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Sherpa vs Raven vs Nomad

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Andyb1:
Could someone help clarify the differences between how the Sherpa, Raven and Nomad ride please?    Assuming all have the same flat handlebars, 3 x 9 gearing and 26 inch wheels and tyres.

My feeling is that the Nomad is the more solid world tourer that will carry the kitchen sink in one pannier, a BBQ in the other and a week’s supply of food and water……and despite the weight will ride just as it always does……very steadily and predictably but perhaps lacking sparkle due to how strongly it is built?

The Raven I feel is built slightly lighter so can carry a little less load (28kg is still good) but will have a more sporty feel, feel more responsive and be more fun to ride?

On paper the Sherpa seems has the same load capacity as a Raven but I am not sure how it compares in other ways?  Is the Sherpa an earlier version of the Raven?

The reason I am asking is that I have recently got a MkI Sherpa (I am not sure the exact difference to a MkII?) which with 1 1/4” marathon tyres feels nice and responsive to ride - much better than I was expecting - and little seems to be written about the Sherpa (too old?).

PH:
All the versions of the Raven were designed for Rohloff.  The Sherpa is a very similar derailleur equivalent.

--- Quote ---My feeling is that the Nomad is the more solid world tourer
--- End quote ---
That's pretty much it, though the differences between Nomad and Raven would depend on which versions of each you were comparing.
The Sherpa probably does get less attention, in the World of derailleur touring bikes it's one of many.  The Nomad, particularly early versions, were as you say a step more towards the expedition end of the scale, a much smaller market.   The Raven, particularly when it launched, pretty much had the UK Rohloff market to itself.  Even now, when far more people know of Rohloff and there's more bike choice, Thorn still retain a large share of that market, when I see Rohloff bike it's more likely to be a Thorn than anything else.
Glad you like the Sherpa, if it suits you, that's as good as it gets.

EDIT - The Sherpa has been around long enough to get some reviews, have you googled it?

WorldTourer:
The Sherpa is no longer competitive as a long-haul touring bike. It is a 26", 9-speed, rim-brake-only bike. Durable CSS rims are no longer made, the choice of quality long-haul 26" tires is shrinking, and even replacement rim-brake pads or quality (and granny-gear) 9-speed cassettes can be hard to find in some parts of the world now. My ex-wife finds it a nice bike for 3-season commuting, though.

The Sherpa had its day 10+ years ago and there would have been reviews and cyclist blogs about it, but they are probably tough to find since Google has de-ranked content that old.


--- Quote from: PH on December 21, 2023, 04:59:46 pm ---Even now, when far more people know of Rohloff and there's more bike choice, Thorn still retain a large share of that market, when I see Rohloff bike it's more likely to be a Thorn than anything else.
--- End quote ---

Not my experience at all. Almost no one out on the road now recognizes the brand of my Nomad Mk3 frame – “Thorn, what’s that?” – unless they are Brits over about the age of 35. I see Rohloffs all the time, but they are in frames from Surly, Tumbleweed, VSF Fahrradmanufaktur, etc.

PH:

--- Quote from: WorldTourer on December 21, 2023, 06:04:59 pm ---
--- Quote from: PH on December 21, 2023, 04:59:46 pm ---Even now, when far more people know of Rohloff and there's more bike choice, Thorn still retain a large share of that market, when I see Rohloff bike it's more likely to be a Thorn than anything else.
--- End quote ---

Not my experience at all. Almost no one out on the road now recognizes the brand of my Nomad Mk3 frame – “Thorn, what’s that?” – unless they are Brits over about the age of 35. I see Rohloffs all the time, but they are in frames from Surly, Tumbleweed, VSF Fahrradmanufaktur, etc.

--- End quote ---
Did you miss the UK reference in the sentence above? You might also have included location in your reply.
Of the six Rohloffs I see out and about locally, four are Thorns, one Van Nicholas and a Surly.  I think in the UK that's about the proportion for all I've seen.  Of those makes you list, I've only seen Surlys, though not included I've seen a few Kogas and a Tout Terrain.

Andyb1:
Thanks for the replies - so the Sherpa stuck with derailleur gears and a version with Rohloff gears became the Raven.

So what are the differences between the Sherpa MkI,II and III?  Anything significant?

I did find some reviews but they were not really comparative between models, just reports on how much people liked their Sherpas and felt that they were reliable and strong.

I am happy with 26 inch wheels.   I find them more in proportion to the medium frame size I ride and I like the clearances.  Not so happy with rim brakes though.
I think that my Sherpa will be a summer bike as where I live the roads are wet and gritty in winter.  My other bike has discs, Rohloff and chainglider so is better to ride in those conditions.

Edited to add : Having the latest gear does not particularly worry me.  I can do without tubeless tyres and electronic gear changers.   I prefer equipment which is simple and has been well proven, and the Sherpa seems to fit in that category.

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