeve baselayer £9.99 save 50%
• Helly Hansen Fire shortsleeve baselayer £14.99 save 50%
• Helly Hansen Freeze womens baselayer £19.99 save 50%