Thorn Cycles Forum
Community => Member's Gallery => Topic started by: Danneaux on February 25, 2012, 07:30:12 am
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Hi All,
If you're not local to Thorn-SJS Cycles in Bridgwater and wondered what the facility looks like where your shiny new Thorn was born (ordered, assembled, shipped from), take a look at the three attached photos, courtesy of Google Street View and a little editing and enhancement for clarity by me.
I suspect the facility might possibly be larger than it appears, as satellite views reveal what looks to be access from the rear and a sizable "backyard" behind the storefront.
Best,
Dan.
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I suspect the facility might possibly be larger than it appears, as satellite views reveal what looks to be access from the rear and a sizable "backyard" behind the storefront.
I think you're correct there Dan. This seems to be their rear entry (http://maps.google.com.au/maps?q=St+John+Street+Cycles,+Bridgwater,+United+Kingdom&hl=en&ll=51.128372,-2.992752&spn=0.000003,0.002642&sll=-25.335448,135.745076&sspn=41.01289,86.572266&oq=st+john+street+cycle&hq=St+John+Street+Cycles,&hnear=Bridgwater,+Somerset,+United+Kingdom&t=h&z=19&layer=c&cbll=51.128311,-2.992812&panoid=zb7XFP-4iQVFLhn1CtaQ1g&cbp=12,306.06,,2,3.18), judging by the Thorn/Rohloff-emblazoned van.
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I can confirm that SJSC is a Tardis (MUCH MUCH bigger on the inside than it look on the outside) I have only visited once - several years ago but I recall it being it being a highly interesting mixture of rabbit warren and Aladdin's Cave!
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The bike racks must be at the rear of the building, one assumes!
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The bike racks must be at the rear of the building...
I agree, Antonio! (and welcome to the Thorn Cycles Forum!)
The place is a mystery nested in an enigma, shouded in a mist of myth.
I am most fascinated by where Thorn/SJS Cycles keep the small-parts inventory. Back in the day, I did organizational analyses and business modeling and wrote case studies. One of the most difficult businesses to operate is the shoe store. To keep even a few styles in stock in several colors in the full range of sizes causes an explosion in permutations and needed back-stock. I strongly suspect a wormhole or other anomaly in the space-time continuum allows Thorn/SJSC to keep everything seemingly on-site. Maybe...they have giant 3-D printers and simply make the stuff as needs be.
Or, perhaps, it is all just a mirage...
In wonder,
Dan.
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I can confirm it is like a Tardis. We have just visited to order an RST for my wife and I test rode a dropped bar Mercury. Various out buildings at the back all interconnected. Warehouse is as you'd expect kitted out with racks and boxes of goodies. Nothing sophisticated but obviously a good stock control system helping keep track of everything. Upstairs round the back is a showroom and workshops where the bikes are built up. Great place to be if you love all things Thorn!!!!
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Great place to be if you love all things Thorn!
Ooooh! Ahhhh! Oooweeeooh! <-- the last for the interdimensional nature of it all.
Best,
Dan.
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Going back tomorrow as didn't get enough. Might try and take some photos of showroom but can't post for couple of weeks as not got Internet where we are going.
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Might try and take some photos of showroom...
Brilliant, Steven; good on ya!...but can't post for couple of weeks as not got Internet where we are going.
No worries; always timely whenever it occurs, and most welcome always!
All the best,
Dan.
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I can confirm that SJSC is a Tardis (MUCH MUCH bigger on the inside than it look on the outside) I have only visited once - several years ago but I recall it being it being a highly interesting mixture of rabbit warren and Aladdin's Cave!
So true! I stopped by a few year's ago (2002) to get some N.O.S. part's to replace broking part's on my Old (top end) Mountain Bike (1992/3) and my 2nd Brook's saddle ;D
Walking all over the place, I think it was like thought the back of the shop's all the way down the street :o
May have to pop in the next time I'm in the U.K.
Pete..
;)
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I stopped by a few year's ago (2002) to get some N.O.S. part's...
<nods> ...see, a visit slows the aging process. How else could the NOS older parts be explained? And the continued vigor of the riders? Pete here is an example. Has only gotten better in the last decade, and plans another visit soonest to the Thorn Fountain of Youth.
A little goes into each bike, methinks, accounting for their -- and their riders' -- longevity, vigor, and vim...
Best,
Dan.
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<nods> ...see, a visit slows the aging process. How else could the NOS older parts be explained? And the continued vigor of the riders? Pete here is an example. Has only gotten better in the last decade, and plans another visit soonest to the Thorn Fountain of Youth.
A little goes into each bike, methinks, accounting for their -- and their riders' -- longevity, vigor, and vim...
Best,
Dan.
Hi Dan,
No as I worked out this year life can be short!
Live it to your best, if not have Fun.....
Pete...
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Back in 2006 it was a walk through the reception, then the parts warehouse, across a courtyard, up some steps, past the mechanics (assembling bikes) and into the show room.
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-kS0n2-A0meA/UCuqKOgtoPI/AAAAAAAAASs/KuSxcJhA0wA/s1152/IMG_3372.JPG)
That's my long-since deceased bike leaning on the desk. I took it so we could size a frame against it.
It's a dangerous place to enter with a credit card.
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Fred!
This is fantastic...a bit like seeing the inside of Area 51 or something...but better!
From the looks of the ceiling, this must be upstairs. Sure is tastefully appointed.
...a dangerous place to enter with a credit card
Not only that, if I entered I would never leave, except to ride the bikes, then return to sleep there, repeat U+221E days (in Unicode this is ?, or infinity).
Ahhhh. <deep, contented sigh>
What a great shot, Fred!
Best,
Dan.
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i would have loved to serve my time as a bike mechanic in that place ;)
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i would have loved to serve my time as a bike mechanic in that place ;)
Ha Ha
Pete...
:P
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no harm dreaming pete. ;)
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Apologies for lateness and also photos a bit dark but here they are as promised.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/63482963@N03/sets/72157631180029888/
Cheers Steve
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...here they are as promised...
Oh! Steve has been to heaven and returned with photos...!
Outstanding, Steve! Simply outstanding, Man!
Look! There's a Nomad and another and 'nother and...
::wow::
You've surely done a job of it, Steve, and very much appreciated, too. Couldn't have asked for better! Thanks so much!
All the best,
Dan. (...bit by bit, intel is helping us form a picture of Operations...)
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And this is what has arrived today 3 weeks later!!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/63482963@N03/sets/72157631180087852/
A very happy Mrs swislon....
Cheers Steve
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A very happy Mrs swislon....
And no wonder! That is one beautiful bicycle! Red is always great, and looks especially nice with the honey-colored Brooks and lighter grips.
Please pass-along our compliments from the list; I'll bet she's thrilled!
Now, for some photos in-use! Looking forward to any that appear in the gallery on future adventures.
All the best,
Dan.