Condor Lavoro

Hey peeps,

I have just purchased a Condor Lavoro - well it is getting built atm.

Basically I am converting it into a bike I can use on the road and have had assurance from Condor that it will be suitable for road use - before you ask/tell me otherwise.

This is what set up will look like initially (photo attached):

Frame: Condor Lavoro handbuilt with Columbus 7005 triple butted aluminium tubing (heat treated)
Fork: Condor Carbon Track fork, superlight straight-blade track fork (35mm rake) to significantly improve control
Headset: Condor Integrated Alloy
Chainset: Condor Supremacy, one piece forged lightweight alloy
Bottom Bracket: Miche Primato, 107mm
Sprocket: Condor 1/8th track sprocket (available in sizes 14t to 18t)
Handlebars: Condor Strada Alloy - oversized (available in sizes 36cm to 44cm, size determined with bike fit)
Stem: Condor Strada Alloy - oversized (available in sizes 70mm to 130mm, size determined with bike fit)
Handlebar Tape: Condor Cork, black
Saddle: Fizik Ardea, with manganese rails, black
Seatpost: Condor Uno alloy
Seatclamp: Condor Uno alloy
Wheelset: Miche X-Press, medium profile alloy rim
Tyres: Vittoria Zaffiro, 700 x 23mm, black
Tubes: Specialized, 48mm valve

I would like some advise/guidance on changing the set up to make it more road worthy.

Also I want to ride single speed rather than fixed..

Any help would be appreciated.

1 Attachment

Also - the track fork is being changed for a road fork so I can have a front brake...

I think you've covered it.

If you're riding S/S then you should also have a rear brake so maybe make sure the rear bridge is drilled.

I'd change the tyres for ones with more pucture protection in them, Durano Plus are good

They're great frames but pretty unforgiving over rough stuff, so 23mm tyres might be a bit on the hard side.

Definitely get it drilled for a rear brake if you're riding it freewheel.

Cheers guys, I wasn't aware that I can get the rear bridge drilled! Ideally I would like a back brake too so that is great news.

Maybe figure in if you are going to use road levers when you choose a stem. Single speed + road levers means you ride on the hoods a lot, at least in urban areas. Make sure that doesn't require you to be in the most aero/ uncomfortable position.

Also, 28c gatorskins or duranos or something.

I've an older version of the frame, 23c tyres are fine on it and you might get clearance issues on bigger tyres. It is a stiff frame so you will notice the bumps. Personally I'd keep it fixed, just stick an extra spacer or two on the headset and bang on a dirty Harry brake leavers.

PS you could maybe ride the 23s at a slightly lower psi of around 90-100 rather than 110.
28s would look massive on the frame

As its track geo make sure that a brake will actually fit if the bridge was drilled. i can imagine with tight clearances a brake having too much drop, if you get me... might be totally over thinking this ;)

I have decided to just ride it fixed now. I've stopped being a baby. :)

good news! They are lovely track frames, it would be a shame to take a drill to the back.

good idea, HTFU

dannysolero

How's life with the Lavoro? I'm considering getting one. Will be mainly a commuter and will hit the boards one day soon.

Just wanted to know how stiff and rough it's been on the road? I'll test riding both the Lavoro and Pista tomorrow.

My sensible brain says the Pista and steel bikes are 'for life' and can be repaired easily but i want a real light point and shoot fixie!

Oh and how was the service from Condor?

@dannysolero any update here? I am in the same place as @crazyfields above