The ‘fixie’ is the cycle courier’s domain, but the Tempo is the first design specifically aimed at commuting. by Chloe Scott

Cycling to work these days, you’ll see more fixed-gear bikes (with narrow handlebars and one gear) than racers, hybrids or horsey girls’ basket-bikes. Fixed-gear models appear to have taken over the roads, much to the disdain of cycle messengers who started the ‘fixie’ trend as a bit of elitism. They’re so disgruntled they sporadically shout ‘fakenger’ at try-hard commuters.

To one of the last family-run British bike manufacturers, Condor Cycles, though, the fixie is old hat: they helped introduce it to Britain alongside the couriers in the 1950s. ‘For years, we’ve customised bikes for pro couriers,’ says director Neil Manning. ‘In the 1950s people rode bikes without gears to improve pedalling at high cadence, a skill mostly lost now [Condor has been around since 1948]. Then we started modifying track bikes and putting brakes on. The couriers would test them and give us feedback. If they approved it, it would sell.’ Condor has just introduced the Tempo, the first fixie aimed at commuters. Not only does it have brakes – a no-no for purists – but it also features mudguards and space for panniers. So far, so practical. However, I’m not convinced any fixie is suited to the commuter, being more fad than practical, so I am putting it to the test by giving up my cherished road bike, a Trek SLR, to sample the Tempo.

At Condor’s central London warehouse, it’s hard not to marvel at the bespoke designs: gold frames, silver rims and a sculptural, completely white bike glint beguilingly. The Potenza fixed-gear, a minimalist red number, oozes panache. ‘It’s a second bike, really. It twitches a lot,’ explains Manning. On first appearances, the Tempo gets high scores too. Refreshingly different, it boasts a 1950s sporting look. The 60-year-old Condor logo decorates the wheels and frame.

Surprisingly, it only takes one swift 10km ride to feel at ease on it. The first few traffic lights take some getting used to: you attempt to freewheel but the pedals whizz your feet around, whether you like it or not. But I soon feel perfectly synchronised with the bike. Unconventionally, it has front and rear brakes, whereas normally you would pedal backwards to stop, an intimidating task for the average commuter going at high speed. One can’t help wondering what my fellow riders do in the rain on skiddy roads.

Another benefit is the quality. The components are better than a conventional two-wheeler for the same price because the design is so pared down. Indeed, this one’s specs are ambrosial: it has Italian Miche brackets and rims, and a Deda bar and stem, making it nimble. The skinny tyres are 23mm thick, meaning the bike responds beautifully: a mere twitch of your weight and it weaves seamlessly to the left or right. When the bike hits a pesky pothole, it flies through it compared to my Trek. Perhaps this is because the frame is made from high-quality, shock-absorbing Italian steel. ‘After converting track bikes, we made fixies with aluminium frames but by 2003 we moved to steel,’ explains Manning. The carbon forks and custom-made 32-spoked wheels all add to the comfort and it weighs a feathery 9kg.

Apparently it is normal for the gear to be 46 (chain ring size) and 18 (sprocket size) but I found this low (you only pick up speed up hills) – Condor will change it happily at your wish. Moving it to 17 gave me a zippier ride and stopped my legs from spinning down hills like a hamster in a ball. Am I a convert? My Tempo loan is now with a South American fixed-gear cycling champion so it’s gone to a good home. But yes, Tempo, I will miss cruising with you.

£799.99 (with mudguards, £824.99). Condor makes every bike specifically to your size. Tel: 020 7269 6820, www.condorcycles.com/tempo

* Expect even deeper rims on the wheels. Manning says: ‘The look is from carbon racing wheels but now people put colours on the rims to make their bikes more sporty. Also, the riser bars are around 30cm.’

* ‘White is very popular now but it’s going to be even bigger next year; think white tyres, white chains even – everything white.’

* Whether it’s completely silver or completely gold, bikes will come in anodised blocks of colour rather than graphics.

* Fixie guru Fish at Condor says: ‘The biggest fashion is getting old bikes from skips and converting them. It’s down to individuality.’

* Fish notes: ‘Old Japanese track bike frames are key too.’