the bike that, for me, has confirmed that the phrase ‘steel is real’ is actually bollocks. Is going to stay my winter commuter but aluminium would probably have been better.
That Condor looks lovely. Winter bikes are a good opportunity to indulge your retro aspirations without compromising your good bike!
I actually think there’s something a bit special about a winter bike. It’s like a comfy old girlfriend that looks after you and cooks a great breakfast, but you wouldn’t necessarily take her out and show her off in daylight…
I finally got the bar tape on last night. It’s in cross mode at the moment, but in a few weeks, it will have slicks & guards for a winter of big miles.
It’s a bit of a mix, but it’s turned out really well in the end… Frame/fork/headset are new, as are the chain (KMC X10) & brakes (Tektro 720). The rest was lying around/off the donor bike replaced with other bits. Rear mech is Deore 9spd, front is XT 9spd, cassette is 10spd 105 12-27, chain rings deore 9spd 36-48, shifters 105 10 spd. Wheels are Shimano RS-10, bars are PX Strada, stem is a Concept off a focus road bike, seatpost is some random Giant carbon inline job, seat is a Selle Italia… bar tape came off the donor road bike.
In touring mode in 2008 (winter touring in Belgium, that is, for you Rule 9ers). In 5 years, we’ve done so many miles together, it’s like an old friend. Called “No.1 Bike” and bought for my 30th birthday by Mrs North. I hope to have this bike when I’m old and grey.