Does anyone remember a road racing bike called "Condor"?
10-13-09, 02:33 PM
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Does anyone remember a road racing bike called "Condor"?
This site has jogged my memories back to the mid-70's when I was really into bicycling and especially road racing bicycles. I was just a kid, but I used to get a lot of old bicycle literature and stuff just so that I could daydream about one day owning some of the really nice ones.
One, in particular, I remember seeing was called a "Condor". I think the frame was double-butted Reynolds. Everything was Campagnolo Nouvo Record stuff, of course. I think the chainwheels were drilled out.
Anyone remember that one? Perhaps someone migt have a picture...or maybe even owned one?
Thanks
Great forum!
One, in particular, I remember seeing was called a "Condor". I think the frame was double-butted Reynolds. Everything was Campagnolo Nouvo Record stuff, of course. I think the chainwheels were drilled out.
Anyone remember that one? Perhaps someone migt have a picture...or maybe even owned one?
Thanks
Great forum!
10-13-09, 02:39 PM
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I have a reference to Condor bikes in an old book I have, I'll let you know what I find.
I think I remember that they were British?
I think I remember that they were British?
10-13-09, 02:40 PM
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Highly regarded British brand. Featured on the cover of one of the editions of Richard's Bicycle Book, a boom era bicycle bible. Eric Clapton owned one.
https://www.classicrendezvous.com/Bri...ondor_main.htm
https://www.classicrendezvous.com/Bri...ondor_main.htm
10-13-09, 02:47 PM
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Yup, they are in this old book I have from 1979 called "The Custom Bicycle". Interesting chapter about their history, looks like Condor was started by a gentleman named Monty Young in 1946. Known for excellent workmanship using primarily Reynolds steel back in the 70's.
Last edited by garboplex; 10-13-09 at 05:34 PM.
10-13-09, 02:55 PM
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From Richard's Bicycle Book
10-13-09, 03:30 PM
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Highly regarded British brand. Featured on the cover of one of the editions of Richard's Bicycle Book, a boom era bicycle bible. Eric Clapton owned one.
https://www.classicrendezvous.com/Bri...ondor_main.htm
https://www.classicrendezvous.com/Bri...ondor_main.htm
10-13-09, 03:39 PM
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If you scroll down on the thread from the link below, you'll find a Reynold's 531 framed 3-speed. It looks to me that it may be a Condor:
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vintage/593749-lightweight-frame-sturmey-3-speed.html
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vintage/593749-lightweight-frame-sturmey-3-speed.html
10-13-09, 05:19 PM
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still in business in the UK, very high end beautiful bikes
https://www.condorcycles.com/ourbicycles.html
https://www.condorcycles.com/ourbicycles.html
10-13-09, 09:31 PM
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Bill Hurlow...the man behind the British Condor, but then there's the Swiss Condor, too, apparently no connection, but the headbadges look sort of similar:
https://www.classicrendezvous.com/Swi...d/Condor_1.htm
https://www.classicrendezvous.com/Swi...d/Condor_1.htm
10-13-09, 10:03 PM
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One of my favorite bikes, without a doubt. The saying is overused, but it rides like a dream. Reynolds 531 frame and fork (I especially love the fork crown). The bike was custom built for the previous owner, who lived in London for a few years. Luckily, we have the same dimensions. The build is a bit wacky (mix of Chorus, Record, DA, and 600), but everything works perfectly together. I'm planning on rebuilding it with Chorus 10. These are the only (crappy and outdated) pictures I have on my computer . . . I'll try to remember to snap some others.
10-14-09, 04:10 AM
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Why yes, yes I do. These are around a year old, later today I'll try and snap some others in it's current semi revisioned state of transition.
Reynolds 753, Athena 8 sp drive train and Chorus brakes and levers. It now has drop bars and a set of unridden Hope hubbed Ambrosio Cronos tubulars on it.
Reynolds 753, Athena 8 sp drive train and Chorus brakes and levers. It now has drop bars and a set of unridden Hope hubbed Ambrosio Cronos tubulars on it.
