Thorn Cycles Forum

Private Classified => Bikes For Sale => Topic started by: UKTony on June 19, 2022, 05:28:24 PM

Title: ‘ Thorn eXp - unique’ on EBay (one of Andy Blance’s own bikes)
Post by: UKTony on June 19, 2022, 05:28:24 PM

Just been eyeing up a Raven on eBay and noticed this,

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313&_nkw=thorn&_sacat=0

 The initials graphic on the seat tube resemble the one on his tool bag on page 66 of the Thorn Touring Bike Bible at

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

Title: Re: ‘ Thorn eXp - unique’ on EBay (one of Andy Blance’s own bikes)
Post by: brummie on June 20, 2022, 06:16:25 PM

Bit of inside knowledge on this unique EXP. The original heavy duty rear stays and front  forks were replaced with a lighter gauge tubing by Kevin Sayle's as part of Andy Blance's R&D work. If you look at the photos you will notice the 'shot in' style seat stays akin to those on the XTC frames ( no X-brace between the stays as commonly featured on EXP frames at the time ) and no lo-rider rack mounts on the fork. I believe the aim was to have a slightly more compliant  touring bike that could still carry a reasonable load.