Thorn Cycles Forum
Community => Member's Gallery => Topic started by: Relayer on July 28, 2011, 02:02:56 PM
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It seems I broke the last thread messing around with the pics, ... trying again.
Just a wee update on my RST since I fitted the E3 tail light today. Changes since 2009 as follows:-
wider (58mm) handlebars, longer (170mm) cranks, Tubus Cargo rack (also have Tubus Duo Lowrider front rack to fit when required), dual purpose pedals, Marathon Supreme 1.6 tyres, Supernova E3 front and back ...
(http://i902.photobucket.com/albums/ac224/relayer_2009/Bikes/20110625_0247.jpg)
(http://i902.photobucket.com/albums/ac224/relayer_2009/Bikes/20110625_0249.jpg)
(http://i902.photobucket.com/albums/ac224/relayer_2009/Bikes/20110625_0248.jpg)
The bike is running very sweetly now: particularly changes to handlebars, cranks, and tyres have made it even better. I have done some day runs with local CTC of 60 - 70 miles, good comfort and no problems with speed or distance. (As posted elsewhere, slight compromise of comfort with switch from 1.75 Pasela TGs)
I think that it is now the way I want it to be, no more modifications/upgrades come to mind ... for now.
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Hi,
Looking very sporty with straight bar and bar ends.
Is it 511 or 536?
Thanks,
Cedric
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Hi Cedric
It's actually a 486L, with 120mm stem to stretch it up a bit to fit me.
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Nice bike... what kind of compuer is that? A garmin perchance?
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Hi Neil, thanks, yes it's a Garmin Edge 800 - very nice piece of kit.
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Had a nice ride in the Kingdom of Fife yesterday on somewhat hazy day, pics on the Fife coast not so brilliant because of the light, but long overdue ...
(http://i902.photobucket.com/albums/ac224/relayer_2009/Bikes/20120323_0353_edited-1.jpg)
(http://i902.photobucket.com/albums/ac224/relayer_2009/Bikes/20120323_0355_edited-1.jpg)
The Forth Bridge in the background and the road bridge behind that in the distance, my route home :D
(http://i902.photobucket.com/albums/ac224/relayer_2009/Bikes/20120323_0358.jpg)
I am currently back on the Pasela TG's, they are proving quite versatile since I did some off-road up the Fife Coastal Path to Burntisland, nearly as comfy as my MTB!!
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Magic stunning bike and the background ain't to bad either ;)
for such a small frame those cranks look very long what length are they if you dont mind me asking.
great photos tho.
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Hiya Jags, they're 170mm cranks, I think it must be the angle makes them look long?
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Extremely beautiful bike there! I've always liked the graceful look that I think that color green gives to a bicycle. May I ask, how tall a person is that size for?
I'm thinking of ordering the same bar ends ... how do you like them?
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Hi Pavel
If memory serves me correctly I think the 486L is stated as for people from about 4' 11" to 5' 5". However I am 5' 7 1/2" although I got a 120mm stem to fit, and Robin Thorn told me that at 5' 9" he can ride this size without problems.
I like these bar ends, they are very comfortable and being rubber they don't get cold like alloy ones do.
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Hi Relayer - next time your through Aberdour, let me know and call in at the shed, see my RST and chat Rohloff talk!
all contact details on the web site www.davesbikeshed.co.uk would be good to meet with bikes next time you are out this way.
Have your tyres gone from Pasella to Schwalbe to Pasella?
cheers
Dave
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relayer can i ask you your saddlebag have you something inside to stiffen both the back and sides.
when i use mine it droops over the rack and i use it exactly like ou do mystery ::)
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Dave, yes I've been switching back and forth between the Schwalbe Supremes and the Panaracer Paselas, trying to figure out which I like best. Comfort is becoming more important to me, with the straight bars I get some discomfort in my wrists sometimes so I am continually tweaking things.
I'll take you up on that invitation sometime, it would be great to see the shed and another RST to compare sizing/setup.
Jags, I have a folding sit mat across the bottom of the saddle bag which cushions a pump in there when not in use. I didn't set out to deliberately stiffen things up and wouldn't have a problem if the bag did droop a bit.
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Having had some problems with numbness and/or pins & needles in my forearms riding the RST I was adjusting my Ergon GP1 grips ever downwards to try to reduce pressure on the ulnar nerve - to no avail. (I have mitts with padding on the heel of the hand which supposedly reduce pressure on this nerve.) I then thought perhaps the raised bit at the back of the SJSC bar ends might be causing a problem with the heel of my hands so I bought a pair of Cane Creek Ergo Grip II bar ends.
While fitting the new bar ends I revisited the Ergon GP1 installation instructions and noticed the default position is horizontal. Further, adjustment can be 15 deg down, or 25 deg up ... thinks - they go further UP than down!! By adjusting the grips progressively downward trying to reduce pressure on the heel of my hand ... was I causing excess strain on my wrists?
Dan will be displeased at my non-scientific approach but given this eureka moment I fitted the new bar ends and adjusted the grips to horizontal at the same time ... result is a great success!!!
(http://i902.photobucket.com/albums/ac224/relayer_2009/DSCN0213.jpg)
Happy days, I can ride with straight bars after all! I don't know if it's the new bar ends or new grips position, I suspect a bit of both. I might even yet try adjusting the grips upward of horizontal.
Cane Creek Ergo Grip II bar ends are very very comfortable, highly recommended.
P.S. I've also switched back to 1.6" Supremes, tyres weren't the issue with my hands/wrists either.
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What a stunning bike everything about it seems spot on class.
glad you got everything sorted just the way you want it.
enjoy every pedal stroke , ;)
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Thanks jags.
This one's for JimK
(http://i902.photobucket.com/albums/ac224/relayer_2009/DSCN0215.jpg)
You're not the only one who can install Buddyflaps a bit crooked!! :P
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Relayer did sjs build your wheels ,when funds allow i want to go with a new front wheel and son dynamo so give me your thoughts on yours please.
thanks.
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jags, my bike was an ex-display bike, so I assume SJSC built the wheels. The wheels overall are good, I have had no problems with them at all and they are still running true. I am not an expert on rims, I am quite a newcomer to 26" wheels and for 700c I always got the best Mavic's I could afford, so I am not an expert in rims for your Sherpa. However here goes with the little I do know and what I can glean from Andy Blance's advice.
The Rigida Grizzly CSS rims are reportedly lighter than the Andra, yet they are strong enough for a Sherpa, so therefore a good compromise somewhere between an expedition wheel and a lightweight touring wheel.
Sherpa option description "Grizzly 36h Other people’s heavy duty rim; this is our medium duty rim. Ideal for road based trips. Lighter and quicker than Andra but not as “bombproof” or long lasting.".
I think they are light enough for my RST, but not that far away from the rims on your Sherpa to warrant such a significant investment in cash terms. Braking in the wet with CSS coating isn't nearly as good in the dry with blue Swisstop pads, some get on better with alternatives.
If you want a lighter/faster rim Thorn recommend the DT Swiss XR 425 rims.
Andy Blance's comments in the current Sherpa brochure:-
"Rigida Grizzly rims
These are our preferred choice for most Sherpa bike builds. They are reasonably light in weight but they’re certainly not ultra lightweight rims,"
"DT Swiss XR 425 Rims.
These are cross country racing rims. They are very lightweight and can certainly encourage you to make big efforts...they are seriously quick. They are only suitable for lighter weight cyclists on lightweight tours."
If you like Rigida rims there are also the Snyper which is a general purpose rim and is much cheaper than either of the above, mostly used for cummuters I think.
Mavic rims offer a good range of MTB racing rims which I would imagine would give you light weight and speed, a brief outline of Mavic naming conventions is:-
the letters
XC = cross country
XM = cross mountain
EX = extreme MTB
A = asphalt (road)
First number is rank in Mavic heirarchy e.g. 7 > 2.
Next 2 numbers = internal width (e.g. 717 is 17mm wide, 721 is 21mm wide).
Therefore a Mavic XC717 is a cross country rim (faster than XM or EX which I take to be more impact proof), 7 series being high up the range, and 17mm wide. This should be one for your shortlist along with the DT Swiss above, I would count out the Grizzly as being too much of a heavy(?) touring rim.
The Schmidt SON dynamo hub is excellent, very little rolling resistance - so low I am not aware of it. One thing to consider, I have an allen key skewer in mine and to begin with I struggled to get the right torque on it - very small margin between being too loose and too tight (causing a notchy sort of rolling resistance) - but that doesn't seem to be such an issue for me now, maybe I got used to it. I am more used to quick release skewers, but with such a hub you might want to consider the Pitlock skewer.
I hope this gives you a starting point jags, but there will be a few contributors on here who could give you much better/fuller advice.
Good luck with your wheels jags
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You're not the only one who can install Buddyflaps a bit crooked!!
Ah, a distinguished club, I am happy to discover!
My big ride coming up is along the Erie Canal, so your photo there is very inspiring. Though it looks more like a working stretch of water than the Erie Canal is nowadays!
I was interested in your comments on grips. I have my Ergon grips angled up quite a bit, so when my palm is along that long surface, my wrists are in a neutral position with respect to my fore-arms. Seems comfortable enough, but for me these days 50 miles is a long ride - not a very rigorous test!
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Dan will be displeased at my non-scientific approach but given this eureka moment I fitted the new bar ends and adjusted the grips to horizontal at the same time ... result is a great success!!!
Oh, never, Jim! I truly believe whatever gets you the results you need to ride pain-free (or ride at all) is top-notch!
I am so very happy and heartened this seems to be working for you, and I have fingers crossed it will continue to do so. Yours is a stunning bike, and you can surely be proud of it. All the little details are oh-so-right, and I especially like the smiley Buddy Flap on the rear. What a stunner, indeed!
Loved the update; please keep them coming.
All the best,
Dan.
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Just to add another 2-cents' worth...
jags, for what its worth, I think Jim's (Relayer's) advice on wheels and rims is top-notch and would serve you very well.
My Sherpa wheels with Rigida Andra rims and 36 2.0mm spokes are ridiculously overbuilt for most use but spot-on for what I needed them for -- expedition touring; they are indeed bombproof. For most uses and the kinds of loads you'll be carrying on your trip 'round Ireland, jags, you'd be fine with something lighter. Certainly you would do okay with lighter for all your day-riding. You're used to riding light 700C wheels on your other bikes with no problems on the same roads, so you're not going to bash lighter wheels to bits in an instant. Your touring loads are pretty light, too.
Guys, don't worry about the mudflaps hanging ever so slightly off. That's not an error, it's a Design Feature, intended to encourage tire-thrown water to drain neatly off one corner instead of running off in a sheet. They look great. Don't breathe a word, and no one'll know. See? Relayer's flap is so happy, it's smiling, while Jim's is rocketing to the stars with joy. Can't beat that! I love 'em both.
Just remember...any ride is a good ride! Some of the nicest ones in my memories were just 'round the block, so to speak.
All the best,
Dan.
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JIm and Dan thanks a million ,yes next few spare pound i have i will be going for a much lighter wheel with son hub must get a price from sjs .thanks again lads great help.
i didn't forget dave on the build i just wanted to be sure of what i want.
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>> Braking in the wet with CSS coating isn't nearly as good in the dry with blue Swisstop pads, some get on better with alternatives.
If you find any, please post. The brakes are crap in the wet.
I went to marathon supreme 1.6's from panaracer hi-road 1.5s after the rear wore out. I find the marathons quite harsh in comparison, so am hoping they're pretty much puncture proof.
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>> Braking in the wet with CSS coating isn't nearly as good in the dry with blue Swisstop pads, some get on better with alternatives.
If you find any, please post. The brakes are crap in the wet.
I went to marathon supreme 1.6's from panaracer hi-road 1.5s after the rear wore out. I find the marathons quite harsh in comparison, so am hoping they're pretty much puncture proof.
An example of alternative brake pads here from Julian at the bottom of the thread
http://www.thorncycles.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=4018.0
The Marathon Supremes certainly have much stronger sidewalls than the Pasela TGs, but at lower pressures (50/55) this isn't quite so much of an issue for me, and I feel more confident of avoiding the dreaded p-word with the Schwalbes.
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i just put the supream on the rear i have it at 6 bar max pressure
i got out today for a great spin 72 miles 13.5mph average not bad for an auld fella ;D ;D
anyway i always run my tires to the max, probable why i blew the sidewall out of the front supream >:(
honest to god i seriously thing with all my years of cycling experience that punctures are down to sheer bad luck nothing else.
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i got out today for a great spin 72 miles 13.5mph average not bad for an auld fella ;D ;D
The roadies will surely have trouble hanging onto your wheel when you get your new wheels jags!
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hah in my dreams not any more relayer there was a time though ;D ;D
got a price from sjs today on a xc mavic 717 rim 36hole
son28 dynmo
dt spokes/ rim tape
price £290 plus postage i think is around £35 wow expensive front wheel.
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Well, a couple of months ago I took my RST to Davefife to get new mudguards fitted. One of the brackets had failed, and it turned out the rest were pretty well corroded and the whole set had to be replaced. So, I thought I would try BLACK for a change which Dave duly fitted and we both thought they looked good on the bike with my newish Paselas.
I haven't been using the RST much this summer, but today I thought with Autumn approaching I would switch back to the Marathon Supremes ... and wow!! I was blown away by how great the bike looks now :o
(http://i902.photobucket.com/albums/ac224/relayer_2009/2013-09-03T16-10-54_0_zps84f2310d.jpg) (http://s902.photobucket.com/user/relayer_2009/media/2013-09-03T16-10-54_0_zps84f2310d.jpg.html)
Well, at least to my eye anyway it looks better than ever, almost like having a new bike ;D
Just a quick pic taken out back, I'll get a better one out in the wild soon.
Jim
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class. ;)
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Very nice.
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Hi Jim!
Gone for most of the day, so playing catch-up this evening...
Jim, that is one gorgeous bicycle you have, and the new mudguards really do perk it up to look as-new. There's something about the new-'guards' glossy finish that makes the bike sparkle that much more.
That's the amazing thing...I know you've ridden it a lot but it truly looks "fresh".
Mudguard color falls into the Big Decision category design-wise. Go with silver for contrast and to offset frame color...or black to blend-in with the tire tread, thus highlighting the frame color? I like these this go-'round; looks very good indeed! Really how could one go wrong either way on such a fine bike? ;D
Best,
Dan.
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lookin good Jim ;) safe cycling! Dave
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I got the RST out today, just as well the farmers around here are busy ploughing ... very messy. It was good run, the RST is as comfortable and reliable as ever. ;D
(http://i902.photobucket.com/albums/ac224/relayer_2009/20131106_0361_zpsbd1f46a9.jpg) (http://s902.photobucket.com/user/relayer_2009/media/20131106_0361_zpsbd1f46a9.jpg.html)
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class bike Jim (tis me anto.) 8)
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My! What a lovely bike and photo, Jim...I can almost breathe in the cool country air and feel the mist on what looks like a picture-book country lane.
The bike is looking just fantastic -- eager, clean-lined, and as an RST "should"!
Thanks for sharing your ride with us.
Best,
Dan.
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What a good week for weather, long overdue! Anyway, a couple of pics from today's run, by the way there were loads of other cyclist out today.
(http://i902.photobucket.com/albums/ac224/relayer_2009/IMG_0554_edited-1_zps5a98a941.jpg) (http://s902.photobucket.com/user/relayer_2009/media/IMG_0554_edited-1_zps5a98a941.jpg.html)
(http://i902.photobucket.com/albums/ac224/relayer_2009/IMG_0555_edited-1_zps180ac7c7.jpg) (http://s902.photobucket.com/user/relayer_2009/media/IMG_0555_edited-1_zps180ac7c7.jpg.html)
Hope the sun is shining where you are.
Jim
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Lovely photo's Jim great to see the sun for a change.i'l get out tomorrow all going according to plan,the forcast is for sunny day 14 deg no wind CLASS i'll make the most of it because its possible it will be the last ride on the Raleigh at least for a while. ;)
Thorn Audax from now on hopefully.
exicited jags. ;D
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Hi Jim,
What a lovely bike you have there, and it looks like you are making the most of the good weather we're having in our part of the country at the moment. Where exactly was this this picture taken,as lovely views ?
Regards, Alfie
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Hi Alfie
Both pics are in West Lothian, early part of a Tour de Forth ride.
The first pic is at Old Philpstoun, and the second is in the hills above Bo'ness, looking across the Forth to Fife - where I would be after crossing the Kincardine Bridge.
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I know exactly where the one above bo'ness is, when I worked in Linlithgow I'd often use those roads. Not sure exactly where the other one is, I'm off to study a map to see if I can pinpoint. Nice pics, btw
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I'll bet you're having a blast... sounds great.
Alfie
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Hope the sun is shining where you are
Love the fotos/bike/weather, Jim, especially the bike beside the lane with all the bright fresh greenery. Here, we're in the midst of a March winter storm, snowin' & blowin', high temp of -10. (When) will it ever end?
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Wonderful shots, fantastic bike, Jim -- what a pleasure to see! Thanks so much for posting these.
All the best,
Dan.
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I took a wee run up the Fife Coastal Path to Burntisland yesterday afternoon on the RST, and I actually remembered to take the camera with me ...
crossing the Forth Road Bridge overlooking North Queensferry ...
(http://i902.photobucket.com/albums/ac224/relayer_2009/IMG_0595_zpsf7231201.jpg) (http://s902.photobucket.com/user/relayer_2009/media/IMG_0595_zpsf7231201.jpg.html)
Aberdour Harbour ...
(http://i902.photobucket.com/albums/ac224/relayer_2009/IMG_0596_zpsa9f2b698.jpg) (http://s902.photobucket.com/user/relayer_2009/media/IMG_0596_zpsa9f2b698.jpg.html)
and, a pretty waterfall on the pathway between Aberdour and Burntisland ...
(http://i902.photobucket.com/albums/ac224/relayer_2009/IMG_0598_zps5e430eab.jpg) (http://s902.photobucket.com/user/relayer_2009/media/IMG_0598_zps5e430eab.jpg.html)
Altogether a very pleasant little run out, apart from the chain jumping off at one point which meant of course oil stains on my brand new first time out cycling jersey. It hardly seems any time at all since I last re-tensioned the chain, ah well cest la vie.
Jim
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What lovely photos of gorgeous countryside, Jim! The bike looks as nice as ever and even more so when "out in the wild".
Empathy and Sympathy on the stained new jersey. There's an unwritten law on that it seems. I may have gamed the system by purchasing used jerseys at Goodwill, as some are already lightly pre - stained and then remain that way with none added in my normal use.
Touring is so hard on the appearance of new things, I've taken to carrying only the older stuff when traveling. I did bring a new, bright yellow rain suit of my father's to use this trip. Of course, first time putting it on in a thunderstorm, the loose sleeve found the nicely lubed chain on the way up my arm. Never fails!
Thanks for the terrific photos, Jim!
Best,
Dan.
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In that waterfall pic the bike looks almost organic with the landscape; a truly superb photo.Congratulations, Jim. If we had a photograph of the year contest, that one would get my vote.
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Thanks for the kind comments guys, much appreciated.
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I had a wee run on the RST yesterday, crossed two bridges over the river Forth, and stopped by 'The Kelpies' near Falkirk.
(http://i902.photobucket.com/albums/ac224/relayer_2009/Bikes/IMG_0626_zps9009b931.jpg) (http://s902.photobucket.com/user/relayer_2009/media/Bikes/IMG_0626_zps9009b931.jpg.html)
I was quite excited about those when they first appeared, especially in some photos and videos by some talented people, but on my first sighting up close I wasn't mightily impressed. I daresay it being such a dull day didn't help.
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wow nice piece of work very well done. 8)
anto
meant to ask what about the tyres are you happy.
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First impressions of the tyres are very good jags.
They don't seem to be quite as spongy as Paselas and are definitely made of different material. They float over rough roads, and are good on gravel paths too.
I don't know if they're faster yet, it's very different on the RST after being out on skinny tyres so much lately.
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yeah the skinny tyres make for faster cycling but who needs that speed when your touring. bike and tyres look the business Jim.
anto.