Thorn Cycles Forum
Community => Member's Gallery => Topic started by: vik on November 30, 2008, 08:12:57 PM
-
Here is a first photo of my Nomad S&S. Not a great one, but I figured I'd share what I had since I rec'd a lot of great advice from forum members in making the selection process.
I will be adding racks and fenders shortly. Not sure I'll be sticking with drops in the long run, but they've worked for me in the past so I wanted to start with something proven. I'll be considering Titec H-bars and Thorn comfort bars.
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vUEhS0lU3eU/STLyV9kmi7I/AAAAAAAAGWQ/J5_pPQwYSzA/s400/Nomad+1.JPG)
I bought the frame/fork only from Thorn so the component choice is not standard.
safe riding,
Vik
www.thelazyrando.com
-
your wright vik the photo dosen't do the bike justice,but well done on the build as usual you did a great job .but give us (me) a few close up's .oh and how is the ride are you happy with the bike.
-
It certainly looks good from a distance, lets have some more photo's.
;)Bob
-
Vik,
Looking good.
Are you riding it yet? If so how does it handle?
Julian
-
Here is a better version of that photo:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3018/3072335172_30d4f1d16c_o.jpg)
-
As for the ride I've only had it out a few times unloaded so far. It rides quite well "naked". The handling is predictable without being too slow or too fast. The bike cruises along quite well with the 1.6" Marathon Supremes. I'm still on the mend so I've not tried riding it too aggressively yet.
I'll be adding racks & fenders this week and then loading it up a bit and trying her that way.
I do like the ride better than my Sherpa, but I suspect that's to do with sizing rather than the differences in models - although it's hard to tell without back to back tests on similarly equipped bikes.
I'll take some more pics this week and post them.
safe riding,
Vik
www.thelazyrando.com
-
ah that's much better vik,look's fantastis cant wait to see the finished bike.now dont go selling it off like you did the sherpa ,at least wait until you have done a nice big mile tour and hopefully by that time it will be your favourate bike.
cheers vik.
jags
-
does look great, I think I want one of those!!!!! We should start a show us your bike thread.
-
Vic,
Beware if you plan to use Titec H bars - they don't leave much room for a handlebar grip ! - I'm sure i've read somewhere of a newer version of the Titec H-bars which are more like the original Jones bars & will allow more room for the rohloff shifter & grip... Great bars tho' I have 'em on my singlespeed mtb.
-
It looks sweet, nicely built! I'm also a fan of black hubs etc and I see you used that colour throughout most of the bike. Looking forward to seeing more pictures of this beautiful beast :-*
-
Vic,
Beware if you plan to use Titec H bars - they don't leave much room for a handlebar grip ! - I'm sure i've read somewhere of a newer version of the Titec H-bars which are more like the original Jones bars & will allow more room for the rohloff shifter & grip... Great bars tho' I have 'em on my singlespeed mtb.
(http://bp3.blogger.com/_vUEhS0lU3eU/SJcPWtg0DQI/AAAAAAAAFzA/gdFdcefxdzU/s400/BD+bars+1.JPG)
(http://bp2.blogger.com/_vUEhS0lU3eU/SJcPWuHnr3I/AAAAAAAAFzI/D5ghYlNSg7I/s400/BD+bars+2.JPG)
I've got a Titec H-bar and Rohloff shifter on my Surly Big Dummy and had to hack the Ergon grip on the shifter side. This works fine and I've had no discomfort issues with using a short grip.
(http://www.jonesbikes.com/images/cutloop_big6.jpg)
Jeff Jones is making a new bar [loop bar pic shown] that will better accept twist shifters like the Rohloff, but at $550USD vs. $80USD for the Titec H-bar I'm going to stick with my hack for now.
http://www.jonesbikes.com/h-bar.html
safe riding,
Vik
www.thelazyrando.com
-
$500 for a set of handlebars now that's expensive. Don't expect SJSC will be stocking them, make comfort bars a bargain.
-
Beautiful bike, Vik! Well done!
Love those loop-bars, lots of real-estate, and a good way to mount a small bag. You probably could have a frame maker (or any welder) make a pair of those bars for a lot less than $550.
Hope your hand heals nicely. You're still thinking it was the straight forks on the big-dummy, and not the bars?
take care,
Bill
-
Hope your hand heals nicely. You're still thinking it was the straight forks on the big-dummy, and not the bars?
take care,
Bill
Thanks Bill...my hand is at 95% and not an issue for all practical purposes.
I don't think it was any one cause, but rather a combination of:
- stiff straight forks
- minimal bar padding
- rough road [lots of vibration]
- challenging riding [rough & muddy road] causing me to grab the bars harder than normal
- due to the Rohloff shifter I only really used my right hand [shifting & grabbing my water bottle]
You can see what my H-bars looked like in the photo below:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2141/2472114039_f9543010fa_b.jpg)
Very little padding! In my own defense I used the bars this way for several shorter tours and lots of day to day riding with no issues so I didn't worry about it.
My solution for the Titec has been to:
- use Ergon grips
- add double cork bar tape to all other parts of the bars
- I may also move the Rohloff shifter to the left side of the bars so I use my left hand more
On the Nomad I've used drop bars that have never caused me any issues and mounted the Rohloff shifter on the left side of a Thorn accessory bar so I use my left hand to shift and right hand for water bottles/taking photos, etc.. I expect the curved Thorn fork to be better at absorbing vibration than the straight fork on my Big Dummy.
I don't expect any further problems, but it took a long time to heal so I'm keen on not repeating the injury!
safe riding,
Vik
www.thelazyrando.com
-
Great looking bike Vic, if it rides as well as it looks your on to a winner. I'm finding Thorns Comfort bars with Ergon Grips to be very good on my Sherpa so far, they seem a little wider than I have been used to but that seems to help relax my shoulders and arms which means less fatigue if I'm in the saddle for several hours. The angle they are set at seems to make a considerable difference to how they feel for me, even pivoting them a few mm forwards or backwards can make quite a large difference to their comfort.
Anyway, hope the Nomad is the bike you have been dreaming of and lives up to your expectations, enjoy :-)
Adrian
-
Note to self....self get on with the last few jobs you need to finish off this bike...lol...hopefully I can post some photos today if I get my act in gear.
-
Looking forward to those photos Vik...
I don't suppose you can take them on a dark, dismal and damp day so us chaps here in the U.K. don't feel quite so hard done by - even though i do enjoy looking at the glorious Mexican weather etc.!
Cheers!
Gary.
-
Looking forward to those photos Vik...
I don't suppose you can take them on a dark, dismal and damp day so us chaps here in the U.K. don't feel quite so hard done by - even though i do enjoy looking at the glorious Mexican weather etc.!
Cheers!
Gary.
Gary,
I'm in the middle of a cold Canadian winter so I can definitely provide some snow & ice which should cheer you UK chaps up a bit...of course we get a lot sunshine here so it will be sunny!
safe riding,
Vik
www.thelazyrando.com
-
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vUEhS0lU3eU/SX9BbHC4BcI/AAAAAAAAI_g/VLRr3sD736U/s400/nomad1.jpg)
I keep getting distracted by work and other bike projects so I'm not as far along as I'd like on the Nomad, but I wanted to prove that I'm making progress!
Since last photo:
- dynohub front wheel installed
- Schwalbe Ice Spikers installed
- NRG low profile BMX pedals installed
Up next:
- fenders
- front rack
- Solidlights 1203D installed
I'm considering swapping out the drops for a Titec H-bar. I probably will, but it's enough work that I may wait a few weeks to make that happen.
safe riding,
Vik
www.thelazyrando.com
-
A room full of bikes and quality ones at that... god don't ya just feel the envy..
-
so tell us vik are you a bike mechanic,or a computer expert,journalist or are you just loaded.
i had a look a your video, emm could add film maker to that list,and you sure have some collection of super quality bikes.good for you.can't wait to see the nomad finished.
-
so tell us vik are you a bike mechanic,or a computer expert,journalist or are you just loaded.
i had a look a your video, emm could add film maker to that list,and you sure have some collection of super quality bikes.good for you.can't wait to see the nomad finished.
hahaha....I'm not sure what I am! I have a degree in computer engineering, I'm a professional engineer, I was an army captain for 10 years in another life [or so it seems] and I make my money consulting on projects that clean up military training ranges from unexploded ordnance - not nearly as exciting as it sounds. I've done that job for 13yrs and I am looking to do something completely different - I just haven't figured out what that will be yet.
I do have a fleet of awesome bikes, but when you think about it my whole bike fleet costs less than a good Rolex watch and an expensive suit. I don't have a wife or kids to spend money on, I don't have any debt and other than bikes, outdoors gear, cameras, computers and traveling I don't spend my money on too much else. A reasonable income, no debt or dependents and a few rationally priced hobbies/interests make for what seems like a lot of disposable income, but in fact I just focus my expenditures in a few areas so it seems like I've got a lot of cash to throw around.
Looking at it the other way I don't own a sofa or dining room table, I don't own a TV, my truck is 13 years old and was paid for a long time ago, my nicest clothes were bought at an outdoors shop...lol...I spent several weeks in Baja camped for free on a beach, cooking most of our meals - it was a holiday that cost about $25 a day and a lot of that was beer... ;D
I have had a few comical dates where I could tell the lady in question was scanning my apartment in horror at the absence of a place to sit and a TV to watch - not too mention the excessive number of bicycles. On the upside the ones that don't run away and that call me back are usually super fun to hang out with.
I'm going to turn 40 this year and I fear growing up and settling down don't seem to be in the cards for me....*sigh*...that's alright frees me up for that bike tour in India I've been thinking about.... ;)
safe riding,
Vik
www.thelazyrando.com
-
in other word's vik you live the life of riely ;Dfair play to you i think your exactly where you want to be,not a lot of people can say that ,good for you .keep that beer drinking to a minium you'll end up with a beer belly.
-
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vUEhS0lU3eU/SYh03A2s33I/AAAAAAAAJAg/SGD2UbRRdnU/s400/nomad1.jpg)
I installed an Old Man Mountain Cold Springs front rack on my Nomad. These racks are light, strong and very versatile. I've been abusing my oldest set for about 8 years now and they have never given me any trouble.
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vUEhS0lU3eU/SYh03LC6UyI/AAAAAAAAJAo/DeqnVXVHkOo/s400/nomad2.jpg)
I'm a fan of the large platform on these front racks.
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vUEhS0lU3eU/SYh03WgGyNI/AAAAAAAAJAw/AhHDcG9DiOQ/s400/nomad3.jpg)
I've decided to return the Schwalbe Ice Spiker tires...we just aren't having enough icy conditions to justify the cost and my Pugsley works well enough even in those conditions that I'll just use it instead. I've got some 1.6" Schwalbe Marathon Supremes I'll use for now and I might get a 2.0" wide set of XRs or Marathon Extremes a bit later.
I haven't managed to mount the fenders on this bike yet, but I need to work on my Thorn Sterling MTB first.
safe riding,
Vik
www.thelazyrando.com
-
great pic's vik you sure can build a bike well done .
-
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3600/3449004756_1da35a8080_b.jpg)
So I finally got around to modifying my Nomad's cockpit to use Titec H-bars. I have two other touring bikes with drops so I didn't feel the need to have a third and the wide H-bars make rough road riding much easier.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3367/3448191083_f4f327ae99_b.jpg)
Fitting in the Rohloff shifter and an Ortlieb bar bag was a challenge, but I think I have a configuration that will work. I need to get some MTB brake levers and then I'll be able to finish the swap.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3547/3448192033_dcd6afe33a_b.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3594/3448193019_d3a513db17_b.jpg)
Safe riding,
Vik
www.thelazyrando.com
-
Looks fantastic.
I see you still have the ice spikers fitted, I tried Schwalbe Winter studded this winter and found them excellent on icy roads and tracks - but now it is Spring and I am back to Marathon XRs.
The long steerer provided by Thorn has certainly come in handy for stacking the accessory bars.
-
vik don't get me wrong, but with all that set up on the bars, does it not make things very heavy up front.
there's a lot going on up there (bars).
but other than that great job your a genious when it comes to building bikes.
-
vik don't get me wrong, but with all that set up on the bars, does it not make things very heavy up front.
there's a lot going on up there (bars).
but other than that great job your a genious when it comes to building bikes.
I'm not 100% what you mean by all that setup on the bars? Other than a second Thorn accessory bar for the Rohloff shifter this setup is quite similar to the previous one with the drops. The major difference is that the accessory bar holding the bar bag is longer. It's possible that having the bag out farther could be an issue in terms of handling...I'll have to try it and see. However, due to the shape of the Titec H-bar this is the only way I can figure out to have access to a bar bag with these bars.
I haven't tried the bike this way as I still need some brake levers to finish the job - hopefully this weekend.
safe riding,
Vik
www.thelazyrando.com
-
Dear Vik,
It's not the array of bikes, Thorn and otherwise, that I am most envious of but the lounge based workshop facility and the devil may care attitude towards cream carpeting.
Last summer I was banished to the garden by my wife and spent a blissful few weeks building a shed to accommodate my tinkerings. I'm not sure if it qualifies for the Member's gallery, but it generates the same warm feelings as my Catalyst. A new thread topic perhaps.
Yours, James
-
Dear Vik,
It's not the array of bikes, Thorn and otherwise, that I am most envious of but the lounge based workshop facility and the devil may care attitude towards cream carpeting.
Last summer I was banished to the garden by my wife and spent a blissful few weeks building a shed to accommodate my tinkerings. I'm not sure if it qualifies for the Member's gallery, but it generates the same warm feelings as my Catalyst. A new thread topic perhaps.
Yours, James
Thanks James...my bike workshop sometimes looks suspiciously like an apartment...I guess I do spend a lot of time here - I even sleep here...I guess I have a bike problem... ;D
safe riding,
Vik
www.thelazyrando.com
-
Vik,
You have a great hobby, not a bike problem.
When I was younger I built an OK sailing dinghy in a bedroom, the carpet suffered a bit but so what!
I had to take the window out to get the dinghy out of the room, although I had planned that already.
Julian.
-
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3636/3461341770_b272fb63d8_b.jpg)
H-bars wrapped with double layer of cork tape and bike ready to ride!
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3619/3461339718_a1814a8272_b.jpg)
I hope to get out on an overnight tour in the next 2-3 weeks to test things out a bit.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3517/3460526757_e200bf63b8_b.jpg)
Not a radical test for a bike of this caliber, but I want to make sure my hands are comfy before I commit to a longer tour.
safe riding,
Vik
www.thelazyrando.com
-
fantastic job as per usual vik ;)
vik are those conti top contact's tyres ,im on the city contacts ,
find them great way better than marathon plus.
anyway well done your a bloody genious ,ride safe and far.
jags..
-
fantastic job as per usual vik ;)
vik are those conti top contact's tyres ,im on the city contacts ,
find them great way better than marathon plus.
anyway well done your a bloody genious ,ride safe and far.
jags..
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3655/3463470334_280f5e2368_b.jpg)
Thanks for the kind words...they are 1.75" Travel Contacts...just what I had laying around...not sure what will end up on the bike in the long run.
safe riding,
Vik
www.thelazyrando.com
-
Vik
the bike looks great but that plant could do with a water.
ian
-
Gorgeous bike, Vik! :-* Keep those pictures coming! :o
-
Vik
the bike looks great but that plant could do with a water.
ian
Where I live the relative humidity is so low it qualifies as a desert....the fact that I have any plants alive at all is amazing!
safe riding,
Vik
www.thelazyrando.com
-
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2041/3528669094_ce31fb84d2_b.jpg)
For the sake of research/testing I got some of the new Marathon Extreme tires from Schwalbe in 26 x 2.0".
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2075/3527858943_d2c6131662_b.jpg)
They are definitely lighter than equivalent XRs - now the question remains are they faster and just as tough?
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2199/3528670066_9a213b27a7_b.jpg)
I swapped in a black unsprung Brooks B-17 to replace the sprung honey Champion Flyer. No reason beyond the black looks better I think.
I've been procrastinating on the fenders because they will be a bit of a pain, but I really need to finish this bike as the weather has turned warmer and the touring season is upon us... ;D
safe riding,
Vik
www.thelazyrando.com
-
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3537/3540301155_a419f95062_b.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2458/3540297123_6b0a4e2120_b.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3322/3540299473_40322c2397_b.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3371/3541113622_2c8f64637c_b.jpg)
safe riding,
Vik
www.thelazyrando.com
-
Looks very nice.
What is the red frame bag?
-
Looks very nice.
What is the red frame bag?
The red bag is an old frame pack I had laying around. Works well on bikes with bigger frames.
They still sell something similar:
http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441775829&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302693353&bmUID=1242663911581
safe riding,
Vik
www.thelazyrando.com
-
super job well done vik, so where are you takeing her .
what's the ride like compared to your other bikes.
-
super job well done vik, so where are you takeing her .
what's the ride like compared to your other bikes.
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2205/3542115957_88e5b930f9_b.jpg)
On the day in question my buddy and I were headed across the city to fly some power kites.
The Nomad is a truck - slow and steady. It's very stable and rolls on pavement, gravel and off road with ease. I haven't really loaded it up heavily yet so I can't speak to that aspect yet.
The Rohloff shifter mount I setup on the Nomad works well. If you like to shift often and keep a steady cadence you'd probably be unhappy with the effort to take your hand off the bars and reach the shifter. On the other hand if like me you don't shift that often and don't mind changing cadence to modulate speed it's fine. I'm also right handed so doing all my shifting with the left hand is new and I'll adapt to it better after a while.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3009/3542114817_1980f081f8_b.jpg)
I don't have any big tours planned for the moment. I'll probably just head to the mtns for shorter 1-4 night tours over the course of the riding season.
safe riding,
Vik
www.thelazyrando.com
-
As always vik you make me sick...with envy ;D
something I've just noticed is that the rohloff gear change is on a seperate post/bar to the handlebar. Is this standard for a rohloff? if not how do you find it in comparison to everything being on the one bar?
-
The ego has landed :D
-
The ego has landed :D
Ya - what was I thinking Fred???? ??? Posting photos about building and riding a Thorn bike on the Thorn Cycling Forum...I do have a nerve don't I?
safe riding,
Vik
www.thelazyrando.com
-
something I've just noticed is that the rohloff gear change is on a seperate post/bar to the handlebar. Is this standard for a rohloff? if not how do you find it in comparison to everything being on the one bar?
I assume mounting the shifter off the bars is less common with a Rohloff than placing them on the bars themselves. I placed it on a separate Thorn accessory bar because the bike was initially built up with drop bars and I wanted try something other than the Hubbub drop bar adapter or a split drop bar.
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vUEhS0lU3eU/SJcPWuHnr3I/AAAAAAAAFzI/D5ghYlNSg7I/s400/BD+bars+2.JPG)
I then changed over to a Titec H-bar. You can mount the Rohloff shifter on the H-bar directly...I have this setup on my Surly Big Dummy - shown above. It works well, but doesn't leave much room on the bars for the grip so I had to hack down an Ergon grip to fit. During a tour last summer I had a nerve injury in my left hand which was partially due to not removing my left hand from the bar much [I'm right handed]. I figure by mounting the Rohloff shifter on the left side of an accessory bar I have to remove my hand from the bar frequently to shift which will keep blood flowing to my left hand and prevent another similar injury [I also improved my bar padding/grip to spread out the bar pressure].
So far the accessory bar mounted shifter has worked well. It is fairly easy to grasp and change gears. Having said that it is not as easy as if the shifter was on the bars - particularly if the road is rough or you are going over obstacles as you have to remove your left hand from the bars.
I don't shift uber frequently on tour so this doesn't bother me a great deal. I'm happy to change cadence [within reason] to change bike speed and on a tour you don't need to change gears as often as you do in town [where I've been riding my Nomad recently].
I'll keep the shifter where it is for a while and continue to evaluate it. If I want easier access I may try it on the left side of the Titec H-bar.
safe riding,
Vik
www.thelazyrando.com
-
Ya - what was I thinking Fred???? ??? Posting photos about building and riding a Thorn bike on the Thorn Cycling Forum...I do have a nerve don't I?
safe riding,
Vik
www.thelazyrando.com
Just humour Vik, just humour.
That's a mighty fine kite you have there! ::)
-
Just humour Vik, just humour.
That's a mighty fine kite you have there! ::)
I was joking as well...wasn't it obvious??.... ;)
safe riding,
Vik
www.thelazyrando.com
-
vik any more photo's comming up you've been quiet lately.
-
vik any more photo's comming up you've been quiet lately.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3619/3461339718_a1814a8272.jpg)
Hola! Sorry nothing new to post at this time. My Nomad riding has been strictly utilitarian this summer so not much to post about. Now that things are slowing down again I hope to get some Berthoud stainless fenders mounted [I need to DIY some brackets] and I'm going to rework the Titec H-bars on this bike. I'll move the Rohloff shifter onto the bar itself rather than using an accessory bar....didn't love taking my hands off the bar to shift everytime. I'll also add some Ergon grips to the bar as I found the double wrapped cork tape wasn't comfy enough after 2-3hrs on the bike.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3547/3448192033_dcd6afe33a.jpg)
When I get done I'll post some photos...
In the meantime I did have a bike touring adventure this summer - although I must warn you there is no Thorn content.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/vikapproved/sets/72157620470407905/
http://thelazyrando.wordpress.com/?s=cdn+gdr
safe riding,
Vik
www.thelazyrando.com
-
great photos as ever, Vik.
ians
-
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2443/3927246071_297823832e_b.jpg)
Another pedestrian Nomad ride.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3444/3928027274_2a320bd2e7_b.jpg)
safe riding,
Vik
www.thelazyrando.com
-
Vik,
Great bike, great photos, interesting frame bag - where is that from?
Julian.
-
Vik,
Great bike, great photos, interesting frame bag - where is that from?
Julian.
The red bag is an old frame pack I had laying around. Works well on bikes with bigger frames.
They still sell something similar:
http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441775829&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302693353&bmUID=1242663911581
safe riding,
Vik
www.thelazyrando.com
It's handy for tools, a small lock and a camera, but it takes up one water bottle spot.
safe riding,
Vik
www.thelazyrando.com
-
Lovely pics of a lovely machine Vik. I've never thought about taking a 4.6% alcoholic beverage with me on a ride, i usually take water. Mmmmmmm beeeeer
I think i should have expected something a little different from you by now though.....!
-
Vik,
You just have too much cash.
John.................. ::) ;D :-* ???
-
I've never thought about taking a 4.6% alcoholic beverage with me on a ride, i usually take water. Mmmmmmm beeeeer
We have conclusively proven that beer is a sports drink. I've run extended clinical trials in Mexico.... ;D
Vik,
You just have too much cash.
John.................. ::) ;D :-* ???
Why? Because I'm drinking imported beer?... :o
safe riding,
Vik
www.thelazyrando.com
-
thank's vik for the link fantastic photos you and your buddy looked like you had a blast,my god what a country to ride a bike beautiful.
what satnav was that you had ,the bike especally the wheels and tyres are something else are they heavy /expensive.how long did you spend off road on that tour man it looked really hard going don't think i would be strong enough to tackle something like that.
anyway thanks again vik .
cheers
jags
-
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3430/3932207485_d814706d12_b.jpg)
Got the 60mm Berthoud stainless steel fenders installed.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3485/3932989832_43632eeda3_b.jpg)
I put this off because I thought I had a lot of DIY to do for the install, but ended up going very smoothly except for the rear fender stays.
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2545/3932209783_0c34b246f5_b.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2565/3932991712_e533dea8e6_b.jpg)
safe riding,
Vik
www.thelazyrando.com
-
Vik,
Very smart, nothing like a nice bit of stainless.
I see the cat is impressed as well.
Julian.
-
thank's vik for the link fantastic photos you and your buddy looked like you had a blast,my god what a country to ride a bike beautiful.
what satnav was that you had ,the bike especally the wheels and tyres are something else are they heavy /expensive.how long did you spend off road on that tour man it looked really hard going don't think i would be strong enough to tackle something like that.
anyway thanks again vik .
cheers
jags
I am using a Garmin Vista Cx GPS at the moment. It's a few years old so has been superseded by a newer model. It works well enough for me so I won't be replacing it.
The wheels on my Surly Pugsley are 60mm wide rims with 94mm tires on them. They are made specially by the folks [Surly Bikes] that make the frame. They are heavier than a typical touring wheel/tire, but not by as much as you'd expect. On that ride in particular we found we were keeping pace with guys on hardtail and full suspension MTBs. I think the big tires act like 1" of suspension without the energy loss you get from a suspension system pogoing when pedaling hard. It's only a theory, but our performance compared to theirs was easy to measure.
You can read more about these bikes here:
http://www.surlybikes.com/
The frame is called the Pugsley, the rims are called Large Marge and the tires are called Endomorphs.
safe riding,
Vik
www.thelazyrando.com
-
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2632/3933937009_f6cf639b55_b.jpg)
Went on a bike date with my GF last night and she actually noticed the fenders and thought they looked sharp. Considering she's never noticed anything bike related before that was pretty cool... :D
I'm headed out on an overnight tour with my Nomad tonight forecast is for rain tomorrow so I'm glad I got these installed.
safe riding,
Vik
www.thelazyrando.com
-
vik you done it again brilliant job the nomad really look's the part with the new mudguard's ;)
-
vik you done it again brilliant job the nomad really look's the part with the new mudguard's ;)
Thanks...it's a bit odd, but I don't think a bike looks "right" without fenders...I've been riding the Nomad without fenders all summer and something was bugging me about the bike...now that I put fenders on it I know what it was. The bike just looked incomplete!
safe riding,
Vik
www.thelazyrando.com
-
vik is there two version's of that tyre ,those extreams look like nobble tyres i thought the extream's was more like a slick. :o
wow that nomad sure looks good,i have just this minute finished polishing my sherpa getting it ready for a good ride in the morning.i usually load up my carradice camper s/bag with spare wet gear some food well anything i think i might need and head off for 50 /60 miles.
this past few months i've gotten very lazy on the bike even started to put some weight on ,i go through spells like this every now and again, last time this hapened to me i sold all my bikes and gear for practally nothing ,i do mad things like that. anyway the reason im saying this ,what's keeping me from selling this time round is guys like yourself and john july28 true bikers no bullshit guys who just love cycling and don't mind sharing in there passion if that's the wright word .
sorry if this all sounds a bit sloppy just thinking out loud.
-
Nice one! Guess thats a good reason for the Forum.
John.
-
I put this off because I thought I had a lot of DIY to do for the install, but ended up going very smoothly except for the rear fender stays.
Vik, take a look at Peter White's installation (http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/images/products/frames/TTBERF1.jpg) of the Berthoud fenders on a Tout Terrain. He's used the rack-mounted eyelets (which are in a similar position to those on your Thorn rack) and simply bent the fender stays to fit. I think it looks quite neat and would do away with the unsightly zip ties you are currently using. Kevin
-
john july28....no bullshit.
Sorry Jags to spoil the love-in, but those words simply do not sit comfortably next to each other in the same sentence!
Leftpoole is, I assume is John28July's new moniker?
Vik, interesting pics btw of your most recent cycle tour I saw in another link somewhere!
-
ah fred come on john is one of the good guy's ,well he is in my book .
you have to admit when it comes to putting bike's together there ain't much better than vik or john.
i enjoy reading there posts as i do yours especally when you post photos of places i'll never see .
cheers fred
jags
-
Thanks Jags, appreciated. I'm not judging whether John is a good guy or not and don't wish to disrepect your opinion.....other than to say I nearly fell off my chair ;)
-
vik is there two version's of that tyre ,those extreams look like nobble tyres i thought the extream's was more like a slick. :o
wow that nomad sure looks good,i have just this minute finished polishing my sherpa getting it ready for a good ride in the morning.i usually load up my carradice camper s/bag with spare wet gear some food well anything i think i might need and head off for 50 /60 miles.
this past few months i've gotten very lazy on the bike even started to put some weight on ,i go through spells like this every now and again, last time this hapened to me i sold all my bikes and gear for practally nothing ,i do mad things like that. anyway the reason im saying this ,what's keeping me from selling this time round is guys like yourself and john july28 true bikers no bullshit guys who just love cycling and don't mind sharing in there passion if that's the wright word .
sorry if this all sounds a bit sloppy just thinking out loud.
Thanks for the kind words... :)
The only version of the Marathon Extreme I know of is mounted on my Nomad.
http://www.schwalbetires.com/marathon_extreme
Schwalbe makes a slick-ish Marathon called the Supreme:
http://www.schwalbetires.com/marathon_supreme
I hear you about interest in biking coming and going. I've had that happen to me to some extent. Now what mostly happens is my interest cycles [pun intended] through the different types of bikes I have...so for a while I'll be mad about my FS MTB, then my cargo bike, then my folding bike, then bike touring....round and round it goes! I don't fight it....as long as I'm out there riding something...even if it's a snowboard or kiteboard that's cool....I just don't want to become a couch potatoe...at 40 it gets harder and harder to come back from that sort of thing!
-
no problem fred hope you had a soft landing ;D
-
My Nomad S&S in the wild this weekend...well actually the Bow Valley between Canmore and Lake Louise Alberta...
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2493/3939229200_84964313c4_b.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3513/3938456619_ccae3baf5e_b.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2553/3938449779_6c35dc89be_b.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3507/3939222660_7ed9c2db2c_b.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2616/3939231418_2e32d49aa5_b.jpg)
safe riding,
Vik
www.thelazyrando.com
-
excellent photos vik yet another great trip, lucky you im dosed with the bloody flu.
-
Hi Vik, how do you find the Thorn rear rack?
I think you asked a similar question before you purchased - I'm in the process of ordering a Raven Nomad and am struggling to decide whether to go with the Thorn rack and save the hassle of working with the 6mm bolts or just drill out the Tubus Logo I have. I do like the lower rail on the Logo...
Love those stainless fenders - they do 'finish' the bike off.
-
Hi Vik, how do you find the Thorn rear rack?
I think you asked a similar question before you purchased - I'm in the process of ordering a Raven Nomad and am struggling to decide whether to go with the Thorn rack and save the hassle of working with the 6mm bolts or just drill out the Tubus Logo I have. I do like the lower rail on the Logo...
Love those stainless fenders - they do 'finish' the bike off.
Well my thought is the 6mm braze-ons and the expedition rear rack are one of the better reasons to get a Nomad. They are so much stronger than 5mm bolts or typical touring racks. So for me it was a no brainer to get the Thorn rack. I own a Tubus Cargo, several Old Man Mountain racks as well as a Surly Nice rack and the Thorn is by far the most robust.
The other way to look at it is if you aren't getting the heavy duty rack why get the heavy duty bike? The Nomad S&S is a beast and if you don't want to take advantage of that carrying capacity why not get a lighter bike?
safe riding,
Vik
www.thelazyrando.com
-
Thanks Vik - you're right of course - when you see that Thorn rate their rack at 60kg using 6mm bolts it is above and beyond the Tubus.
I think I'd already made the decision, but you've reinforced it :)
-
Hi everyone. I have really enjoyed reading all about Vik's fantastic new Raven Nomad machine as well as inspiring Canadian trip.
I have just received a Thorn Raven Tour from UK after being bought on ebay and hand delivered to Australia by a friend on OS trip. A 12 month project (research to delivery) so far just getting this bike at a price I could afford - & justify with the misses ha ha. Nicely speced for the money though. I am stoked to join the Thorn club. Have only had chance to do some laps around the suburb but can't wait to do proper ride/tour.
Anyway Vik (or anyone else with comments), I had a few questions:
I was about to buy some Schwalbe Marathon Extreme 26 x 2.0" as well as they sound like the ultimate touring tire now and can combine faster bitumen + excellent sand/gravel terrain both reasonably well (ie compared to the XRs which are being phased out now I hear and sound a bit sluggish and not as aggresive tread as these). I am heading to New Zealand in March 2010 for mixed terrain tour and also plan to tour Australia Alpine areas and think these would be spot on. It would be great to hear your views on them.
I was also going to get the Old Man Mountain front rack but your set up looks tricky and doesn't seem to use any of the amazing array of braze on mounting point options that Thorn bikes have. I gather you think these are still the best option.
And finally was wondering what Ortlib model rear and front pannier you were using (ie in Canada trip), which do you recommend?
Cheers, this all makes me wanna get out there now.
Pete
-
I was about to buy some Schwalbe Marathon Extreme 26 x 2.0" as well as they sound like the ultimate touring tire now and can combine faster bitumen + excellent sand/gravel terrain both reasonably well (ie compared to the XRs which are being phased out now I hear and sound a bit sluggish and not as aggresive tread as these). I am heading to New Zealand in March 2010 for mixed terrain tour and also plan to tour Australia Alpine areas and think these would be spot on. It would be great to hear your views on them.
I tried some 50mm Extremes on my Nomad. They worked well. Too much tire I think for paved roads. Would be better for a dirt road tour. I really like the XRs and didn't find the Extremes particularly faster on paved roads than XRs, but I didn't run any scientific experiments either.
If I was staying mostly on pavement I think I'd use some Marathon Supremes, but as more dirt/gravel found its way into the mix I'd switch to some Extremes.
I really had no complaints with the XRs and I'm sad to see them go. Happily I've still got a few spares so I can keep rolling on them for a while longer.
I was also going to get the Old Man Mountain front rack but your set up looks tricky and doesn't seem to use any of the amazing array of braze on mounting point options that Thorn bikes have. I gather you think these are still the best option.
I mounted my OMM Cold Springs Front rack via the front QR and the mid-fork rack mounts - takes seconds to install - nothing tricky about it. I've used this same rack on several bikes on demanding tours with total satisfaction. In particular I really like having a front rack platform to strap stuff to and have never noticed any issues with having my front panniers up higher than a low rider rack. I do have a Surly Nice rack I could have used, but it's heavy and poorly designed IMO. I think OMM has hit the ball out of the park with their racks so that's what I use on the front.
http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=omm&w=9932605%40N08
And finally was wondering what Ortlib model rear and front pannier you were using (ie in Canada trip), which do you recommend?
I've got got 4 pairs of Ortliebs - awesome bike bags! I prefer the version with the lids vs. the roll top bags, but really that's just personal preference - they both work fine. I also prefer the "classic" fabric to the "plus", but again just a preference - no real fault with either.
safe riding,
Vik
www.thelazyrando.com
-
Well my thought is the 6mm braze-ons and the expedition rear rack are one of the better reasons to get a Nomad. They are so much stronger than 5mm bolts or typical touring racks. So for me it was a no brainer to get the Thorn rack.
Actually, the bottom rear rack fixing points on my 09 Nomad are M5. I wonder why, when all the rest of the rack fixing points are M6?
(Nice blog by the way, Vik)
Shaun
-
Thanks Vik for the equipment feedback comments.
Pete
-
Actually, the bottom rear rack fixing points on my 09 Nomad are M5. I wonder why, when all the rest of the rack fixing points are M6?
(Nice blog by the way, Vik)
Shaun
Thorn uses the same rear Rohloff dropouts for all its bikes. They sell an adapter to go from the two M5 bolts on the dropouts to a single M6 bolt that the rack attaches to. This lets you run a standard rear rack that accepts M5 mounting hardware or the Thorn Expedition rear rack that uses M6 hardware.
http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/product-Thorn-Thorn-For-Rohloff-Cast-End-2-x-M5-to-1-x-M6-Stainless-Dropout-Adaptors-11703.htm
I had to order these adapters extra after I got my Nomad as it wasn't clear they were needed until I tried to fit my rear rack. I think Thorn should bundle these into the cost of the frame like they do the EBB/S&S tool and touch up paint.
safe riding,
Vik
www.thelazyrando.com
-
That's very interesting, Vik. Thanks.
In that case, I've a query with Thorn. With my new Nomad S+S (ordered complete), they fitted my Expedition rear rack via a single M5 bolt at the dropouts and padded it out FOUR M5 washers per side. Might give them a call...
UPDATE: I spoke to Dave at Thorn's. Apparently, they don't always fit the M6 dropout adapter with the Expedition rack unless you use disc brakes. He mentioned it may be debatable as to whether the rack structure is made stronger with the adapter fitted, because you apparently need to splay the Expedition rack's legs slightly. He's kindly agreed to send me the dropout adapter (FOC), so that I can try it out for myself. Good service!
Shaun
-
Hello
Surely somebody can actually say that the screw size makes no difference if it is fitted via an adapter?
If the adaptor is fitted using an M5 then what actual difference is there?
If the actual screw hole is M6 then OK, but an adaption to fit M6 is more work, more money, more weight and is unsightly to boot.
My opinion and not a statement of fact by any means but I think it makes sense.
John.
-
You can always drill and tap a 5mm hole each side to 6mm.
I did mine, it was a quick and easy job.
I got the tap drill and taps set from Model Fixings (http://www.modelfixings.co.uk/metric_taps.htm), very good pricing.
-
Hello
Surely somebody can actually say that the screw size makes no difference if it is fitted via an adapter?
If the adaptor is fitted using an M5 then what actual difference is there?
If the actual screw hole is M6 then OK, but an adaption to fit M6 is more work, more money, more weight and is unsightly to boot.
My opinion and not a statement of fact by any means but I think it makes sense.
John.
Adapter screw hole is M6.
The rack load would be spread over 2 x M5 bolts, I suppose.
I agree it's a bit of a kludge.
You can always drill and tap a 5mm hole each side to 6mm.
I did mine, it was a quick and easy job.
I got the tap drill and taps set from Model Fixings, very good pricing.
A good point. I assumed you considered the thinning of the fixing eyelet by 0.5mm was not an issue?
Shaun
-
Hello
Surely somebody can actually say that the screw size makes no difference if it is fitted via an adapter?
If the adaptor is fitted using an M5 then what actual difference is there?
If the actual screw hole is M6 then OK, but an adaption to fit M6 is more work, more money, more weight and is unsightly to boot.
My opinion and not a statement of fact by any means but I think it makes sense.
John.
It should be pretty obvious that 2 M5 bolts per side of the rack attached with a M6 bolt will be stronger than a single M5 bolt.
You can ditch the adapter and tap the dropout to an M6 bolt thread as has been mentioned if you like. The dropout has lots of material in it to support the larger hole.
That's very interesting, Vik. Thanks.
....snip....
He mentioned it may be debatable as to whether the rack structure is made stronger with the adapter fitted, because you apparently need to splay the Expedition rack's legs slightly. He's kindly agreed to send me the dropout adapter (FOC), so that I can try it out for myself. Good service!
Shaun
Splaying the legs out slightly like that will make the rack more triangulated and it will resist side to side loads better. The rack is steel and that slight bit of bending will not compromise the strength in anyway.
safe riding,
Vik
www.thelazyrando.com
-
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2690/4093675924_d4fdaf0a86_o.jpg)
-
Hello
Seems to me that you are trying hard to convince yourself that spending on these small items are a good thing. To my view you still have a rack attached by two M5 bolts and an extra splayed out rack too! It does not make any sense at all, in fact just the opposite. The only way is drill out and rethread with M6 not that it makes much difference anyhow as hundreds of people are using M5 fitted racks Worldwide without problem. I have no doubt that some will contrive to argue the toss but sense makes sense and nonsense really does not!
John.
-
I thought each M6 adaptor was fitted to the frame with two M5 bolts so it would be a strong solution.
-
Perhaps there is some confusion here. Each adaptor has 1 M6 bolt to attach the bottom of one side of the rack to the adaptor and two M5 bolts to attach one adaptor to one dropout. The rack is attached to the dropouts by a total of 4 M5 bolts.
Peter
-
Hello
Seems to me that you are trying hard to convince yourself that spending on these small items are a good thing. To my view you still have a rack attached by two M5 bolts and an extra splayed out rack too! It does not make any sense at all, in fact just the opposite. The only way is drill out and rethread with M6 not that it makes much difference anyhow as hundreds of people are using M5 fitted racks Worldwide without problem. I have no doubt that some will contrive to argue the toss but sense makes sense and nonsense really does not!
John.
Huh? Your post doesn't make any sense John. 4 M5 bolts vs. 2 M5 bolts is twice as strong in fact. That should be pretty clear. Hardly something anyone has to convince themselves of. I can't really see how that is not obvious to you.
As far as the rack legs being slightly farther apart that has zero negative impact at all. What in the world would be the issue there? Having the mounting points further apart makes them more stable laterally.
Redrilling for a single M6 bolt is fine idea, but the adapter is no less strong. I may get around to taping my dropouts for an M6, but at the present I didn't want to bother.
Accounts of broken M5 rack mounting bolts are not uncommon neither are broken racks. Whether or not any particular rider needs a sturdier rack or mounting hardware really depends on the rider, the load and the road traveled.
safe riding,
Vik
www.thelazyrando.com
-
I'm off to Baja Mexico until late January so I won't be checking this forum until I get back. I've got a pile of sports gear to break/wear out.... ;)
I hope everyone here has an enjoyable holiday season and stays safe & warm this winter.
Keep the rubber side down.... ;D
Vik
www.thelazyrando.com
-
Cheers Vik - you too!
I hope you'll be posting plenty of pics on TheLazyRando while you're playing... ;D
Gary.
-
Huh? Your post doesn't make any sense John. 4 M5 bolts vs. 2 M5 bolts is twice as strong in fact. That should be pretty clear. Hardly something anyone has to convince themselves of. I can't really see how that is not obvious to you.
As far as the rack legs being slightly farther apart that has zero negative impact at all. What in the world would be the issue there? Having the mounting points further apart makes them more stable laterally.
Redrilling for a single M6 bolt is fine idea, but the adapter is no less strong. I may get around to taping my dropouts for an M6, but at the present I didn't want to bother.
safe riding,
Vik
www.thelazyrando.com
Hello
The fact that only one bolt on each side goes through the rack to fasten it should be obvious. If the added spacer was bolted on with a dozen bolts it is still a fact that the rack has still only two bolts holding it. It amazes me that you cannot see this yourself.!!!
John.
-
2 bolts, one on each side, the same as most other racks including Tubus, but they are 6 mm bolts not the usual 5 mm bolts, therefore stronger?
-
2 bolts, one on each side, the same as most other racks including Tubus, but they are 6 mm bolts not the usual 5 mm bolts, therefore stronger?
Hello
I suppose the screws are stronger but I still cannot for the life of me see why this adaptor is required at all. Two bolts closer together are surely better than an added adaptor plus all those extra screws. At the most the thing is only slightly stronger if at all. I think that the obvious thing to do is fit a rack, ride the bike, end of.............
John.
-
I think that the obvious thing to do is fit a rack, ride the bike, end of....John.
Which is why Vik is off riding in Baja Mexico..and you John ...are riding a keyboard
-
Dear Vik,
Did I hear you on the rdaio this morning talking to Adil Ray about Karachi FM and the Canadian delicacy comprising chips, cheese and gravy?
Yours, James
-
Dear Vik,
Did I hear you on the rdaio this morning talking to Adil Ray about Karachi FM and the Canadian delicacy comprising chips, cheese and gravy?
Yours, James
Sorry that wasn't me... ???
safe riding,
Vik
www.thelazyrando.com
-
Hola amigos,
I made it back from Mexico safe and sound...unfortunately it required 2 transmission replacements in my truck to finally reach home... >:( I wish my truck was as reliable as my bicycles... ;D
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4009/4179204812_513466e181_b.jpg)
I didn't get many bike photos on this trip as my co-pilot was suddenly unable to accompany me and taking action shots of yourself riding a bike is a skill I don't have... :D I do really like the photo above because my bike had bigger tires than the motorcycles in Mexico!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/vikapproved/sets/72157622923295200/
If you don't mind photos of general Mexican beach mayhem the link above leads to my trip photos....
I did get lots of riding in....in fact I didn't move my truck the whole time I was there except to drive to and from the airport to collect my girlfriend. It's amazing how much utility you can get from a bicycle and 4 panniers!
Now that I am back I'm keen to get my Nomad sorted. The two things I have in mind are to:
1. move the Rohloff shifter off the Thorn accessory bar and fit it on the right side of the Titec H-bar...a similar setup to my Surly Big Dummy:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3150/2472948220_0493cf9222_b.jpg)
2. fit some 2.0" Marathon Supreme tires.
My girlfriend has expressed an interest in touring this summer so I want to make sure she has fun as she isn't a "bikey" person in general although she is sporty and fit...plus being British I think predisposes her to an appreciation of the bicycle...hahaha...hopefully anyway. ;) I'll just carry all of her gear as well as mine so she can ride unencumbered. My Nomad will get the honour of carrying all this weight as it was built to be a beast of burden!
I hope everyone has had an enjoyable holiday season and is ready for a great year of cycling in 2010!
safe riding,
Vik
www.thelazyrando.com
-
The Marathon Supremes will have to wait until spring...for now the icy streets of Calgary demand Snow Studs!
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4018/4342148784_0f8e905a69_b.jpg)
My friend Anna left me these 26 x 1.9" Schwalbe winter tires when she moved to sunny Los Angeles!... ::)
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4341426087_6026ca22f3_b.jpg)
I took the opportunity to mount the front tire on a dnyohub wheel I had and will hook up my Solidlights 1203D headlamp tomorrow for reliable winter lighting. It's dark a lot this far north in the winter... :-[
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2710/4342149946_6dd2fc0f47_b.jpg)
I like having more than one rear red light at night - especially when riding during the AM/PM car commute time.
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4062/4342152196_6ff343d069_b.jpg)
Since I didn't have any mounts that work on the Thorn rear rack I had to improvise with a ziptie...good enough for now.
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4045/4341413153_2e0fa4ef64_b.jpg)
My Nomad is looking good and will be my main ride about town the rest of the winter...although I'll still bust out my Surly Pugsley when we get 3' of fresh snow...you need 4" tires for that sort of situation...the rest of the time 1.9" studded rubber is a better choice.
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4066/4342151140_d2a4f8cf77_b.jpg)
-
always good to see your photos Vik.
Ian
ps; I once offered to carry my girlfriend's gear - bad move. She's now my wife (good move) - but she's managed to acquire more stuff and I still carry it all. Including hair straighteners. Have you ever seen hair straighteners strapped onto a saddlebag? Gets some very strange looks.
-
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4060/4360915916_12f332e3a2_b.jpg)
I've been unhappy with the Rohloff shifter being mounted to a Thorn Accessory Bar so I moved it to the right side of my Titec H-bar and cut down an Ergon Grip to fit. This is basically the identical setup to what I use on my Surly Big Dummy. Having the shifter close at hand is just so much easier than removing a hand from the bars to find the shifter.
-
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4019/4401566694_57f699b8de_b.jpg)
Winter commuting in Calgary, Alberta, Canada...
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4004/4401569350_0993350b1a_b.jpg)
Two thumbs up for lightly studded tires....around here you never know what tomorrow will bring!... ;)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2689/4401567856_bacf77e442_b.jpg)
I'm not sure how the geese and ducks survive all winter...but they add a nice soundtrack to my morning ride - along with the ticking of carbide studs on pavement... :)