Bike of the Week | Condor Super Acciaio Disc

Stunning classical race bike with a modern twist

Simon Bromley / Immediate Media

Published: October 21, 2020 at 1:00 pm

The Super Acciaio Disc is Condor’s take on the classic steel road racing bike, updated for the modern world with the addition of hydraulic disc brakes and 12mm thru-axles.

An evolution of the rim-brake Super Acciaio – which was developed with pro riders from the Rapha Condor team back in 2012 – this latest model is handmade in Italy and uses triple butted, Columbus Spirit HSS steel tubes and a full carbon fork.

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Claimed frame weight is 1,950g, which is undeniably heavy compared to modern carbon race bikes, but it’s probably not worth getting hung up on that too much. Though it's certainly possible to build ultra-lightweight steel bikes, that’s not what Condor is aiming for here.

Instead, the focus is on more experiential characteristics such as ride quality, responsiveness and liveability. That figure also includes the rather luxurious paint job – the frame could likely be a few grams lighter in bare steel, but would that be worth the sacrifice? I don’t think so.

Those interested in a bike like this aren’t likely to be chasing every last gram of weight or aerodynamic drag, after all.

The Super Acciaio Disc also has a BSA threaded bottom bracket. Again, this no doubt adds a few grams of weight compared to a press-fit system, but I don’t think there will be too many people complaining.

The frameset has clearance for up to 28mm tyres, which isn’t massively progressive, but should be enough to satisfy most dedicated road riders.

Rather than optimising around one type of drivetrain, the Super Acciaio Disc is built with Condor’s Smart Cabling system. This allows the use of both mechanical and electronic drivetrains via interchangeable cable plates, meaning you don’t have to stick to one kind of groupset forever.

That paint job then. Condor simply refers to it as Teal/Gold, but the reality is much more intricate than that. It’s very pretty indeed, as you can see.

The head tube is adorned with Condor’s badge. Condor has a rich history of making bicycles, dating back to 1948, and this is partly what you’re buying into when you choose a bike like this.

Should you be the kind of cyclist who enjoys pinning on a dossard occasionally, the frame is also UCI-approved.

Condor Super Acciaio Disc
The frame is UCI-approved, so can be raced at the highest level (if you can get an entry). - Simon Bromley / Immediate Media

Available in six sizes from 49cm to 61 cm, the Super Acciaio Disc can be purchased in a few ways. There’s a simple frameset option for £1,899.99 or an online bike-builder tool that allows almost total control over the spec.

Decked out with 12-speed Campagnolo Chorus, Deda finishing kit and Campagnolo Shamal Ultra DB wheels, this build costs around £5,475 / $7,150 / €6,035.

Alternatively, if you have a Condor retailer near you, you can also get a free bike fit as part of the custom build process, alongside the option to choose components that suit your needs and budget.