Thorn Cycles Forum
Community => Thorn General => Topic started by: RST Scout on November 19, 2016, 08:32:37 PM
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I have been looking for a new bike for a while but I have a problem - I'm very short. :'( I'm 1490mm high and my current bike has a stand-over height of 711mm. Most makers don't go down this low. I know I need one with a 26" wheel and I have been looking at the 'new' gravel/adventure bikes. But even so they are pretty nearly all too big (they look lovely tho). I have now narrowed it down to a small Thorn bike, either a Raven Sport Tour or a Sherpa.
I want a bike for shopping, day touring, longer touring possibly with a tent, and a bit of rough-stuff (hence the gravel bikes). I have no intention of going on an expedition. Europe will do for me but I do like to go on tracks etc (but no mud unless I have to!).
Can anyone offer me any advice?
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take a look at this beauty.
http://www.bikeforums.net/touring-bikes-gear-marketplace/1052139-fs-co-motion-pangea-s-s-44cm-touring-bike-philly-area.html#post19201643
jags.
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Yes, its a very nice bike (especially the orange) but way out of my price range.
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This might be of some interest to you:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/252627208202?ul_noapp=true
Not mine.
Best not to hang about if you're interested, the auction ends tomorrow 20 Nov, 2016 20:34:47 GMT, though there's been no bidding yet.
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TabbyCat,
The Thorn bikes will do what you want as long as there is one small enough for you.
I would expect you to want some wide tyres for gravel use and the Sport Tour will probably not take as wide a tyre as the Sherpa.
I have appreciated the load carrying capacity of my Thorn, once carrying 30kgs of shopping in 4 panniers.
Have fun choosing.
Julian
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Thanks.
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Hi TabbyCat and welcome!
Have you considered one of Thorn's step-through frames? This design appears robust enough for your intended use and the lack of a more conventional top tube eliminates any direct concerns about standover.
I recommended one to a friend last week. He is in his mid-60s and a recent hip replacement has made it difficult for him to mount a bike with even a sloping top tube. The open framed Sherpa or Raven looks like a good solution for him and might be worth considering for your needs.
Best,
Dan.
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Have a look at a Charge Grater 2 Mixte 2017 Women's Hybrid Bike too.
They do a selection of sizes.
Maybe one is purrfect ....
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Thanks all.
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Have you thought about a Surly Troll XS size. It's a very good do it all bike.
Bob
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I have decided on a RST. It appears to be a few mm smaller than the newer bikes. Dave at Thorns says it will fit me. I've put a deposit down on it but I am still waiting for my Leica camera to sell (altho a friend said he would take the lenses). Its a nice racing car green with honey B17 and flat bars. Ho hum! Can't wait!
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Fantastic tabbycat enjoy every pedal stroke dont forget the photos ;)
jags.
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Don't forget to post some pictures of your new baby!😉
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And another one joins the club...... Welcome, BRG with a Brooks honey saddle sounds great.
Regards Alfie 8)
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RST's RULE
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I have had two RST over the last 4 years and have been very happy with them. Although they are heavy (not really much difference than a RT) they do "feel" sporty.
I am sure you will be happy with it
Good riding
Andy
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RST's RULE
Oh certainly. And mine is a looker!
Janet
PS. I have a photo but its off the SJS Cycles web site and I don't know if I can re-use it. I have it on my computer so as I can look at it all day and dream..........
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I have had two RST over the last 4 years and have been very happy with them. Although they are heavy (not really much difference than a RT) they do "feel" sporty.
As long as it can carry my shopping;-)
When you say heavy what kind of weight are we talking about. I expect I will have to carry it at some point (don't you always). I have an ATB (as was) made from Reynolds 531 ATB tubing (very small with 24" wheels). This feels quite light. With your experience would you say a RST would be heavier?
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Great decision to buy an RST. I think they are one of Thorn's best designed bikes. Mine's about 1kg lighter than the raven tour it replaced and about 1mph faster on the long term average. I guess it would be similar weight to a steel mountain bike, perhaps a bit less depending on build but I expect you will find it faster. Ride quality is excellent, even with panniers on it still is silky smooth.
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Another vote here for the RST, great bike.
My experiences are the same as Geocycle's. I have an RST and a Raven Tour, the RST weighs about 14.5 kgs with a Thorn Expedition Rack and Hub Dynamo lighting, the Tour is about 1.5 kgs heavier.
It feels quicker than it actually is due to the fairly tight geometry, I have Rigida Grizzly CSS rims on mine which are heavy and I plan to get lighter rims when funds allow, I'm sure it would make a big difference.
Good luck and hope you get your bike very soon,
Neil
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Great decision to buy an RST. I think they are one of Thorn's best designed bikes. Mine's about 1kg lighter than the raven tour it replaced and about 1mph faster on the long term average. I guess it would be similar weight to a steel mountain bike, perhaps a bit less depending on build but I expect you will find it faster. Ride quality is excellent, even with panniers on it still is silky smooth.
Oh I love your bike! Mine will be almost the same but with a honey coloured saddle. I'm going to ask for the Ergon GP-5 grips (like yours) to replace the GP1 grips that are currently on it and I want a 19T sprocket on the back to lower the bottom gear. Other than that it's perfect :-)
Janet
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Another vote here for the RST, great bike.
My experiences are the same as Geocycle's. I have an RST and a Raven Tour, the RST weighs about 14.5 kgs with a Thorn Expedition Rack and Hub Dynamo lighting, the Tour is about 1.5 kgs heavier.
It feels quicker than it actually is due to the fairly tight geometry, I have Rigida Grizzly CSS rims on mine which are heavy and I plan to get lighter rims when funds allow, I'm sure it would make a big difference.
Good luck and hope you get your bike very soon,
Neil
Thanks for the info. I don't think the rims on mine are CSS's and it doesn't have a hub dynamo (I'm quite happy swopping battery lights between my bikes). I haven't yet got any new racks but as I've got several, including a low rider front rack, hanging up in the garage......... I think I will consider crom-mo racks at a later date.
What is the geometry? I know it's 74 degrees at the rear but I don't know what the front is or the length of the wheelbase. My ATB has a short wheelbase and I keep hitting my heels on the rear (small) pannier.
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Say JAnet have u any tours planned for the new baby.
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I've got to get the thing first, Anto! The flaming camera has not sold yet and my friend who's buying the lenses is now talking about giving me the money two parts. Do you think Thorn would take part payments? Feeling decidedly p**sed off :'( :( at the moment.
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i'd sat thorn will only take a deposit ,i actually asked that question a few years ago if they would do easy payements i never got an answer probably though the mad irish man is at it again ,but sure no harm asking.
theres a few guys i know photographers do u want me to ask if there interested in your camera lenses.
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janet u have a pm .
anto
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Yay! I'm getting closer. My Leica lenses have sold. Still waiting for the camera body tho :(
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Happy days if u come to Ireland give me a buzz I'm heading up north when the weather gets better April may June ,castlewellan forest park that's the plan possible 2other lads going but nothing set in stone.
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Hi Anto,
I would love to come to Ireland. I've never been but I believe my paternal family came from Tipperary and as I'm into ancestry I need to see where my roots are from. For my pains I've got Welsh on my mother's side ;)
However, (there's aways a 'but' isn't there) I have no-one to look after my animals so its a no-no at the moment (and I have no intention of using a cattery/kennels). Thanks for the offer tho.
Janet
(Farrell)
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your more than welcome Janet if you never been i'm sure u would love it as long as it doesn't feckin rain ;D ;D.i had 3 guys from the UK stay here with me at different times over the years they all enjoyed it, mind the wife wasn't to pleased with me with all the extra cooking :o.
i'm feeding a few ferril cats mother and her 2 kittens my grandson loves putting out the milk for them ;D
anto.
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I adore Scotland and I'm aware that Ireland has similar scenery so I'm sure I'll love it (tho I'm sure you'll say it was better ;))
Thanks Anto.
Janet
PS where abouts are you?
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Janet I'm on the northeast coast not far from the big smoke Dublin,I'm in Drogheda co Louth Google that nice town ,I,be never been to Scotland but love to get over one of these days all I need is the money and a touring partner.
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Do try and get to Scotland. I've Youth Hosteled all round the Highlands (Glasgow to Fort William and Oban) also on Skye and Arran. It's fabulous. Was on my old Raleigh bedstead; must see if I can find some photos. Dying to go to The Outer Hebrides or the Orkneys. I'll Google your part of the world and have a look on Google Earth.
Cheers,
Janet
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yeah it's on the bucket list Janet ,
but there's parts of Ireland i've never seen by bike .
Northern Ireland is beautiful up around the mournes stunning like to explore more of it .
the west of ireland is also stunning .
my own part of the country is lovely full of history if your into history , battle of the boyne /Newgrange/Monasterboice /Hill of Tara these would be all my cycling routes mostly all back roads,
It's seldom you would see Anto on a main road i'll leave that caper to the glory hunters (young Dudes)
but sure look isn't everywhere beautiful if the sun is on your back and you have a pocket full of money 8).
anto.
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True, Anto.