Thorn Cycles Forum
Community => Member's Gallery => Topic started by: DrJim on October 21, 2013, 03:07:46 AM
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1. Cobalt Blue
2. Campagnolo Veloce Triple Race 9 speed gears – 12-28 Cassette 30-42-52 Chainring
3. Campagnolo Veloce Ergo brifters with Shamano medium reach Ultegra level brakes
4. Campagnolo Race 170cm cranks
5. 853c steel fork
6. Grand Bois (Panaracer) Cerf green Extra Léger
700C x 29 mm
7. Size 550 medium
8. Blackwell Carbon handlebar with Brooks Honey leather tape
9. Hope pro 3 hub rear and Hope hub front
10. DT SWISS RR 465 RIMS Silver rims
11. San Marco Rolls Classic Brown leather seat
12. Shimano PD M540 pedals
13. P 35 Planet Bike mudguards
14. Lights and rear lightweight carrier not shown
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Ah, Jim...what a lovely bike! I can almost hear jags salivating over it, being that wonderful shade of blue!
Really nice to have another Audax in the gallery, and what a build you have! A dream indeed, and one to last the ages. All details "just so" and it couldn't look nicer! What a delight it must be to ride.
Best wishes for many happy miles together, Jim -- good on ya!
Best,
Dan.
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man just did dan ;D ;D lovely bike.
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Hello,
Obviously the bike is nice!But unlike some others I don't jump straight in salivating just because its a Thorn. It is a Thorn and we Thorn fans love them all in different ways. I like the one shown of course, but a couple of questions. As Dan in particular will testify, I like a good looking set-up. So here goes! No offence intended.
Why Black forks? Why the strange stem to handlebar set-up. Why mudguard stays sticking out of there attachment points?
All in all thought I like the bike and colour scheme.
Best regards,
John
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Ah John, I see you are a detail man....good! I confess I did sell my dream bike short just a little......my salary goes only so far without getting in the the trouble zone. mudguards are from a former RM Sherpa 30.....the stem is from my sold Serotta for height as well as the handlebars...the black fork...well I just thought it would look cool.....when I want to add weight for touring I can throw on the standard cobalt blue fork easy enough......Jim
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And for everyone...thanks.....my commute is very nice indeed with this bike even if it is like gorilla commuting since our town just isn't bike aware too much ;D
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black forks would be my choice as well i would have bought silver mudguards my self but looking at that wee beauti the black is much better.
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Ah John, I see you are a detail man....good! I confess I did sell my dream bike short just a little......my salary goes only so far without getting in the the trouble zone. mudguards are from a former RM Sherpa 30.....the stem is from my sold Serotta for height as well as the handlebars...the black fork...well I just thought it would look cool.....when I want to add weight for touring I can throw on the standard cobalt blue fork easy enough......Jim
Hi,
I just noticed from your description that the forks are 853 and so, I 'forgive' the colour discrepancy! I admit that if a Thorn supplied Carbon fork were available to accommodate 28mm Conti Gatorskins, I too would be persuaded to black forks!
The bar/stem I am now certain you will change once funds/availability arrive.
As already mentioned, the bike looks pretty nice, but you simply must trim those mudguard stays ;D
Best of enjoyment riding but, in my opinion the Audax is not a load carrying tourer.
John
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...you simply must trim those mudguard stays Grin
Hi John!
As much as I love perfectly arc'd mudguards, I left the stays on my own bikes untrimmed-but-capped (Shock! ;D ) so I can adjust them if needed to accommodate different tire sizes and so I can achieve a little bit more clearance when I know I will be touring on playa and will need that bit of extra room at the trailing edge to avoid clogging or jamming and to accommodate an extra-long mudflap. I even ordered uncut stays from PlanetBiketo replace the neatly trimmed ones supplied by Thorn on both Sherpa and the Nomad. They are supplied with robust 10mm nylock locknuts, helping to prevent loosening from the sometimes severe vibration of the rough surfaces I often ride.
When I'm back from the riding the potentially gooey stuff, then I snug the 'guards down again into a nice, neat arc and all looks nice again -- except for those capped stay-ends, of course. I employed black caps to better blend in and hide my 'guardly sins. A necessary evil, sometimes. ;) :D
All the best,
Dan. (...whose requirements sometimes conflict with his aesthetic sense)
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You are correct I simply must dig up some caps for those unsightly stays! As far as the stem/handlebar combo go....I need a few hundred miles to see where to go from here if at all.....I know it looks a wee bit dorky but if it makes me happy cruising down the road than that is what is going to be important to me. Of course I do realize that beauty is wonderful.....beauty with function is so much better.....
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You are correct I simply must dig up some caps for those unsightly stays! As far as the stem/handlebar combo go....I need a few hundred miles to see where to go from here if at all.....I know it looks a wee bit dorky but if it makes me happy cruising down the road than that is what is going to be important to me. Of course I do realize that beauty is wonderful.....beauty with function is so much better.....
Hi,
You appear to be a nice guy! Enjoy.
John
www.pbase.com/leftpoole
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Ya I hear that from a lot of people....fooled them ....HA! Really though it is incredible to me that I have yet to find a photo including mine that does justice to that cobalt blue.....it is stunning! When I opened the box and saw the frame I was very happily surprised......I bet all the colors are like that...
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BTW John, your blue Audax is sweet as well.....
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I have yet to see a blue Audax. There aren't many Thorns in this neck of the woods.
I wonder if it is the same blue as my Club Tour, which actually changes shade depending on the light and angle of vision. Parts of the frame will appear to be quite dark and others light, but as you walk around it they will change from light to dark and vice versa.
You can see the effect a little in the photo (hopefully) here.
http://s572.photobucket.com/user/berlioz_bucket/media/Thorn/DSCN0844_zpsd9c5c084.jpg.html?sort=3&o=10
The bottom half of the downtube appears darker, but only from that angle.
I bought the bike in 2005 so it's possible that Thorn has changed the paint used since then.
And just for Jags... I have black mudguards instead of silver.
Cheers all,
pj
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I think the blue is a bit different, maybe deeper.....I will put a few more photos up later after work to show the difference between inside the bike shop and outside.....btw......looking at that traffic really brings across to me how wonderful the bicycle is for commutes....JO///
and I did look at silver mudguards but the black one the game
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That's a great looking bike Jim!
I know jags is a Dura-Ace man, but I think the Campagnolo just oozes class. Looking forward to more photos. ;D
Jim
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i have campag sti on my raleigh ;) but only use them for brake leavers ;D
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Hi Jim,
Lovely bike.
How are you finding those tyres?
I have the same on one of my bikes but not the Extra Leger version.
I love mine as they are so comfortable but still fast rolling.
What about the wheels and trye combination?
Just asking as I plan a possible build!
Best Steve
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say jim where did you buy the grand bios tyres they would be on my wish list. are they a wide tyre reason i ask i can only get 700 x 23 on my raleigh a 25 tyre leaves it very hard to get wheel on.
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Looks like they do make them in 23 mm:
http://www.compasscycle.com/tires_gb_x_leger.html (http://www.compasscycle.com/tires_gb_x_leger.html)
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...a 25 tyre leaves it very hard to get wheel on.
Jags, if the problem with wider tires is getting them past the brake pads (usually a problem when using wider tires with the brakes adjusted for narrower rims), just insert the wheels with the tires uninflated, then air 'em up once in place.
If the problem is lack of clearance with the chainstays, fork crown or mudguards, then that solution won't work, of course.
Best,
Dan. (...who has to do this on several of his own 700C-wheeled bikes)
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Jags,
I bought them direct from Compass Bicycles.
Planet X in Uk used to stock them but they were out when I bought mine.
Steve
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Cheers Lads i've meaning to buy these tyres for quiet a while now thay say they ride like tubs which is good news for me , yeah yeah i remember tubs oh so well .
i'll check out compass thanks lads. ;)
man there expensive gonna have to wait until the lottery numbers come up me thinks :'( :'(
man there nice though.
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Does anybody know if Grand Bois and Panaracer tyres have the same origin? I have often thought some Grand Bois tyres I have seen on the web (never seen one in the flesh) look a bit like they belong to the Panaracer Pasela family.
The OP suggests this might be true, but then again I could be totally wrong.
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out of the same mold, it seems. Here is an explanation:
http://janheine.wordpress.com/2011/08/09/compass-tires-in-26-x-1-75/ (http://janheine.wordpress.com/2011/08/09/compass-tires-in-26-x-1-75/)
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Here are a couple more photos with the bike ready to do it's rock and roll commute duties:
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That is one sweet bicycle! Enjoy! Thanks for sharing!
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Hi Jags,
I got the Grand Bois from Compass bikes......I gave it a spin this Am on a practice run with proper inflation and even with all the get up on the bike, I still managed an average of 2 mph increase than with the Serotta I sold....I think the extra lights are great!.
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My! That is a lovely bike, Jim. Thanks for sharing the additional photos.
Best,
Dan.
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Jim is they roll like tubs your onto a winner,ah bit out of my price i'm afraid buy yeah sure love to have them on my raleigh 753 8) 8)
your new baby is pure class enjoy. ;)
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out of the same mold, it seems. Here is an explanation:
http://janheine.wordpress.com/2011/08/09/compass-tires-in-26-x-1-75/ (http://janheine.wordpress.com/2011/08/09/compass-tires-in-26-x-1-75/)
Thanks for that Jim, I have added that blog to my 'feedly' and will follow it with great interest.
Regards, Jim
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I have yet to see a blue Audax. There aren't many Thorns in this neck of the woods.
I wonder if it is the same blue as my Club Tour, which actually changes shade depending on the light and angle of vision. Parts of the frame will appear to be quite dark and others light, but as you walk around it they will change from light to dark and vice versa.
You can see the effect a little in the photo (hopefully) here.
http://s572.photobucket.com/user/berlioz_bucket/media/Thorn/DSCN0844_zpsd9c5c084.jpg.html?sort=3&o=10
The bottom half of the downtube appears darker, but only from that angle.
I bought the bike in 2005 so it's possible that Thorn has changed the paint used since then.
And just for Jags... I have black mudguards instead of silver.
Cheers all,
pj
Peter,
Might I refer you to :- http://www.pbase.com/leftpoole/image/118636406
What a similarity!
Best regards,
John.................
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:)So just to update everyone......I have gone through 2 rear derailleurs. The first one was the origional racing comp triple that I transferred with the rest of the gruppo. Apparently the LBS didn't set it up correctly so it go chewed up....They got me a new one, A xenox level medium cage....it literally broke apart.....wow......again, either downright failure or they should have put a triple on there. I am having trouble finding an older 1997-2010 triple racing comp rear derailliur..........I don't know .....I am looking at buying a new Centour comact double carbon gruppo and be done with all that other stuff ...save weight, better power transfer.....better shifting.....with a 12-30 cassette and 34-50 chainwheel.....I can handle what i had before the same......stay tuned....new pictures if that happens......Any one care to comment?
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Peter,
Might I refer you to :- http://www.pbase.com/leftpoole/image/118636406
What a similarity!
Best regards,
John.................
Hey John,
That is just amazing.... it knocked me for six when I saw your pic.
Thanks for posting it.
You've made my day!
pj
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I love your bike John.....especially the traffic jam backdrop.....it says volumes to me as I am an avid commuter with my Audax........BTW.....I DID BUY THE CAMPAGNOLO CENTOUR CARBON SET.....it will be in next week....then I will take a couple more pics to post......JO
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jim hope you also bought a good strong lock that carbon will make a bike thief eyes light up. :o
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Can't wait to see the new crank on your lovely bike, Jim...
Best,
Dan. (...who is counting the days till arrival right along with you)
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HA!! The bike parks literally in my office at work and the LBS I frequent are salivating....and yes I do trust them for this job as there are some in the group that are Campyphiles. I think I will take my trusty Thorn Nomad to the movies though.....
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Ok here it is, the latest incarnation......now with the 2013 Carbon Centour 10 speed compact Campy set.....a really marked improvement in the feel, mass, and really nice shifting......I have brought the mirrors up a bit and the handlebars rotated back just a bit for comfort since this photo. Definitely a keeper here.
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What a stunner, Jim!
Love the touches of red in the anodized bolts as well.
Best,
Dan.
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Thanks Dan, It sure is much faster than my Nomad....though the Nomad goes ANYWHERE!....here is a picture of the Nomad in it's urban gorilla commuter garb here in the Atlanta area........it's real home is in India where it gets different handlebars, tyres etc appropriate where we live there. I guess you can say we are a 2 Thorn family. I love both the bikes!
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As you can see I am a happy owner......
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Aw, what great photos of both bikes, Jim...and a terrific one of the proud owner!
Best,
Dan. (...who thinks both bikes look wonderful!)
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Yeah if I could just cut down on pumpkin pie and get my weight down to where it's not slowing me down more than my fearless ox of a Nomad, I just might dare to ride an Audax! That is a beautiful bike!
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Really nice pics of really nice bikes DrJim ;D
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Very very nice bike DrJim !!
Any special place where you get your bits from?
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As you can see I am a happy owner......
class. 8)
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First....pumpkin pie and Audax go really well together......I do chocolate pies instead and the audax is my savior. The nomad is a beast with all the 17 degree hills we have around here...... you can see by the photo that I have a few pounds to shed...though my wife says I look sexier with the tight bike shorts and shirts.
Second:....It seems Planet Cycles have great prices for the Campy gear...I just purchased another 12-30 disk for my lighter campy wheels for half the price of many other places.....service is good.....Since the last month it seems their prices are besting all others....of course I live in the States so there are a number of great prices to be had on your side of the pond. I have to admit though when the parts are available from Thorn/SJS, I have usually used them.....loyalty I guess.
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Here is the beauty (vs the Nomad as the beast)...on it's first Bagel run.......Einstein Bagels to get a bakers dozen...chocolate chip and everything bagels (out of pumpernickel). yummm and a wonderful ride as a bonus.....This is a dream commuter.
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Just lovely, Jim.
I can't imagine a better Bagel Getter, and you've got me drooling with the descriptions. Hope you got some spare in onion and "everything"!
The new cranks look fantastic, and a real treat to see the off-side; finished just as nicely as the drive side.
Best,
Dan.
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oh how i would love that bike solve all my cycling problems. ;)
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It is a keeper....looks like the Nomad is going to get some rest for awhile. It goes to Myrtle Beach for single track dirt riding at the Meher Baba Spiritual Center in December...So it will be time to put on the Schwalbe Marathon Extremes, take off the blue light and enjoy the 500 acres of virgin forest right on the beach....in the meantime.....the Audax is making my commute so much more enjoyable whether cold or hot.....even the 17 degree hills don't bother me so much.....and of course it oozes class.....LBS loves it.....These guys should sell their bikes on this side of the pond..They are in a class by themselves....do I sound a wee bit bias?
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just a tad ;D ;D
yeah gonna try and get one next year.
whats the biggest tyre it will take just in case i ever take it off road.
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I believe it will handle a 32 without mudguards....28 with, that is with the steel forks...the carbon forks will only handle a 25.....they have it on the web and of course Andy B can give you the final word on that.
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Having just asked this question of Andy at Thorn, the largest you can fit in the 853c steel fork is a 32c slick tyre with mudguards, but only some - narrow - 32c tyres.
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Having just asked this question of Andy at Thorn, the largest you can fit in the 853c steel fork is a 32c slick tyre with mudguards, but only some - narrow - 32c tyres.
Hello!
You do not need to ask anyone at Thorn, just look at my bikes.
The Black Audax is fitted with Continental Top Touring 200 32c tyres.
http://www.pbase.com/leftpoole/blackmk3audax
Regards,
John
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You have three Audax's? They are beautiful.
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yeah imagin that not one but three should be a law against that.and here am i struggling to buy a feckin inner tube.no justice in this world none. ;) ;D :'(
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So let's see.....sell one Audax...buy about 350 inner tubes...HA! Same reason I don't sell my Thorn Nomad even thought it would lower my debt load considerably and free up some cash flow......sell the Nomad? NEVER!
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yeah imagin that not one but three should be a law against that.and here am i struggling to buy a feckin inner tube.no justice in this world none. ;) ;D :'(
Hello jags!
Sorry to have a Blue Audax and a red Audax plus a black Audax, also a green Club Tour!
However in retrospect, I sold four Thorn bikes a few years ago because of health. I am not in great shape now, but Credit Card willing (?) I bought and rebuilt my 'fleet'. I also have a white Brompton.
It is all a bit silly really, because I wanted another Club Tour in blue (no longer made) and a Summer Audax plus a Winter Audax. The black Audax is sheer indulgence whilst I am still able to enjoy at least some of my life.
Chin up, it all goes around and around!
I love your take on the Irish songs!!
If it is any consolation, I only ride one at a time! I have not yet ridden the black one because the weather here although warm, is a bit damp dismal and the roads are dirty. I will most likely ride it in Springtime.
Best,
John
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John i had 4 bikes at one time all top notch bianchi,trek raleigh and of course the sherpa the raleigh is y far my favourate bike it just feels right can't explain it but its a dream to ride.
but yeah if only i had a few bob that blue audax or even the club tour would be sitting right beside my raleigh make no mistake.
i don't envy you one bit (well i do but dont tell anyone) i guess guys that dont cycle will never get inside the head of us loonies ;D ;D we are bike fanatics just that simple.
glad you like the take on danny boy i had DAN in mind when i thought of it. ah just a bit of fun.
anyway John keep peddling boy roll on the summer. ;)