Thorn Cycles Forum

Community => Thorn General => Topic started by: honesty on January 13, 2014, 08:08:42 PM

Title: what next for Thorn?
Post by: honesty on January 13, 2014, 08:08:42 PM
So we've had a refresh of the raven and sherpa, a nomad Mk2, and a refreshed club tour - so what's next? I'm guessing the mercury is not going to get renewed, so what would you like to see?

Are we going to see a mk4 audax with disk brake mounts?  ;)
Title: Re: what next for Thorn?
Post by: in4 on January 13, 2014, 08:13:23 PM
Got to be a phoenix-like rise from the ashes for the Sterling!
Title: Re: what next for Thorn?
Post by: Relayer on January 13, 2014, 08:19:42 PM
Got to be a phoenix-like rise from the ashes for the Sterling!

Yeah! But with at least 3 sizes next time; I think I was between sizes for the Sterlings.
Title: Re: what next for Thorn?
Post by: jags on January 13, 2014, 09:27:23 PM
more custom colour choices,good finance package for loyal customers.free postage.
that would do it for me i'm happy with choice of frames and bikes.

jags.
Title: Re: what next for Thorn?
Post by: brummie on January 13, 2014, 09:29:33 PM
How about a Thorn Raven Fatbike or 29+ bikepacking rig???? I know....
Let's start a petition !  ;D
Title: Re: what next for Thorn?
Post by: Danneaux on January 13, 2014, 10:25:26 PM
Given SJS Cycles' increasing role as a Brompton specialist...how 'bout a Thornpton? A Brompton with the ethos of Andy Bance's Thorn designs...perhaps one with a Rohloff? Now we're talking! There is the no-small-matter of spoke length/angle with such a large hub in such a small (16in) rim and the extra width compromising the fold, but wouldn't it be grand If?

Best,

Dan. (...who loves daydreaming new products for manufacturers)
Title: Re: what next for Thorn?
Post by: honesty on January 14, 2014, 08:08:41 AM
A Reynolds 921 stainless steel audax - to lose the weight of that pesky paint! This would be quite possibly the only frame produced that would induce me to go through the bother of re-building my audax at the moment!
Title: Re: what next for Thorn?
Post by: Swislon on January 14, 2014, 11:14:28 AM
I'll settle for the Club Tour!!!! >:(
When is that brochure going to be ready?
Please don't tell me to be patient!
This is a new bike I am trying to buy ;D ;D
Title: Re: what next for Thorn?
Post by: davefife on January 14, 2014, 05:53:05 PM
Quote
perhaps one with a Rohloff

Dan has to check out http://www.kinetics.org.uk/ (http://www.kinetics.org.uk/) Ben is a very skilful frame/wheel builder and sends custom Bromptons all over the globe, have fitted a few of his SA 8 speed Brompton kits, but never a rohloff.  Heres a link to his facebook photos https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=615215775183457&set=pb.143261825712190.-2207520000.1389721895.&type=3&src=https%3A%2F%2Ffbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net%2Fhphotos-ak-ash4%2F1455169_615215775183457_1531593525_n.jpg&size=800%2C600 (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=615215775183457&set=pb.143261825712190.-2207520000.1389721895.&type=3&src=https%3A%2F%2Ffbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net%2Fhphotos-ak-ash4%2F1455169_615215775183457_1531593525_n.jpg&size=800%2C600)
Title: Re: what next for Thorn?
Post by: Danneaux on January 15, 2014, 01:22:11 AM
Quote
Dan has to check out...
Ooh, Dave! This is something!

Thanks so much for this very, very dangerous link!

Best,

Dan.(...who thinks this just might prove fatal to his pocketbook, but still loves window-shopping in the High Street and thinks this looks like a first-rate conversion and is simply drooling over the result)
Title: Re: what next for Thorn?
Post by: peter jenkins on January 15, 2014, 03:03:45 AM
IGH's and small wheels are becoming all the rage.

There has been a Moulton TSR version with a Sturmey Archer 8 speed for a while now but Fudge Cycles are offering an Alfine 11 version with electronic shifting...

http://www.fudgescyclestore.com/index.php?p=252256

Sheer indulgence, I say!

Not practical for a global tour perhaps but could be fun if one were contemplating N + 1

Cheers

pj
Title: Re: what next for Thorn?
Post by: leftpoole on January 15, 2014, 07:11:22 AM
Dan has to check out http://www.kinetics.org.uk/ (http://www.kinetics.org.uk/) Ben is a very skilful frame/wheel builder and sends custom Bromptons all over the globe, have fitted a few of his SA 8 speed Brompton kits, but never a rohloff.  Heres a link to his facebook photos https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=615215775183457&set=pb.143261825712190.-2207520000.1389721895.&type=3&src=https%3A%2F%2Ffbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net%2Fhphotos-ak-ash4%2F1455169_615215775183457_1531593525_n.jpg&size=800%2C600 (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=615215775183457&set=pb.143261825712190.-2207520000.1389721895.&type=3&src=https%3A%2F%2Ffbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net%2Fhphotos-ak-ash4%2F1455169_615215775183457_1531593525_n.jpg&size=800%2C600)

Hello,
The only problem with Ben at kinetics is that he takes your money, then you hear him tell you that your goods are 'in the post'. Many weeks or maybe months later..........you try calling him again whereupon he tells you he is 'just building now'. It is poor service but good product. I am not alone in my experience.
For Dan, this guy at Kinetics is American!
John
Title: Re: what next for Thorn?
Post by: davefife on January 15, 2014, 01:05:34 PM
Not making a sales pitch leftpoole, merely relating my knowledge and experience to other forum users....as you have just done ;D
Dave
Title: Re: what next for Thorn?
Post by: leftpoole on January 15, 2014, 04:52:13 PM
Not making a sales pitch leftpoole, merely relating my knowledge and experience to other forum users....as you have just done ;D
Dave

Touche!
Title: Re: what next for Thorn?
Post by: Danneaux on January 15, 2014, 06:36:08 PM
All's good, fellows; just filed away the information from each.

Nice to know a Brompton'off is possible and being done, and nice to know there might be completion delays as can sometimes happen with custom work.

Truth told, I'm done buying bikes for a good long while, and now just want to enjoy the ones I have or finish building some in progress. I need to finish brazing the last couple cable guides on my own self-built full-sus small-wheeled derailleur Folder and then paint it, but I have been too busy enjoying my Nomad!

Best to y'both and thanks,

Dan.
Title: Re: what next for Thorn?
Post by: Slammin Sammy on January 27, 2014, 08:22:38 AM
Nice to know a Brompton'off is possible and being done, and nice to know there might be completion delays as can sometimes happen with custom work.

Truth told, I'm done buying bikes for a good long while, and now just want to enjoy the ones I have or finish building some in progress. I need to finish brazing the last couple cable guides on my own self-built full-sus small-wheeled derailleur Folder and then paint it, but I have been too busy enjoying my Nomad!
Dan.

Now Dan... You yourself would be the first to admit: You can NEVER have too many bikes (although you can certainly have the wrong ones, and I often have too little shed space, and not enough money  ;D). This is our exquisite obsession!

The Kinetics site has confirmed one thing for me, though - For my next short duration OS tour, unless the transport legs are 30 days apart or more, I will seriously contemplate a folder instead of taking the Nomad. Not sure which one. Ben's got a Birdy'off on his site, as well. Might just settle for a derailleur Brompton, which many people have successfully used on round the world trips.

Added bonus: More room in the shed!  :D

Our next few tours will be Oz-based - planning a pilgrimage to Victoria's rail trails and high country (il padrone country, and certainly my inspiration), riding coastal from Newcastle. Now to find the holiday time...

Sam (Apologies for the OT sentiments...)

Title: Re: what next for Thorn?
Post by: Lemming on January 30, 2014, 07:00:25 PM
Slightly late to reply, but just to show that Bromptons can go anywhere:

(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5521/12224987514_ca01b1c87a_z.jpg)

(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3751/12224576585_4de41e1041_z.jpg)



Mine is a Steve Perry conversion, he has stopped putting Rohloffs in, so it has a Sturmey Archer 8 speed hub and a double chainring (so I can get up hills!).

Having a bike that can fold and be disguised makes things a lot easier on public transport:

(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3710/12225325845_8e558d540e_z.jpg)

[Fixed image tag so it would display. -- Dan]
Title: Re: what next for Thorn?
Post by: Danneaux on January 30, 2014, 07:10:05 PM
Wow~!  :o :o :o

Best,

Dan.
Title: Re: what next for Thorn?
Post by: Slammin Sammy on January 31, 2014, 11:43:53 AM
Slightly late to reply, but just to show that Bromptons can go anywhere:
<snip>
<snip>
Mine is a Steve Perry conversion, he has stopped putting Rohloffs in, so it has a Sturmey Archer 8 speed hub and a double chainring (so I can get up hills!).

Having a bike that can fold and be disguised makes things a lot easier on public transport:
<snip>

Amen, brother! I'm developing a serious Brompton lust... To me, it's as intriguing as... A Tardis!!!  :D ;D
Title: Re: what next for Thorn?
Post by: Danneaux on January 31, 2014, 06:30:13 PM
Hi All!

It just so happens Thorn's sister company (SJS Cycles) is a Brompton stockist. Sales at the Bridgwater store only, but every conceivable color listed and shown here: http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/brompton-folding-bikes-dept396_pg1/?geoc=us

Best,

Dan.
Title: Re: what next for Thorn?
Post by: geocycle on January 31, 2014, 09:36:48 PM

Amen, brother! I'm developing a serious Brompton lust... To me, it's as intriguing as... A Tardis!!!  :D ;D

Brilliant bit of engineering, but definitely one to try before you buy. I tried and really couldn't get used to the ride.  I bought a dahon mu instead. The fold is not so good but I much preferred the feel of the bike.