Condor Cycles. For many the name conjures up a history of racing heritage, while for others the Gray’s Inn Road bicycle shop is synonymous with just one thing: fixed wheel bicycles.
The Potenza, not a new name to the Condor range but back for 2009, is pitched just below the ever-popular Pista but, price difference aside, also features track-orientated geometry. It’s a little steeper and sharper handling than the road-based Pista, so for the rider looking for a bike to race the track and ride to work, the Potenza could fit the bill.
Featuring a Dedacciai COM 12.5 double butted steel frame matched with a uni-crown double-butted steel fork, the frame and fork package will you set you back £400 or a fully-specced bike, like the one pictured, for £650.
Our test bike came stocked with Deda Piega handlebars and a Deda Logo stem, with Condor-branded headset, seatpost, saddle, sprocket, lockring and large flange hubs. A Condor brake lever operates a Shimano Sora brake caliper, a combination which provided ample braking power. Chainset is a Sugino Uno 42t model. Tyres are Vittoria Zaffiro, in pimp white.
This bike looks great. The new decals, fresh for 2009, give the bike a breath of fresh air and suit the intentions of the bike and its riders, with slanted Potenza logos along the top and seat tube. Condor supplied this aesthetically pleasing bike with bold black and white finishing kit, but the tyres, while smart fresh from the shop, soon started to look tatty. Condor supply just a front brake but if you wanted a rear brake, the frame is ready.
With a pair of pedals fitted and out on the city streets, the Condor immediately felt at home. Its handling is a fine balance between quick and steady, and having done a fair bit of track racing I found the steeper head angle and the quicker steering this brought about wasn’t a problem. Riding it needs more attention than Kona’s Paddy Wagon. However, while the Kona can be happily ridden around while you’re half asleep, the Condor demands your full attention.
And this results in a much more rewarding ride. It’s bundles of fun, and I found myself taking detours down narrow streets and sweeping fast around tight corners just for the sheer hell of it. The drop bars and single centrally-mounted brake lever limit your hand positions a bit, and I found myself hurtling along at some really very high speeds on many occasions, so attention needs to be paid in order to stay out of trouble.
RCUK Verdict
We can’t help feeling that Condor has got the fixed recipe just right with the new Potenza. Not only is it heaps of fun to ride, but it looks great and boasts true British cycling heritage - something not many brands can compete with.
Looks, handling, heritage, track friendly
White tyres
www.condorcycles.com
