Condor Lavoro (xpost)

So I picked up what I think is a 2015 Condor Lavoro on ebay a few months ago and have been building it up in to a new track weapon, including refinishing all the paint and slowly accumulating second hand parts from across the internet.

I don't have a good before pic but when I took possession, the f&f were solid if quite scratched. I decided that I wanted to get the frame powdercoated and also that I was going to have a go at refinishing the fork. I went to Maldon powdercoating to get the work done and managed to turn it in to quite a nice morning out, at least once I was past Romford https://www.strava.com/activities/2706981244. They did a great job with the powder coat and the clear coat came out pretty well (I've had to cover some spots that were missed but the overall job was very good and probably would have been flawless if I'd not been difficult and asked for decals that can't be put under powder clear) and I would recommend them if you're London based and don't mind the journey.

The fork was rubbed down to remove scratches before being cleared with 1k spray can clear (painted out of an open window and left to dry in the bathroom, sorry flatmates), flatted, cleared again and polished. Given that I'm not a great sprayer, had quite limited materials and I was painting in very suboptimal conditions, I was really happy with the result. It's glassy and I managed to avoid getting any runs.

Having realised I was going to go seriously over budget anyway, now seemed like a good time to get hold of a Sugino Super Zen and by chance there was a 54T for sale in South London. Perfect in combination with some black omnis that I took off another bike and polished up (once you've bought some polish it's tricky avoiding the urge to polish everything in sight). I wanted clinchers but the wheels were an ebay bargain and seem super fast so I can't complain. I went for a Cambium C15 all weather which is heavy but actually really comfy on the track. The bars were the only component I bought new as I just couldn't find any secondhand in 38cm but they're cheap, stiff and are aesth.

Rode out for the first time a few weeks ago and it feels fast and looks pretty cool. I need to get a 10mm cone spacer for the headset to reduce the stack height but other than that I think it's gone pretty well.

5 Attachments

Thats one heavy saddle for a track bike .but boy you done a great job.

I like the raw carbon rims. Rad.

Yeah didn't realise how chonk they are. Wanted the C13 as I guess they're quite a bit lighter(?) but the credit card said pls no.

They were a good find. They're planet x ones from a few years ago I think but don't have any of the branding on which is nice.