Early 70s RARE Condor Superbe Restoration. The most beautiful bike I have!

[@duanearcher7576]

The Jay Leno of steelies! Tell us about the blue Masi sometime...

[@bayay_3046]

Old bikes are so pretty. I did not have a project bike for more than a decade now, but recently found an old roadbike from the 70s someone had thrown out. Finished to make it roadworthy just today. It is not all original and I did not go to the extent you do. For now I just want to ride it a bit to see if I want to get into another expensive hobby XD. But it was a nice feeling to save it from the crusher.

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

awesome! What kind of bike is it?

[@bayay_3046]

@@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage it is called Steinmayr Special. Steinmayr is an Austrian biker and was active in the 70s. He collaborated with Pinarello to release bikes under his name. I could find only limited info what they came with originally. From what I can tell, my bike got an update sometimes in the 80s, so only frame, saddle and front derailer seam orig. Maybe the crank and pedals to. For now I just cleaned, greased everything, new cables, breakpads and tires. Does drive nice.

[@LawrencePatz]

Great video John. My first year racing (1976) I befriended a man in town in his late 60's or early 70s who had a Condor. Joe taught me how to build wheels correctly and he even let me ride his 1920's era track bike, complete with wood rims and super slack seat tune angle. Thanks so much for the memories!

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Wow. that would be great fun!

[@Michael-s5i5j]

You are a living legend John!

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

LOL In my own mind... not even. Thanks

[@StanEby1]

The reason I sleep during your vids, is they are so relaxing. So please don't change anything except to make them longer, ha. But don't worry. This assures that I watch them to the end, and I always watch them a second time awake. And all of that just helps your algorithms. So, like I said, don't change ANYTHING, LOL. Seriously, I love everything and I watch details quite carefully because I learn things. All the best.😊

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Well Stan. Im glad I can provide some probably much needed rest! Thanks for watching!

[@johnnyboy1586]

I saw a condor in a bike shop in the late 70s and was impressed with the beautiful lug work 😊

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Wish we still saw more of that today!

[@donttouchthisatall]

incredible lugs! truly a work of art!

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

I'm a fan of those fancy lugs! Thanks for watching.

[@appelflapdrol]

Insane collection 👌 thank you for the detailed documentation on these beauties

[@dinodaniel2237]

Hey John I believe Eric Clapton at one time was either part or full owner of Condor Cycles. He was an avid cyclist and owned quite a few bikes one being a Cinelli Super Corsa. Great video as always.

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Thanks. I will hopefully learn more.

[@ultimobici.]

Absolutely not. The shop was started by Monty Young in 1948 and has been in the same ownership ever since. Clapton’s Cinelli SC was stored in the lockup a few doors down for a few years up until the mid 90s. The stem had slow hand engraved in it.

[@ultimobici.]

Looks like it’s been resprayed. The down tube decal is not period correct as it was introduced in the 80s. It’s also likely that it never had a double on it as many bikes in the UK were used for time trials.

[@johnschooley3631]

Loved that Ballantine bike book. Read it several times as prepared for my Trans continental in summer of '73. I ogled over the bike on the cover. But, I had a chrome paramount, so I can't complain!

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Oh for sure. I have a 72 Paramount in Chrome. Just as good if not better!! That had to be interesting riding trans continental! Thanks for watching!

[@mooseracer6109]

Glad to see you’re enjoying the new tires. Let’s build up some wheels soon

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Is this John?

[@aldoclausi3955]

Fantastic video as always. There's a date code on the lock nut face of the hubs to put a date on the hubs!

[@qigong100]

A lovely Condor with lugs to be proud of. Great track pedals (1038a?). I used track pedals on the road, too. Keep the decals as is, unless you can get some original waterslide replacements. I hope you can get some tan hoods for it sometime, too.

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Its already built with the white. Since orange tape doesnt grow on trees I'm pretty stuck with it. You'll see that next video. Thanks for watching.

[@johnnyboy1586]

Seeing these bikes brings back so many memories when they were a common sight at 70s race meats

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Did you race in the states?

[@johnnyboy1586]

@@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage no I am a kiwi,I live in wellington on the north island in New Zealand and did all my racing in the late 70s -early 80s 🙂

[@tymncycle]

Those track pedals are great for those of us with big feet, since the quill on quill pedals tends to dig into your shoe if it's wide. And given the size of the frame, the original owner probably had larger feet.

[@DavidCasebeer-wf8by]

Amen! Me too! Super Record rather than Record. Pro Ace (Japan) had knock of Campy pedals, looked great, and cheaper. Sugino Might Comp crankset (Zeus/Spain)also worked with Record set up, interchangeable unlike most stuff today. 😞

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Makes total sense! He had clipless on most of his bikes but this one didn't. Im sure that the track pedals will work better for me too!

[@Cycleinc]

Love the videos! You’re definitely one of the few that inspired me to start my own channel!

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Jump in, the water is warm. Thanks for watching

[@johnfarren4247]

Regarding the front derailleur, make sure you use the correct one for the the spindle and crank arms. Campagnolo changed the design due to CPSC regulations regarding sharp edges being dangerous. The two derailleurs that you showed are not interchangeable. The raised edge on the cage is the problem on the the later ones not working on the earlier cranks without rubbing. Ask me how I know. Velobase has good guidance on this.

[@stevenwoodies2659]

I raced a condor in the mid 70s,short tite crit bike, loved the ride for climbing, toured on it , 7 lb pack

[@bernardlenti754]

Superb(e) video as usual John. What a beautiful bike. Keep em coming. Bernie

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Thanks Bernie. lets find a time to do that Mixte!

[@bernardlenti754]

Soon hopefully. Just had back surgery.

[@lele1974.]

this garage is my dream

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Thanks!

[@grumpy9478]

enjoyed watching you go through your voluminous stock of components - organization / selection commentary a window into the mind.

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Thanks. Hopefully the window isn't to foggy! LOL

[@goodboyringo9716]

I just bought Richard's book from Amazon because of that bike, had to have it.

[@SlingsAxes]

This was wonderful to see. Thank you, sir.

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Thanks. part 2 coming on Friday

[@DavidCasebeer-wf8by]

I loved the Super Record track pedals! Still have a pair. That looks like a Brooks Swallow saddle, a cut down Professional. Simple reason, the quill would pinch my foot. Almost looks like a traditional English 5/6 speed time trial bike. When I was station in the UK, 1984-1987, I rode( raced many time trials) with the Ipswich Cycling club. One of their sponsors' was Buck cycles. They built custom frames, as did many shops after WW2, like Bob Jackson, and Mercian.

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Cool history!

[@johnnyinumerables5401]

Watchingfrom the Philippines.

[@prantzzer]

hey John love watching your channel you are doing a great job. At 29:49 you did not line up the tire label with the valve stem, come on all bike nerds know this one.

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Im quite the nerd. But I line them up with the Campagolo lable on the rim.

[@shoff535]

Great job! While I don’t really remember Condors, I do remember that bike book😀

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

I was in the same boat as you. I knew about Condor.. or at least its existence. But never thought about owning one.

[@shoff535]

That’s a wonderful bike!

[@returnofthenative]

Those pedals are sharp, they look like Campagnolo track, you can buy excellent Japanese made copies today. They are called MKS Sylvan Track apx $ AUD 50 without toe clips & straps, $80 with, & the end caps require a special spanner available from Velosaloon $AUD8. Sugino Aero Mighty sometimes found NOS, always very, very expensive are the same but with a pointed toe, titanium toe clips. Same MKS end cap spanner. I use both of these pedals, love them, & think they are much better made than the originals. The protective tape that I like to use on clampons against both paint or aluminium is the very thin cloth tape that is used by hospitals & doctors. Its invisible, protects, & leaves no residue. I apply it to the clamp side & trim prior to mounting.

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Oh. I'll stick with the campy. I prefer to keep them period correct. Thanks for watching.

[@Mark-c4t9j]

Another great video John, thanks for making and sharing. I love the longer ones myself, but I'm an outlier so I get it. That Condor is a gorgeous bike, and I think the patina makes it even nicer. I wouldn't repaint, but I can see how it would be tempting to make it NOS perfect. I wonder if that lower head lug scarring was some ham-handed lower race removal by screwdriver and hammer? In any case we sure appreciate your work to share what you're doing. I can imagine the desire to just do the build and not set up shots and lighting would be overpowering. Thanks and please keep them coming!

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Years ago I hung out in my garage and took pictures to put on Bikeforums.net and some FAcebook pages. It is a lonely hobby. I do enjoy sharing the videos and work on them. It makes the hobby less lonely. Its more work obviously but I enjoy it. Yeah.. the same damage is on top too on the chrome lug. IDK if its someone faulty mechanics that caused it. I figured Id just leave it alone and enjoy the bike! More to come. Thanks for watching

[@chrisallen2005]

Always need Mavic rims. GP4 tubulars would be nice even though the rims are hella heavy.

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Yeah. I probably wont put on tubulars. Maybe a Super Champion clincher.

[@SkyhawkSteve]

Nice to see the Condor getting some love! As for the question of what rims would be appropriate... I'd have to say tubular. Or for clinchers... maybe Super Champion Model 58? Mavic MA-2 would look good too. The question of bar tape is always a tough one for me. I did use some orange tape on a bike not long ago, but the cloth tape faded with use and ended up looking a bit odd. It was an orange bike. It was also a harlequin wrap with orange and black tape. It got replaced with a harlequin wrap of brown and black tape, figuring that some color shift didn't matter if I didn't start with matching colors. Seems to be working so far...

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Thanks! I'm not a fan of tubulars honestly. Super Champions are a good choice! Its already taped orange and it looks awesome. You'll see that in the next video. Thanks for watching.

[@saxon1376]

That is some clubhouse man , bloody lovely

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Thanks!

[@brittweir8844]

Cool fun video 😊, its going to be a great bike ❤

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Thanks. I appreciate you watching!

[@n22pdf]

Awesome vid John you made such a beautiful job on the Condor so far look forward to the next vid 😊❤ I own a Condor and love it beautiful to ride I have campy chorus 11 speed rides like a dream lovely.. wow the way you store all your stuff is awesome wow great parts collection.. Pete 🚴🏻👍

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Thanks so much! I appreciate you watching. What year is your Condor?

[@n22pdf]

@@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage I have a 2023 Condor Acciaio in metallic blue, Columbus spirit frame John.. so not a vintage model but I love it 😃😃🚴🏻👍 they have a great history I’ve been to the shop when I bought it down in London excellent staff and people who love the brand 😊 Pete

[@DalstonVinyl]

Im a Londoner, and love Condor bikes. BTW, did you know in England we have and use the expression 'fancy lugs' to describe ornate lugs on frames?

[@3wbasie]

Yes! I’ve been waiting to see this one!!

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Wish more people were.. for some reason this video is bombing! LOL

[@3wbasie]

@@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage the almighty youtube algorithm at work I fear. Maybe make a short about it to tell people the video is up? But in any event I loved the video and can't wait for the others.

[@2kettingen]

My favourite kind of video!

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

why is that?

[@impaledface7694]

I love the bling

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Yeah Baby!

[@pollyskirt1]

Ive got that book somewhere ! Different cover picture I think.

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

He wrote more than one book. So its possible that you have a different one. Thanks for watching

[@davealexander7561]

Very Beautiful bike John. Thanks for sharing. I notice that you rarely put the original sew ups on these old bikes. Most of them would have originally had them especially the high end ones. Since you don't ride them so often how about lacing a few up and show them off? Anyway I love to see these old bikes and your passion shines through each one.

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

The person I purchased this from put on the Campy rims. I don't have the correct rims to put on it. I may do that in the future.

[@billkallas1762]

Tubs are a pain unless you are racing on them.

[@davetbassbos]

i still see so many of the 70s 10 speeds here in Boston, Maybe nowhere near that great condition to say the least but they've survived!

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Those survivors are out there. Many still use them daily to get around. Thanks for watching.

[@larryt.atcycleitalia5786]

Cars gotta go, make room for bikes!!! Just pulled our vintage bikes down off the hooks in the rafters to prep 'em for La Barocca here in Sicily next month. But I'm thinking once they're washed after this ride, they're NOT going back up in the rafters. Instead they'll be down where I can admire them like you do with yours.

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Thats the way to do it! Keep them aired up and oiled and keep them on the road! Thanks for watching!

[@billkallas1762]

I remember seeing a Super Condor, back in the early 80's. PS. Back in my toe clip days, I would always use white Bilda straps.

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

You were happening if you used Binda straps

[@billkallas1762]

@@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage You were really happening if you used Binda Extra straps. They had a thin layer of nylon between two thin layers of leather. The nylon would keep the straps from stretching and listening when pulled tight. PS I would use double straps for racing. The front strap would go through the front slots in the pedal, and over the front of the toe clips. It would allow me to pull at least one foot out, in a crash. PSS. I would always pronounce Binda like the word "in"

[@jimjohnstone8665]

John the videos are great but was wondering, do you ride any or all of them and if so do you have a favourite. Keep them coming

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Hi, I ride about 10 different classics a year. 5 are too small for me. 5 Are new old stock so i leave them alone. I do have 2 different daily riders that are modern bikes.

[@wildukind442]

need a new steely. always enjoyded it love you

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Thanks!

[@wildukind442]

2:37 Eric Clapton had suprisingly style

[@felixjackson2670]

Harry Quinn popular frame builder from Northern England. Late 60’s and 70’s. Also I think did frame-building courses.

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Hi, Yeah. I heard he did that. Well known there. Many here don't know the brand!

[@death2pc]

Beyond a number of light polishing compounds and cleaners.......... If you have never experienced Klasse "Red" (German), you must. Exceptional surface - paint - cleaner, polish, acrylic protectant. Does wonders on metal/chrome, aluminium...... Primarily focused for automotive application but is fully manifold.

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Thanks for the tip!

[@TeresaSlater-nb7fh]

I recently acquired a condor motor bicycle. Would you have any information on this? I can’t find anything anywhere.

[@andypettitt1344]

You can date Condors by the address on the headbadge,as they changed premises on Greys Inn Road several times

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

I heard that! I may include that in the next video on this bike. I think the question is what year is it.. I know its between 71 and 74

[@andypettitt1344]

I’ve got a ‘73 Condor,and the shop were more than happy to confirm the year and that it was genuine.Unlike some bike shops,Condor are proud of their heritage and more than happy to answer any questions.Plus they stock replacement decals

[@stuartmisfeldt3068]

Will you try to find a Condor fork?

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

That actually is a condor fork. You could also see the one on the cover of the book in the video has the same fork

[@rfreitas1949]

That was actually not a bad chain you took off,did you check it first before getting rid of?Also I stay away from stainless cables.

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

The chain isn't bad. The chain wasn't period correct. So, I went with the appropriate Regina. Why are you not a fan of stainless cables?

[@rfreitas1949]

@@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage they stand out as non original. Zinc coated cable are hard to find so it’s an area I look at when judging vintage bikes

[@tonytaylor8096]

I saw you ordered Vittoria Rubino Pro tires with tan sidewalls. These are not shown on their catalog. Can you tell me where to get them? Thanks.

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Interestingly enough, after I picked up the tires and turned off the camera. In the country. Lol. I wanted four sets and only got two. Other distributors were all out of stock

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Actually if you want, call John at Millrace cyclery in Geneva Illinois. He says he thinks he could get them.

[@uniquenamegoeshere2263]

What do you use to clean the paint on a bike frame, or just clean the frame!

[@davefeldman3740]

Pledge is a great bike cleaner.

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Depends.. Clean streak if its oily. To polish I use fairly generic bike polish.. @davefeldman3740 is right. Pledge works good too.

[@uniquenamegoeshere2263]

@@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage Thanks. I have a newly acquired Bob Jackson with nice paint, and I want to treat it well.

[@tonytaylor8096]

Decals are available from Condor.

[@markyoung950]

The slot in the seat tube being closed could be an indication of a seatpost that is too small.

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

It is a 27.2 and it is holding on to it tightly.

[@peterhoward880]

Your viewers should take up a collection for a new chain tool.

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

I could probably use a few other tools too. Maybe set up a go fund me account for a campagnolo tool kit??? LOL

[@davecipres6612]

😎

[@Tarmaccyclocross]

New decal definitely. I always used track pedals on the road when I raced never liked the look of road pedals

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Im thinking about using black paint and just touch up the decal that is on there. The outline is still visible. Not sure yet. thanks for watching

[@daveanderson718]

LOL!!!!

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Im here to make you laugh. LOL