Author Topic: Check this space for comments re: periodic updates to Thorn Mega Brochure  (Read 7251 times)

Danneaux

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 8229
  • reisen statt rasen
Hi All!

Thorn's designer, Andy Blance, has updated the Thorn Mega Brochure for May 2016.  There are a number of new developments in it, all making for a good re-read if you have not yet seen the new edition: http://www.sjscycles.com/thornpdf/THORN_MEGA_BROCHURE.pdf

• Derailleur gearing recommendations and options have been revised and in some cases expanded.

• Among the new developments is a pending 650B wheel/tire option for disc brake-equipped Nomads. See page 35 for details. It appears a Nomad disc fork is on the way.

Some time ago, I determined my past Sherpa and current Nomad had enough adjustment in the pad-mounting slots for the v-brakes to work with 650B rims. However, because of the larger rim size, a smaller tire would be required to maintain the same outside diameter: http://thorncyclesforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=3893.msg17072#msg17072

• Pages 36-37 detail Andy's current thoughts regarding tubeless tires and rims. He likes them and his views have evolved as the technology has improved, particularly in the area of puncture sealants. The advantages are self-sealing of small punctures and the option to temporarily fit a tube in the event of larger holes. Because no tubes are normally required, overall rotating weight can be reduced provided tire and rim weights remain comparable.

• Page 42 details the new option to use a TRP (Tektro Racing Products) Spyre/Spyke mechanical caliper in place of a Hope at the rear of Nomads -- with good rack clearance...as I predicted last October: http://thorncyclesforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=11445.msg83112#msg83112

• All Thorn bikes assembled post-Mayday 2016 will be equipped with Rohloff splined cogs and carriers, facilitating quicker cog-swaps. Page 42 tells more about the 19t splned cog option and its benefits wrt drivetrain life. Chainline will be somewhat different, as discussed here previously:
http://thorncyclesforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=11576.msg84492#msg84492
http://thorncyclesforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=11609.msg84856#msg84856

• Options and accessories have been expanded and updated.

• Page 50 has some useful discussions wrt S&S Torque couplings and the note that any Thorn single (barring the Mercury) can be equipped with the couplings at extra cost. This section once again notes couplings should be checked for proper tightness every day. Those considering couplings for minimal packed size for air travel would be wise to read this section as well for tips and cautions.

• Starting on page 60 is a whole new section on touring advice gleaned from Andy and Fiona's own tours.

• There are some nice new photos and variations in the "Recipe" section at the end.

These are really just a few of the highlights, as the Mega Brochure has been revised throughout, making for an excellent read with a hot cup of tea ready to hand.

Best,

Dan.
« Last Edit: March 09, 2017, 06:05:07 am by Danneaux »

Pavel

  • Guest
Has something delayed the new Nomad disk fork?  I looked today, but could find no trace of one to purchase.  I'm fairly eager to replace my 26" wheels for 650B in hopes of a bit more of a gyroscopic effect.  Are there any 26" or 650b tubeless tyres - or is that just for 700cc so far?
« Last Edit: March 09, 2017, 06:04:45 am by Danneaux »

Neil Jones

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 234
Thanks for the heads up on that Dan. Quite a few updates from what I can see, some excellent reading to be had once the nights start drawing in.

Regards,
Neil
« Last Edit: March 09, 2017, 06:05:26 am by Danneaux »

Templogin

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 247
Re: Check this space for comments re: periodic updates to Thorn Mega Brochure
« Reply #3 on: September 24, 2016, 11:56:42 am »
Brilliant, thanks a lot for the heads up.  I can't believe that I have only just noticed this update.  Downloaded and reading avidly.

It's great for advice like not having CSS front and back if you expect to ride in severe weather and still be able to stop quickly.  As soon as I read that in the last version I ordered a new front non-CSS wheel.  I also like the recipe system.  Most of the time my eXp gets used for commuting, total overkill, but last time that it got really loaded up I added 45 kg of luggage.  I can't see my Moultons, Tern or Strida hacking that sort of weight!
« Last Edit: March 09, 2017, 06:05:35 am by Danneaux »

David Simpson

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 444
I just noticed that the Thorn Mega Brochure has been updated for Spring 2017. I haven't had a chance to read it yet, so I can't summarize the changes.

http://www.sjscycles.com/thornpdf/THORN_MEGA_BROCHURE.pdf

Dan: Feel free to create a new thread for this post, if it doesn't belong here.

- DaveS

[Thanks, Dave! Nice follow-on to the earlier post. I think I have solved the categorization problem by making a more inclusive topic title. All the best, Dan.]
« Last Edit: March 09, 2017, 06:06:47 am by Danneaux »

RST Scout

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 290
  • Janet
Thanks for that Dave. I will read it with interest.
Scout & Bettina's slave!

John Saxby

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2000
Thanks for this, Dave. I'll read over the next few weeks while we're still Down Unda. Trust that spring is at last visible in the Lower Mainland? Cheers, John

David Simpson

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 444
I looked through the new brochure over lunch today. One new page is a very nice photo of Andy Blance's travel tool kit (page 68), followed by 3 blank pages. I'm curious about what he has planned for those pages. More info about touring kits, most likely.

John, we had a few inches of snow in the past two days. It's been a very unusual winter, with snow almost every week since the beginning of December. Normally we have only 2-3 weeks of snow.  It's warming up a bit now, so hopefully spring is around the corner.

- DaveS

David Simpson

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 444
A new edition of the Thorn Mega Solo brochure is out. Issue 8.02, Autumn 2017.

http://www.sjscycles.com/thornpdf/thorn_mega_brochure.pdf

The link to the PDF can also be found on this page:
http://www.thorncycles.co.uk/bikes

- DaveS
« Last Edit: October 20, 2017, 06:34:19 am by David Simpson »

John Saxby

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2000
Thanks for this, Dave -- just in time for winter dreaming  ;)

David Simpson

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 444
Re: Check this space for comments re: periodic updates to Thorn Mega Brochure
« Reply #10 on: January 31, 2018, 05:47:09 pm »
A new edition of the Thorn Mega Solo brochure is out. Issue 1.02, Winter 2018.

http://www.sjscycles.com/thornpdf/thorn_mega_brochure.pdf

The link to the PDF can also be found on this page:
http://www.thorncycles.co.uk/bikes

I don't know why the issue number has reverted back to 1.xx. The previous issue was 8.02 (Autumn 2017).

What is new in this version?
  • Take more whiskey on your long tours.
  • Andy and Fiona's van and caravan.

- DaveS

aggs

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 73
Re: Check this space for comments re: periodic updates to Thorn Mega Brochure
« Reply #11 on: February 02, 2018, 11:42:15 am »
Interesting  reading about the caravan and the Mercedes Vito nevertheless!!



Pavel

  • Guest
Re: Check this space for comments re: periodic updates to Thorn Mega Brochure
« Reply #12 on: February 02, 2018, 04:02:25 pm »
I've not yet read it but hope to find some more clarity about tubeless rims and tire combos for 26" and 650B wheel choices. 

That along with a split rear stay for those of us who want the choice of Gates Carbon drive.

I rode a Surly Long Haul trucker again (the fourth time in six years) in 700cc tires. I'm looking for what I've been looking for, a more stable straight ahead feeling to the ride.  I liked the bike, as I always had, but it was just a bit of an improvement over my Nomad, with several things (Rohloff is a faff on the LHT) that make it vastly inferior to the Nomad imho.

But yesterday I sold one of my lenses, and so went on a lark and rode the Surly Long Haul Disk trucker.  My motivation there was that I wanted to build up a frame for my daughter Bianca, now that she has graduated High School (today) half a year early and has a gap half a year if she ever takes time off working so much.  Surly doesn't make the LHT in 700cc in her 52 frame size (give or take on size)  Only 26".  So I rode a 52 frame.

I felt a lot like people report to have felt when as kids they discovered that Santa Claus didn't exist.  I put the slightly better feel of the LHT down to the cenripital force of 700cc wheels.  Well the 26 LHDT was oodles more of what I'm looking for.  Theory one gone to hell.  That bike road just like what I'm looking for!  And the disk brakes?  this was a firm solid frame, just like the Nomad, but plush just the same.  If my rim brake canti is more comfortable by theory, I sure can't tell the difference.  I think 98% of the feel of a plush ride is in the tires.  Now I'm twice as eager to embrace tubeless tires.  I think I shall go forwards and order the 650B disk fork for the Nomad and stop being stuck in the past, doubting new technology.  Now if the LHDT was available with canti studs, I'd still go for that, but I will no longer consider disks the work of the devil.  And with OEM 2 mount and a chain tensioner the rohloff is a good clean fit.  The gears are turning. The girl deserves the best.  I better read that Thorn update now, before I head to my local Surly dealer later today.   I'm still at heart a Thorn man first.

David Simpson

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 444
Another edition of the Thorn Mega Solo brochure is out already. Issue 2.02, Spring 2018.

http://www.sjscycles.com/thornpdf/thorn_mega_brochure.pdf

The link to the PDF can also be found on this page:
http://www.thorncycles.co.uk/bikes

I did a very quick read-through, but I didn't find what was new.

- DaveS

Danneaux

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 8229
  • reisen statt rasen
Quote
I did a very quick read-through, but I didn't find what was new.
Mmmm. Possibly the formatting and layout? (Page 3):
Quote
[Andy Blance:] Our printer will only staple 18 sheets of A3 reliably meaningthat I can never hope to have more than 72 pages in PART 1 -which is why I’ve had to remove the Touring advice and make a NEW PART 2. (See INDEX on page 5)
Conversely, I’ve optimised the photos for viewing online -you can zoom right into them.

All the best,

Dan.