Thorn Cycles Forum

Community => Thorn General => Topic started by: Redswannie on January 05, 2021, 11:14:59 am

Title: Thorn frame and forks.
Post by: Redswannie on January 05, 2021, 11:14:59 am
Hi everyone.
I have just become the owner of a Thorn frame and forks which I believe is a Sherpa model.
The frame number is 800752PR and the forks are stamped 800753PR.
Its matt black in finish and has tapered top, seat and down tubes as well as a welded on Thorn head badge.
Can anyone give me some additional info on what it might be?
Kind regards, Dave.
Title: Re: Thorn frame and forks.
Post by: leftpoole on January 05, 2021, 02:37:16 pm
Hello,
Does it have a sticker declaration with type of tubing used? For example 531 or such?
You mention a welded on Head-badge?
Best regards
John
Title: Re: Thorn frame and forks.
Post by: Redswannie on January 05, 2021, 08:17:17 pm
Hi John.
Sadly it's got no frame transfer, although I'm guessing it's of a good quality of tubing as the 3 main tubes are tapered.
Yes the headbadge looks like its welded to the head tube, Thorn running vertically with a ring of thorns around it.
Title: Re: Thorn frame and forks.
Post by: brummie on January 05, 2021, 09:04:53 pm
As far as I can remember the Sherpas all had a stick on decal for the head tube badge ( it was the budget version of the original derailleur geared Nomad after all )  - Maybe you have a Nomad frame? Post some pics for Identification?
Title: Re: Thorn frame and forks.
Post by: Redswannie on January 05, 2021, 09:26:21 pm
Hi Brummie.
Yes will post some pictures tomorrow.
Do you know if any of the older thorn frames ever used tapered seat, top and down tubes?
Regards Dave.
Title: Re: Thorn frame and forks.
Post by: brummie on January 05, 2021, 09:31:07 pm
Tapered ( Conical ) Reynolds tubing was used on most the UK made frames with the possible exception of the Commutour model as far as I can remember. The frame serial number under the BB will help ID your frame too.
Title: Re: Thorn frame and forks.
Post by: Redswannie on January 05, 2021, 09:35:14 pm
The frame number is 800752PR and the forks are stamped 800753PR.
I've asked SJS cycles and they suggested going on here to get more information.
Title: Re: Thorn frame and forks.
Post by: Redswannie on January 06, 2021, 09:02:25 am
Headbadge image.
Title: Re: Thorn frame and forks.
Post by: Redswannie on January 06, 2021, 09:18:38 am
Frame.
Title: Re: Thorn frame and forks.
Post by: PH on January 06, 2021, 10:41:12 am
The lugged frame dates it, I think all the Taiwanese made models have been welded, so probably not a Sherpa.
It's a shame the headtube badge has been painted over, if you decide to clean it up I think it's stainless steel and will polish up nicely.
In that repainted state, it'll be hard to identify, might be easier from the geometry, the old brochures are in a thread here, maybe measure it up and see what it matches, measurements, lugged and threadless headset, ought to narrow it down.  I'd have a guess at an original Nomad, but a guess is all it is.
Title: Re: Thorn frame and forks.
Post by: leftpoole on January 06, 2021, 10:53:49 am
Hi John.
Sadly it's got no frame transfer, although I'm guessing it's of a good quality of tubing as the 3 main tubes are tapered.
Yes the headbadge looks like its welded to the head tube, Thorn running vertically with a ring of thorns around it.

It is I believe, an early Club Tour .
Whatever you decide to do with it, a good frame resprayer would make the frame look great.
All lugged frames as far as I recollect are from prior to Nomad build when 'in house' building started and used fillet braze.
John
Title: Re: Thorn frame and forks.
Post by: Redswannie on January 06, 2021, 11:20:47 am
Thanks for the information guys.
I also have a pair of low riders for the front forks and a rear carrier with a mudguard fitted to it.
It measures that it takes 26" mountain bike wheels if that's any help.
If I decide to sell it on would anyone be interested in it?
I'm based in Bucks and when covid allows will be up in Gloucester to visit family.
Title: Re: Thorn frame and forks.
Post by: leftpoole on January 06, 2021, 05:04:19 pm
I’m sending you a message direct.
Title: Re: Thorn frame and forks.
Post by: brummie on January 06, 2021, 08:42:17 pm
It looks like an XTC classic frame to me. Same as mine, which can be found on the members gallery.
http://thorncyclesforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=13704.0 (http://thorncyclesforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=13704.0)
Title: Re: Thorn frame and forks.
Post by: PH on January 06, 2021, 08:48:08 pm
It looks like an XTC classic frame to me. Same as mine, which can be found on the members gallery.
http://thorncyclesforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=13704.0 (http://thorncyclesforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=13704.0)
You're right it does and the colour of yours makes me smile.  Hope you've had some pleasant miles on it, must draw some comments.
Would I be right in thinking the XTC's would have had shorter chainstays than the more touring orientated models? Maybe that might confirm it.
Title: Re: Thorn frame and forks.
Post by: brummie on January 06, 2021, 09:03:19 pm
It looks like an XTC classic frame to me. Same as mine, which can be found on the members gallery.
http://thorncyclesforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=13704.0 (http://thorncyclesforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=13704.0)
You're right it does and the colour of yours makes me smile.  Hope you've had some pleasant miles on it, must draw some comments.
Would I be right in thinking the XTC's would have had shorter chainstays than the more touring orientated models? Maybe that might confirm it.

The original XTC was lugged and was intended as a lighter- allround touring bike ( as opposed to the heavy duty offerings available in the shape of the Nomad and later EXP ) The XTC had a great review in Cycling Plus and sales took off. The lugless fillet brazed XTC soon followed with a tweaked geometry with slightly longer chainstays and clearances to allow fatter tyres. ( These frames were made by LA cycles to help meet the rise in demand ) The XTC SWB ( Short Wheelbase ) was introduced ( and made on site in Bridgwater ) which, as the name suggests had a tight sportier geometry and lighter forks with no Low rider rack bosses and had a lugged construction. These frames were all Reynolds 725, though later the Fillet brazed XTC was upgraded to Reynolds 853.
Title: Re: Thorn frame and forks.
Post by: Redswannie on January 06, 2021, 09:04:27 pm
Yes I think your right, my frame looks just like this one, although in boring black :-)))).