ADDING A TWIST TO TOMORROW'S HTC SMITHFIELD NOCTURNE 2010 WILL BE THE ON FORM DAN CRAVEN. THE NAMIBIAN WILL BE SWAPPING HIS FULL CARBON TEAM ISSUE LEGGERO FOR A PROTOTYPE STEEL FRAME FROM CONDOR.
Side ShotNew steel frame side onThe steel frame is unlike any others Condor make by hand or for that matter any other on the market. The frame features a 1" 1/8 to 1" 1/2 headtube just like the new technology used on the race proven Condor Leggero.
The frame is made from triple butted steel tubing and features an integrated headset. The frame will use the same Deda full carbon fork as the team issue bike.
Dan explained that he was very intrigued to see how the material would perform in the race on Saturday:
"Having sponsors like Condor gives the team an opportunity to actually have an input into the products; in this instance even a chance to go old school and rediscover steel. Steel's time in the lime light may have passed a long time ago, but the material still offers many positive qualities and Condor have put together a great piece of tubing for me to test around the Smithfield circuit."
Dan has had the bike since Wednesday and taken it for a spin:
"First impressions have been fantastic and I really look forward to pushing the limits of the bike. At 8.3kg's it might not be a lightweight, but neither is it heavy and considering the stiffness and responsiveness the trade-off should be well worth it.”
Namibian born Dan Craven has pulled out strong performance this season, proving he’s got legs of steel. Craven rode to 2nd at the CiCLE Classic this year after suffering two punctures and making it back to the break. He took victory at the opening round of the Ras in Ireland and solo wins at the Chas Messenger and Shay Elliot road races.
