Condor Fratello or a Pearson or something else?

[jedzi]

For the last 5 years I’ve had a Condor Fratello and been very happy with it. The time has come to replace it.

90% of my cycling is commuting to work across the outer suburbs of London. In case it’s useful: I’m 5’10”, about 13 stone, and mid-forties. I need something capable of taking a rack and mudguards. Aside from commuting almost all my riding is local, so I don't climb any big hills.

The Fratello is the obvious choice, but Condor is a pain for me to get to at weekends. I live in South West London and Pearson in Sutton is fairly close by.

What I’m wondering is:

• What kind of a reputation does Pearson have in comparison to Condor?
• Does anyone know what the equivalent Pearson model to a Fratello would be? And, if so, what’s it like?
• Is there anything similar I should look at?

Thanks,

Jedzi

[yostumpy]

why do you want to replace the fratello. They are frame only aren't they. If you like it then just rebuild it? (new wheels chainset etc) If you want a cheap replacement frame, then look at the ribble site

[Brucey]

....What kind of a reputation does Pearson have in comparison to Condor?

AFAIK the Fratello is an Italian-built frame made for Condor. If you buy a Pearson branded frame then it could be built in Taiwan to their spec. (some models certainly have been in the past but you will have to ask them to be sure) . The quality, warranty and back-up service could be good in either case.

Is there anything similar I should look at?

yes lots. There are loads of 'Audax' type machines out there which will take 25mm tyres and mudguards, and have eyes for the latter and will therefore take a rack + light load as well. Geometries vary somewhat; by choosing carefully you should be able to get something that fits you very well indeed.

Worth looking at frames/builds by Spa cycles, SJS (Thorn), Bob Jackson, Mercian, etc as well as a plethora of ready built bikes e.g. from Dawes.

I don't know how many miles you do but six years is not a very long time for a decent steel frame.

cheers

[samsbike]

I just checked the website and they have some nice bikes, but I would the previous posters sentiment about looking at other makes.

If you are despite to change other bikes to look at would be the genesis croix de fer, surly straggler, specialized tricross. If I was to buy a bike more for commuting I would seriously consider discs.

Personally I would go for something totally different like a trek domane, and I mention this because I saw one today with a rack which I think was fitting to the quick release or something. The guy was a lot quicker than me so I did not get a good look.

Pearson do have a good rep and are helpful

[TrevA]

I've got a Domane 2.0 and whilst you can fit a rack, you can't fit proper mudgards, as there are no eyes on the front forks. It's fairly light and a great bike to ride but I wouldn't commute on it.

[LollyKat]

Has the Fratello design changed recently, if you are not happy with your 5-year-old one? The current picture on the Condor site shows it with guards, rack and panniers.



My daughter bought a Fratello 4 years ago and has SKS guards with 28mm Gatorskins, and a rear rack. She uses it for B&B-style touring. Can't you rebuild your bike to do what you want? Then if you still want another bike you could have fun with something completely different.

[jedzi]

Hi there,

Thanks for the responses. Very useful to know that as a brand Pearson is broadly comparable with Condor. I’ll check out the other suggestions. A couple of things:

• I’m buying a new bike rather than refitting the frame partly as it’s hard a life, but also as it’s difficult (in fact technically not allowed) to refurb the current frame through Cycle to Work. For roughly the same money I’ll get a new bike.
• Because of back problems in the past I’ve actually got flat handle bars on the Fratello. Might be sacrilege / non-sensical, but it works for me.
• Given that I use it almost solely for fairly flat commuting, hub gears are something I’d be prepared to look at, same with disc brakes. In fact when I bought the Fratello the guy in Condor suggested it and I wish I’d bitten the bullet

Typing this now I’m starting to wonder if it makes sense to put things like that on a Fratello (or similar) or if I should look for something different. Must admit I’ve been very happy with the quality of the Fratello.

Jedzi

[diggersailing]

Hi,

I too have a Fratello 55cm and love it, but I have been trying to avoid using it for commuting as I ride a single speed (in hills) to provide an alternative and I love the contrast in rides. We are similar sizes.

It sounds like you just want a change, but my LBS was prepared to allow me to buy some kit and make it up to be effectively a new bike, so there appears to be ways around your problem and I have done up an older Trek bike in this way, which I will use on a cobbled classic this year.

My short list would consider Hewitt (see CYC Magazine this month) or Kenesis TK3 or GranFondo as alternatives. I would also consider something like Titanium if you wanted something different - I have just be in contact with Burls who are well received by cyclists and can put a bike together for similar money to an off the peg option. Security comes into play. If you are happy with your Frat setup you should also be able to consider the dimensions comparatively against others.

Again a Fratello or similar is over the magic £1K mark anyway.

I think you need to nail your requirements more because many of us probably think something newer but similar will not actually be that different.

Digger