A Nostalgic Journey: Steve's 1984 Concorde Astore - A Christmas Tale

This Christmas narrative transports readers to 1984, where Steve’s anticipation revolved around a Concorde Astore bicycle frame. The account interweaves personal memories with the broader cultural context of the era, evoking a sense of nostalgia for a time defined by Orwell’s 'Nineteen Eighty-Four' and Band Aid’s chart-topping single. It’s a heartfelt recollection of a young cyclist's journey, from the excitement of acquiring a coveted bike to the eventual, unforeseen end of their shared adventure. The story not only highlights the unique characteristics of the Concorde brand but also captures the universal experience of attachment to a treasured possession, tracing its evolution through personal triumphs and setbacks.

The Concorde cycling brand itself boasts a rich and somewhat intricate history, originating in the 1970s as an offering from a Dutch cycling distributor. These early bicycles, particularly those featuring vibrant paint finishes, quickly gained renown. Many of the premium models and initial frames were meticulously crafted in Italy by esteemed manufacturers like Ciocc and Billato. Later, Belgian artisans from Martelly also contributed to the production chain. Following their construction, these frames were transported to Concorde’s dedicated paint facility in Gavere, Belgium, where they received their distinctive and often flamboyant aesthetic treatments. This unique blend of Italian design sensibilities, coupled with Belgian finishing expertise, imbued Concorde bikes with an unmistakable flair in both their appearance and their ride quality.

Concorde’s journey from a lesser-known entity in the UK to a globally recognized brand was significantly propelled by its sponsorship of the PDM cycling team from 1986 to 1992. This period saw cycling luminaries such as Sean Kelly, Greg Lemond, and Raul Alcala achieving numerous victories astride Concorde machines, elevating the brand's profile considerably. However, this ascent was not without its challenges. A pivotal moment arrived during the 1991 Tour de France, when the entire PDM team was struck by a mysterious illness, widely attributed to salmonella poisoning. This incident cast a shadow of doping allegations over the team, leading to their immediate withdrawal from the race and impacting Concorde's image. Despite this setback, Concorde persevered, continuing its bike sales until approximately 2009. The original owners eventually ceased operations in 2012. A brief revival occurred in 2015 under new ownership, yet by 2018, these once-illustrious bicycles had largely faded from the market.

Steve's personal connection to the Concorde Astore began as a teenager, seeking to upgrade from his long-serving Harry Quinn. With limited funds from selling his old bike, he was drawn to the emerging popularity of Concorde frames in local bike shops. Initially desiring a ruby red Aquila, his budget steered him towards a silver Astore. His new bike, a mix of old and new components, featured Campagnolo Nuovo Record gears, an unfortunate Dura-Ace crankset that eventually failed, Cinelli handlebars, Modolo brakes, and Mavic GP4 rims. Despite its capable handling, especially in crit races, Steve never quite formed a deep bond with the Astore. This lukewarm affection was tragically sealed when a crash during a road race resulted in the frame snapping. Although repaired, the bike never recaptured its original feel, a sentiment exacerbated by a poorly executed paint job.

The unfortunate incident with the Astore ultimately led Steve back to his initial desire for the ruby red Aquila. Through a sale or part-exchange, he finally acquired the slightly undersized, Columbus SL-equipped Aquila. This bike became a steadfast companion, accompanying him through countless races across Europe. Even as he transitioned through numerous other bicycles and brands over the years, the Aquila remained a constant, albeit eventually relegated to turbo trainer duty. Its journey concluded in 2006 when Steve sold it, perhaps to someone unaware of the significant heritage encapsulated within its frame, or even of the Concorde brand itself. This poignant end to his racing relationship with the Aquila underscores the transient nature of even the most cherished cycling companions.