My faves at the London Cycle Show

[MallyG]

Following up from my previous thread where I spoke about my general disappointment in the bikes on show, I thought I'd tell you the stuff that did actually impress. As I said before, Seven looked to be the nicest of the Ti on show. They had a great stand, and the models on display were beautifully finished, with excellent paintwork, knowledgeable staff and shown off to their best. Nice brochure too, although I don't think the photography of the frames does them much justice. The elium particularly caught my eye. I guess it is the Seven version of the Otrott, very similar, though just felt a touch more contemporary.
Moots looked beautiful in a more understated way, and was a great advertisement for keeping Ti matt rather than polished.
As I said before, carbon is everywhere, though there were very few surprises in design. Trying to read my scribbled notes, I was impressed by something called the Forza, but I can't remember who made it :crap:
The Scott CR1 looked georgeous, a mean, lean racing machine, whilst the HED also stood out.
For originality of design, however, top prize has to go to the Condor Leggero in the Cappucino finish. Really eyecatching, and no compromise on build quality, carbon tubing or componentry.
In the 'I know I'll eat my words' category, I'd put the Specialised S works. I thought it looked a mess, but having seen a few photographs subsequently of curved sloping down-tubes, I have a feeling that this may be an aquired taste that, in a few months time, I'll grow to like. At least you have to award them marks for boldness in design.
At the end of the day, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so I'd be interested in any other thoughts, opinions, loves or hates.

[Andreu]

Condor: looks like a good frame and good solid builders (and European too - well at least the labels are put on in UK). Seen there bikes in steel form and they perform very well.

Scott: have had absolutely brilliant reviews from some cycling mags I have seen (one in particular put it No. 1 in a list based on its performance against other bikes). Personally not a big fan of Scotts in general (purely personal bias because I associate them with building Mt. bikes). They always appear like they are over-engineered to me.

The Specialized Works: frame looks interesting to say the least. Not a big fan of any thing that curves or is sloped on a bike frame.....but for those who want to experiment I guess it will prove popular.

Hed: strange feelings about this company....first impressions (and I am still drawn to the "look" of some of there creations) is very positive....but (and this is a big but) I don´t know of anyone who is serious about cycling (in Europe) who has to buy there own wheels who has very many positive things to say about them. In general, I would say they are overpriced - as I don´t have personal experience of them I dont´t want to go out on a limb to criticise them too much.
A :beer:

[MallyG]

This is a (not very good) photograph of the Condor, from the Cycling Plus website (who, incidentally, also rated the bike highly)

[Bruce K]

Andreau;

I am surprised to hear that HED in Europe is on the more expensive side of their market as I believe they have been building their wheels in Europe for a while. I have been riding HED ALPS wheels on my Ottrott for 2 years now. They have proven to be good quality and were less expensive than some of the other aero carbon wheels here in the US when I bought them.

They have been pretty durable with one small exception that was solved by a design change on their part and a warranty replacement of my wheel (in 5 business days from when I sent it to when I got it back).

I have one freind currently riding their TT frame (the 2004 version) who really loves it. The '05 version is on my wish list. ;)
BK

[Andreu]

I have no experience of HED bikes.
I suppose their wheels are in the top end of the price range but not as expensive as some others.
The other information is purely anecdotal....for me when I am going to buy something for racing (or whatever for the bike) I tend to ask around and talk to other riders (and shops) on experiences. Based on that information I wouldn´t buy HED wheels.
And after all I could have picked a "bad" sample set of riders!
A