Thorn Cycles Forum
Community => Member's Gallery => Topic started by: Grimian on May 15, 2006, 10:39:19 PM
-
Well it's a few weeks old now ......... done 260 miles and must say that it's the most comfortable bike I have ever owned [:p]....... Thanks to all at SJS who helped me realise my dream bike. [8D]
Have a look at some pics!!!!
http://uk.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/grim_ian/album?.dir=9b5bre2&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//uk.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/grim_ian/my_photoshttp://
Are there any other Mercury owners out there?
-
It's very, er.., yellow! [8D][:D]
Nice bike though.
Kevin
-
Thanks ...yes it is very yellow [;)]..........
I'm glad I went for this colour though. I think you'd agree that it's easy to be seen [:0] I also don't think I'd lose it in a snowstorm
(not that I'm planning on using it in a snowstorm )[:D][:D]
-
Just had another look at the photos. Is it a Mercury or an EXXP. The frame looks suspiciously like my own EXXP - especially those reinforcing bars between the chain and seat stays...
-
quote:
Originally posted by kwkirby01
Just had another look at the photos. Is it a Mercury or an EXXP. The frame looks suspiciously like my own EXXP - especially those reinforcing bars between the chain and seat stays...
No it's a Mercury eg. ultrashort wheelbase, check out the rear chainstay length! [8D]
-
I assume the reinforcing bar at the back is for the disc brake?
-
Andrews right ..... check out the short chainstays!! It certainly does make it very nimble [8D]
The reason for the brace is purely due to the fact I wanted the frame to be disc-specific and Kevin at SJS advised that the brace would be a must to overcome the extra forces that a disk brake produces. I believe that the 725 rear chainstays are very slightly larger guage than the standard Mercury spec.
For those who might be interested ........ here is the spec ......
Reynolds 853 Custom Build Frame 725 chainstays
Pace RC31 Carbon Fork (disk specific)
Easton EA70 Stem
Rohloff Disk Brake Speedhub
Chris King Front Disk Hub (16T sprocket)
Chris King NoThreadSet
Stronglight Pulsion Compact Carbon Chainset (48T)
Rohloff Chain
Magura Marta SL brakes - Braided Hose Set
Mavic XC717 Disc Rims Black
Vredestein S-Licks 26x1.3 Tyres
Rohloff/DT Swiss Black Spokes
Use Atom XC Riser Bar
Use Alien Carbon Seatpost
Fizik Gobi Wingflex saddle
Cane Creek Lock-on grips/Bar Ends
New Thorn Carbon Bar Ends (mounted in-board)
Crankbrothers Candy SL Pedals
Thorn Carbon Mudguards
Reynolds 531 Custom Built Rack
Cateye Cordless Computer
I think that about sums it up!! I decided to go all out for this bike as it was for a special Birthday I celebrated recently (and NO I'm not telling which one [:p])
I do have other photos if people are interested and SJS have taken pictures of the build from the ground up which they may be posting in the near future.
Just as a matter of interest, are there many Thorns in Hampshire [?] I know of one (a work colleague who introduced me to the Rohloff [^])
Happy Cycling!! [;)]
-
quote:
Originally posted by Grimian
I decided to go all out for this bike as it was for a special Birthday I celebrated recently (and NO I'm not telling which one [:p])
All your birthdays rolled into one by the look of it, that's an incredible spec and looking bike.
-
Thanks PH ...... it took a lot of creeping to my Wife and I dare say I'll be paying for it for a long time to come if she has her way [;)]
Anyway, suffice to say I have owned and ridden many bikes in my time but even though I have only done just short of 300miles on this bike in the last three weeks, I can already tell that SJS have got this setup spot on [8D]
Only things that I will be changing are the rack mounts ...... I'm having some anodised in Black, the front brake cable is standard and will be changed to braided when the parts arrive and I may think long term about changing the grips for the new Ergon grips with built-in bar end. I noticed Robin Thorn uses the older type on his Mercury but I don't know of anyone else who has tried them.
I'll try and get some more pics up soon if you're interested!
-
I've uploaded some more pics if anyone's interested [:)]
http://uk.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/grim_ian/album?.dir=9b5bre2&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//uk.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/grim_ian/my_photoshttp://
I forgot one thing on the spec . Bottom Bracket is an FSA Titanium ISIS ..... first time I've used ISIS so we'll see how it goes!! Apparantly Chris King was supposed to be producing one but there is no date fixed! ..... I guess it would be pointless if he did them in different colours like his Headsets & Hubs [:D]
just one other thing I'd like to add ..... I was told by SJS that the Mercury's short chainstay length would preclude me from using panniers on the rear ......... well with my old Ortlieb Front Roller Plus, I can get them on with no problem!! [:I]
All I had to do was use the adjustment to tilt them backward slightly and Hey Presto ..... enough clearance [8D] The clearance is close but this is ok for me because I have size 9 shoes and because I am clipped in, there can be no movement backwards from the shoe whilst in use.
I have ordered an Ortlieb Rack Top Plus bag that fixes to the panniers giving me enough for a small tour which is just ideal [:)]
-
quote:
I may think long term about changing the grips for the new Ergon grips with built-in bar end. I noticed Robin Thorn uses the older type on his Mercury but I don't know of anyone else who has tried them.
My LBS stock the Ergon grips, and reckoned I could use my Cane Creek Ergo Control bar ends with the standard Ergon grip. They didn't think much of the Ergon built in bar ends. Certainly the Ergo Controls seem more comfy, but I haven't tried them out on the bike yet becasue I'm waiting for the Rohloff specific Ergon grip to be released. I'll let you know how I get on when I've tried them.
-
Thanks for the info Kevin [^]
I wasn't aware that Ergon were about to produce a Rohloff specific version.... that was one of my thoughts about going for the normal length on the right grip ....... with the shifter, you'd end up with one hell of a long grip which would then interfere with the inboard mounted Thorn bar ends I have!!!
It's not that I don't like the Cane Creeks .. I use them on my Mountain Bike and find them especially good for climbing hills. I'm just intrigued by the ergons!
I can see what your LBS mean about the bar ends ........ the ergons I've seen (version R2M I think!) have a much larger built in bar end than the first version which I think look too small to be of any use ........ I don't know if the R2M would be better [?]
I have a pic on this link ...........
http://www.ergon-bike.com/download/ergon.pdfhttp://
-
I think that my Thorn bikes are much better colors, but each to his own etc!
No offence intended.
John.
www.pbase.com/john28july
[8D][:D][:I][V]
-
quote:
Originally posted by Grimian
I can see what your LBS mean about the bar ends ........ the ergons I've seen (version R2M I think!) have a much larger built in bar end than the first version which I think look too small to be of any use ........ I don't know if the R2M would be better [?]
It's the R2M version I looked at, with the long magnesium bar end. If you want a similar position to the Cane Creeks, this would do the job, but I don't think it's as comfortable. On the other hand, it does look a lot more stylish!
Kevin
-
quote:
Originally posted by Grimian
I wasn't aware that Ergon were about to produce a Rohloff specific version.... that was one of my thoughts about going for the normal length on the right grip ....... with the shifter, you'd end up with one hell of a long grip which would then interfere with the inboard mounted Thorn bar ends I have!!!
I just looked at the link in your original posting. If you scroll down the page you can see a picture of the Rohloff Ergon R2M - code 424 002 35 Rohloff®/Nexus®/DualDrive.
My understanding from Fine-ADC (UK distributor) is that these should arrive in mid-May, round about now in fact. [:)]
-
Hi John
You have quite a collection of bikes there!!
I agree with you that choices of colour (and spec for that matter) are definately down to personal taste.
Whilst Yellow is not my favourite colour, I did not want black as I personally find this boring. I wasn't allowed any form of red because my Eldest Son thought I'd look like Postman Pat [:0] I already own two blue bikes (blue being my favourite colour!) and the only green for this bike would have been the brightest Lime green you ever saw [8D][:D]
So Yellow it was ......... my Son now calls me Banana Man [:D][:D]
(and he expects pocket money[?][}:)])
-
Kevin
The sound of Rohloff/gripshift specific grips sounds great [^] It would definately get over the problem of grip length on the right hand side [:)]
I agree with you that the Cane Creek bar ends are supremely comfortable and probably more so than the Ergons but I also agree that they do look pretty cool [8D]
I wander if SJS will be stocking them[?]
-
quote:
So Yellow it was ......... my Son now calls me Banana Man [:D][:D]
(and he expects pocket money[?][}:)])
My EXXP is black and yellow - so I get called bumble bee [:D][:D]
A Roberts Roughstuff Lite was tested in C+ last year sometime in Kawasaki Lime Green - it looked fabulous.
-
Bumble Bee eh?! Have you got a pic? I like the look of the EXXP. Am I right in saying it's basically a more robust Mercury (with a longer wheelbase)capable of more loaded touring off road?
My reason for opting for the Mercury is that all of my riding is on road and I don't have the need for large amounts of luggage . As Andrew at SJS said, the Mercury is more than capable of towing a Bob Yak if required!
I very nearly did go for a Lime Green which was very similar to Kawasaki Green .. with the Black tyres, guards, rack and other bits, it would have looked fantastic .. but there just was something about the yellow [;)]
-
quote:
Originally posted by Grimian
Bumble Bee eh?! Have you got a pic? I like the look of the EXXP. Am I right in saying it's basically a more robust Mercury (with a longer wheelbase)capable of more loaded touring off road?
I think that sums it up nicely. The frame materials are the same but in much bigger guages.
I had a suspension fork fitted to mine which I just can't get on with - mainly becasue most of my cycling has ended up being on the road. I'm waiting to take delivery of a rigid steel fork which will make it look like the Rohloff EXP. I could have used the Pace carbon fork with my disk brake, but decided to go for the traditional look. I'll post a picture soon (once I've found somewhere to host it!)
-
Looking forward to seeing a picture [:)]
I originally wanted a steel (531) triple crown fork for my setup but SJS would not entertain making one due to safety reasons in making a steel fork that is disk brake specific.[:0] Also, they said that to make a steel fork like this would necessitate the use of a very heavy gauge steel that would alter the characteristics of the bike and also make for a very uncomfortable ride [:(]
So I was left with the choice of either the Pace RC31 with the Magura Disk brakes I had already bought, or a 531 steel tube with rim brakes (possibly a Magura HS33). I made my choice and so far I am happy [:)][:D]
Of course, in the future, if I wanted to go on a long tour using this bike, I could get SJS to make me a pair of 531's , use rim brakes on the front, and go with lo-loaders for more versatility. But that is very much in the future.
So what brakes will you be going for at the front [?]
And more importantly will you be going for Yellow or Black [?][:D][:D]
-
quote:
So what brakes will you be going for at the front [?]
And more importantly will you be going for Yellow or Black [?][:D][:D]
The fork is black with tasteful polished silver bits around the crown - didn't want to give any excuses for further entertaining names[:D]
I have an XTR on the back, but I'm swithering over another XTR on the front or changing to Magura HS33s.
I tow a kiddy trailer quite often, and it was suggested in a recent C+ review that hydraulic brakes are just the ticket for this setup. I don't know if they would give me that much more useful stopping power, and it's difficult to find an objective view on V's vs. Magura. All the threads I find seem to be quite emotive on the subject [:0].
The common factor in most pro-Magura threads seems to be very low maintnance, which the main reason I went for a Rohloff bike in the first place; so maybe that's a good reason[?] They look quite cool too [8D] and it's nice to be different.
Talking of cool, the new Thorn bar ends you have look the business. Much better than my smaller original thorn bar ends. I might have to treat myself..
-
quote:
Originally posted by Grimian
Only things that I will be changing are the rack mounts ...... I'm having some anodised in Black
Good move, I mentioned on another thread that I thought they looked like pieces of Meccano and let the look of the bike down. Robin Thorn answered with all the practical reasons why they're like that...didn't alter my opinion that they're ugly.
Thanks for posting the extra photos and spec. Carbon mudguards and Ti BB, I didn’t even know such things existed. You must have done your research, those components I have heard of are all rated as the best available. If you made any compromises I can’t see where. I hope it lives up to expectations, I have a feeling it will.
-
Thanks PH [:)] So far the Mercury's more than living up to my expectations [:p]
I did do a lot of research ..... I first had the idea of wanting a Rohloff about 2 years ago when a colleague of mine bought a Raven Tour which he is very pleased with. I started properly researching bits for this bike back in about June last year and it sort of became a bit of an obsession [:I]
As I said earlier, I did decide to pull out all the stops with this one and I guess there aren't many corners cut .... perhaps I would have liked the new Pace RC31 Titanium crowned fork but that's not available yet and possibly the Chris King Titanium Headset but that would be picky!!
I didn't know of the new Thorn Carbon Bar Ends until it was pointed out to me in February ....... I must admit I hadn't even seen them until I went to pick up the bike so it was a bit of a gamble but I do find the larger size, thumb indent and in-board mounting very comfortable on the straight especially into a headwind [^]
Kevin ........... go get some!!!!!!
The carbon mudguards were obviously an unnecessary expense as I doubt if they perform any better than SKS's I've got on another bike but I personally don't like the look of mudguards so if I had to have them, I wanted them to look good ........ and I think they do! [8D]
Kevin re: your fork...... that's the colour I'd have chosen .....I won't suggest any entertaining names although I have one 'buzzin' around in my head [:D][:D][:D]
I have a friend who has used Magura HS33's and for Rim Brakes, he cannot rate them highly enough ..... he did suggest, however, that to get the best from them, you should be looking at ceramic rims [;)]
SJS suggested that XTR's would give as much stopping power as even disks in dry conditions but I was adamant about what I wanted ....... I have just ridden home tonight in the rain and my brakes were superb ....... I doubt if XTR's could have performed as well ........ most threads I read talk about modulation as the main reason for going with v-brakes but I haven't experienced any problems and actually prefer to know that if I need to stop, I can!
Towing a Kiddie trailer, I know what I'd want ........ I don't think you'd be disappointed with the Maguras.[:)] BTW, the Magura HS33's come in a limited edition Lime Green [:D][:D][:D]
-
PH . I know what you mean about the rack mounts looking like meccano [:D]
The Anodised Black ones arrived today . will post an updated pic when I get the chance (prob. over the weekend)
-
quote:
I have a friend who has used Magura HS33's and for Rim Brakes, he cannot rate them highly enough ..... he did suggest, however, that to get the best from them, you should be looking at ceramic rims [;)]
SJS suggested that XTR's would give as much stopping power as even disks in dry conditions but I was adamant about what I wanted ....... I have just ridden home tonight in the rain and my brakes were superb ....... I doubt if XTR's could have performed as well ........ most threads I read talk about modulation as the main reason for going with v-brakes but I haven't experienced any problems and actually prefer to know that if I need to stop, I can!
Towing a Kiddie trailer, I know what I'd want ........ I don't think you'd be disappointed with the Maguras.[:)] BTW, the Magura HS33's come in a limited edition Lime Green [:D][:D][:D]
Good job I've got ceramics on my EXXP if I'm going to get Maguras[;)]
As for the lime green, I've seen black, green and yellow caterpillars somewhere[:D]
-
quote:
Good job I've got ceramics on my EXXP if I'm going to get Maguras
As for the lime green, I've seen black, green and yellow caterpillars somewhere
Cool! [8D] Let me know what you decide. I will look forward to seeing some photos [;)]
-
quote:
I will look forward to seeing some photos [;)]
New forks, Magura HS33 brakes and new Thorn carbon bar ends arrived last week. Off to the LBS tomorrow to get it all sorted (not a public holiday here - not one that everyone observes anyway).
I'm changing from riser bars to flats at the same time and have now ordered Marathon 1.5 tyres to replace my Marathon XR's - a bit more speed on the road, but still quite capable of light off-road.
Here's a picture of my bike in it's current state; New Year's day in the snow, just before the sun went down (hence it's a little dark):
http://static.flickr.com/60/155050803_a1da24ca63.jpg
New photos will be posted whe all the bits have been fitted. Can't wait to see how she rides, I think it will feel like a different bike.
Kevin
-
Hi Kevin,
I bet you're looking forward to seeing the new parts on your bike. I reckon you'll be pleased as punch [:D] You won't go wrong with the HS33's [;)]
I'd be interested in seeing the fork .... '531' is it [?] Will you be loading the front with panniers [?] This is something I looked at doing but the only decent carrier I could find was a Tubus Swing but it looks completely hideous in my opinion [:0]
The tyres you've chosen will definately make things a little easier on the road. I think you can put a lot of air in the Marathon's.
Interesting choice to go flat instead of riser bars ........ any particular reason [?] just curious that's all!
Thanks for posting a pic of your bike as it was ...... looks a bit cold where you are .......... I haven't seen snow like that for years [:D] Perhaps you could take the next pic earlier in the day !!!! [:o)]
As far as my bike is going, I have replaced those rack mounts with black ones and will post an updated pic as soon as I have time. I think it looks much much better [8D]
I today noticed a creaking in the drive side pedal and being Crankbrothers and so easy to maintain, I decided to re-greased both sides ....... I found there was virtually no grease in the drive side pedal [:0] Anyway, problem sorted [^]
I have heard that some people have carried out an oil change after the first 1000km (after the final filing process is complete)and have found that the Hub is much quieter and smoother. I'm thinking of doing the same. Have you any experience of this [?]
-
Hi Ian,
Really like your Mercury - but I think I would buy a Postman Pat colour! It looks like a lot of fun. I am thinking of buying a similiar spec, but with V-brakes.
How are you getting on with the pannier rack & Ortlieb front roller panniers? Have you had any significant problems with the clearance?
Happy Cycling
Ashley
P.S. The carbon mudguards might have been a luxury purchase, but they look fantastic!
-
Hi Ashley
Sorry I haven't been checking this post recently! Anyway, thanks for your comments.
As regards the rack and Ortliebs, I have had to adjust the bags to tilt backwards to enable heel clearence but after having ridden the bike for a number of months now, I am not entirely happy with the clearence as it is. BTW, I am size 9 shoe and use cleated shoes (Specialized Sonoma).
I am considering changing the rack for a Tubus Logo which not only moves the bags further aft, but will lower the centre of gravity. The only downfall is that I will have to buy new mudguard stays as the mounting point is further down. This will mean that the stays will not be as strong and I guess more prone to damage if I'm not careful when mounting the Ortliebs.
I must point out that essentially, the Mercury was not intended for panniers and the option of longer stays was mentioned, but this, I was informed, would alter the feel of the Mercury bringing it more in line with the EXP-R. Having any sort of load on the bike will obviously alter the handling and I dare say moving the bags backwards will alter it further. I had mentioned in one of my earlier posts that I would have liked a front rack option ..... the only rack I can find that will do this job with the Pace forks is the Tubus Swing. According to the reviews I have seen, it is well engineered but boy is it ugly!!!
I really like riding the Mercury without any load but this is not always an option!
I would be interested to know what your feelings are about the luggage situation and how you intend to proceed. Please keep me informed!
And to end with, Go with whatever colour you want ....... if Postman Pat's your thang, that's cool with me!!!!!!
Regards, Ian
-
Ashley ......... any further with your plans for the Red Mercury?
To update, I am now using a Tubus Logo rack on the back and a Tubus Swing on the front ......... I thought at first that the Swing was ugly but it's grown on me and is undoubtedly a fantastic design and works very well.
I am also using the Ergon MR2 grips that I mentioned about earlier in this thread and I would recommend them to anyone as they are the most comfortable grips I have ever used! .....
Nothing more to add at the moment except that I'm still enjoying the bike as much as when I first got it .......... I thought there would be a kind of honeymoon period but if there is, it isn't over yet [:D] [:D] I still get excited about riding it every morning and unfortunately my Road Bike hasn't had a look in for almost a year now[:0]
oh! ....and it is true what you read ........ the hub appears to be getting smoother all the time [8D]
-
Grimian,
Have you still got your Thorn carbon barends inboard as well as the MR2s?
I can imagine its a great set up. Altough with your riser bar it must all look pretty wierd but I guess it gives lots of different hand positions.
How do the MR2s compare with the Cane Creeks ?
I have Ergon grips with Cane Creeks. I like the Ergons alot but don't think the Cane Creeks are the best solution. Apart from looking strange to my eye, they aren't really long enough for me and I think one of the reasons I'm not keen is the bar is too wide. And my bar is much narrower than yours ! I have ordered some ski type bar ends that I'm going to try.
It could be that I actually need a wider bar, inboard bar ends and possibly MR2s, then I could get the best of all worlds. [:)]
Cheers
-
quote:
Originally posted by Grimian
I am also using the Ergon MR2 grips that I mentioned about earlier in this thread and I would recommend them to anyone as they are the most comfortable grips I have ever used! .....
Ian, why the change from Cane Creek Ergos and grips? Just curious as I'm considering a move in the opposite direction!
Kevin
-
What gear cables are you using there?
-
Sorry but I haven't been checking the forum recently. [:I]
Swislon ........ Thorn carbon barends are still inboard with the Ergon MR2's. It gives a variety of positions but I find myself prefering the inboards for cruising. As for the MR2's, they are without doubt the most comfortable grips I have used but, in hindsight, I would have gone for the MP1's with the Cane Creek ends. I think this is the preferred option now of the guys at SJS. I would be interested to know if you have now changed over bar ends.
Kevin ......... I changed to the ergons as I personally find them more comfortable. As I have said above, I would now have kept the ends and bought Ergon MP1's instead. When they are ready for replacing, that is what I will go for [;)] Unfortunately, my Son is now the proud owner of the cane creek grips AND bar ends as they go very well on his Nexus 8 equipped urban bike!
Superfinlay ........ The gear cables in the picture are Fibrax which are the 'braided' look. SJS supplied these but I have since changed these to Nokian Black.
For general info, I have dispensed with the Tubus Logo for the moment ....... I love the Tubus Swing and I have recently bought a Carry Freedom City trailer!
I am thinking about changing the saddle at some time and have been considering a Brooks Swallow Classic or a Swift ...... anyone got experience of these [?]
-
Some updated pics!
The majority of these were taken in Holland in May. The ones of the trailer were taken today! I especially like the white stand .... My wife uses it to reach the top cupboards [:D][:D]
Also notice that tyres have been changed to Vredestein Perfect Moiree Folders 26x1.4 I have found them really good in all weathers and even on light tracks .... daft name though [:o)]
http://www.kodakgallery.co.uk/I.jsp?c=5la4tr9x.7fnwe8ut&x=0&y=-e999j3
-
Looking as good as ever.
-
Hi Grimian,
I tried different bar ends on the outside but have settled on Cane Creeks with Ergons. This is on a straight bar with about an inch cut off both sides. I'm thinking of trying a Mary bar fron On One for the hell of it but not just yet.
I'm also on the look out for a different saddle. The B17 has been moved to another bike and I too thought I'd like to try a Swift. The B17 is a sit in saddle, very comfortable but sometimes when trying to go a bit quicker I like the feel of sitting on the saddle. I think it helps for the hills when I stand up.
-
That looks fantastic. I have built up a slightly similar bike using the Enduro frame (short chainstays), Pace forks, USE Atom riser bars, Hope brakes and Thomson post. I'm now considering some touring and wonder how your Mercury handles with panniers / trailor? I haven't yet decided whether to try panniers (Tubus Swing and Old Man Mountain Sherpa) or to go down the Bob Yak trailor route.
Many thanks
John
-
hi all. I am on hols and trying to type on Son's PSP. Very difficult! Will respond in a few days.
-
Hi sorry for not replying sooner ... couldn't get on with typing on a PSP !
PH Thanks for your comments. I'm still in love with this bike ..... Don't think my Wife is though as it lives indoors[:D] Still, she can always live in the shed [:D][;)][:o)]
Swislon it does seem to be the ergon / cane creek combo that's becoming the preferred option of a lot of people I have been talking to. I haven't come across the 'Mary Bar'. I'll look it up!
I'm looking at the Brooks hopefully around Christmas. Like you, I think the setup of my bike lends itself to a sportier saddle than the B17 and the swift seems to fit the bill. The Jury's still out on this one though!
JP06 John... I'd like to see some pics. The Enduro frame appears to be very similar in geometry. I like your choice of components .... some class kit there [8D]
Regarding luggage, the Mercury is marketed as a lightweight tourer and is designed for a rack pack at the back and, with the standard 531 forks, it will take some front panniers in the lo-rider position. I actually prefer carrying small amounts at the front rather than the back with this bike as it is very light up front and it seems to balance things out a bit with the Rohloff at the rear.
Because of my choice of fork (due to wanting disc brakes), the general opinion seems to be not to clamp anything too heavy directly to the carbon fork blades. This is why there are only a few options to go for when choosing a front rack. I looked at the Old Man Mountain racks which are very well made but for me it was the Tubus Swing (Both ugly IMHO but the swing has grown on me [:D])
I use Ortlieb Front Roller Plus panniers when the weather is bad and Ortlieb Sport Packer Plus if I want to carry a bit more.
As far as the trailer is concerned, SJS advised me that the Mercury would be well suited to towing a trailer, and my experience of this is good. I guess it depends what you want to do but I went for the Carry Freedom for its convenience (I use it to go shopping) Foldability (is that a word[?]) but also because as I understand, a two wheeled trailer does not place as much strain on the rear axle but a single wheel will track and corner much better (please someone correct me if I am wrong). Since nearly all of my riding with this bike is by road, the Carry Freedom was the obvious choice for me. If I was going for an off road tour, I would use a BOB or I like the Weber Monoporter as single wheeled trailers. Apparantly, I have heard there have been some issues with the BOB Ibex (suspended) but I do not know if they are justified.
I am already thinking about a more rugged off road tourer and like the idea of the Nomad (Rohloff) or maybe an Enduro. I would want a single wheeled trailer for that [;)] You would be better off asking SJS if the Enduro is suited to pulling a trailer just to make sure!
Well, I hope that helps ..... please let me know your thoughts!
-
Hi Ian,
Good to see that your Mercury is still giving you many happy miles of cycling. I still haven't ordered one yet. I am thinking about placing an order around March 08. I will probably end up with a metallic dark blue frame, instead of Postman Pat now.
I will let you know how I get on with the order. Thanks for all your posts and pictures - they have been a great motivation to keep saving for a Mercury.
Happy Cycling.
Ashley
-
Hello Ashley
Thank you for your comments :) I'm glad you are still going for the Mercury and the idea of a dark blue sounds perfect! I'll look forward to hearing how it's going 8)
I've now covered nearly 4000 miles and I have to say the Rohloff seems to be getting sweeter by the day. How did I ever live without it :D
I spoke about a change of saddle a few posts back ............... well I have asked Santa for a Brooks Swift (in black) which I know he has been able to get because I ordered it myself ;D :D .... trouble is my Wife has wrapped it up so I can't play with it :P I suppose I should really be setting an example to the kids :-[
I'll let you know how I get on with it in due course .............. until then, Adios !!!
Ian