Thorn Cycles Forum
Community => Thorn General => Topic started by: RST Scout on February 23, 2017, 06:23:09 pm
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Yeah!
I am today the proud new owner of a British racing green Thorn Raven Sports Tour bike. To be delivered on Tuesday. I can't wait. I am soooooooo excited ;D ;D ;D
Still not sure of his/her name. I'm hoping it will suggest itself to me when I get it. At the moment 'Scout' is favorite.
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Congratulations! I hope you get some fine weather for your first few spins!
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Great news Janet enjoy every pedal stroke stay safe and keep her clean.
don't forget forget the photos .
the weather here in Ireland is terrible not exactly great for cycling so if your like me get the walking boots on.
well done tail winds all the way.
anto.
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Its blowing a right hoolie at the moment. Bike comes Tuesday, if it comes in the morning I shall be out in the afternoon putting it through its paces. If not, I'll be out for a ride on Wednesday. I'm praying it doesn't rain. Don't know how I'm going to get thru the weekend.
Janet
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it will be well worth the wait,
what tyres did u go for.
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As the bike was already built when I chose it, I have left it with the tyres they put on it. Schwalbe Marathon Racer's they are. I'll give them a go first before deciding whether to change them or not. I like Schwalbe's and am not particularly fussed as to what type as long as they go round ;)
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i was praying you weren't getting the marathon plus awful tyres .supreams are class tho.i would imagine the racers are slick like tyres happy days . i love the conti hardshell gatorskins 28 on the rear 25 up front.
but i don't think they come in 26ins ,still whatever works for you janet.
anto.
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Congratulations! I have marathon racers at the moment. I'm using them up as they came with the bike. They are ok but not as comfy as the supremes.
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The Racers are not like Kojaks, they do have some grip. As I will mostly be on tarmac they sound about right. I also like to go on cycle tracks/towpaths so hopefully they will cope with that as well. If not, I'll try the 1.6" Supreme or maybe the Marathon Mondial.I'm Quite happy with the Marathon Originals that I have on one of my other bikes.
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Congratulations! I have marathon racers at the moment. I'm using them up as they came with the bike. They are ok but not as comfy as the supremes.
Are the Supremes ok on tracks/towpaths?
Janet
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Janet I only ever used them on tarmac .theres not much off road cycling in my part of the country so no much help there but there great on tarmac .the racers should be fine dont go changing them just yet.
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I've ridden Supremes on some pretty gnarly trails and not had any problems with them. These days ... well right now I have studded tires on, but come March... I use Marathon Plus Tour. It was the glass and debris on roads giving me flats that got me off the Supremes.
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Janet I only ever used them on tarmac .theres not much off road cycling in my part of the country so no much help there but there great on tarmac .the racers should be fine dont go changing them just yet.
No, I won't. I'm not very heavy on tyres. I hardly ever wear them out. I'll give the Racers a good trial before deciding anything, Anto.
Jim, I haven't had a single puncture with the Marathon Originals (she says touching wood) but I do like the idea of comfort ;) I had them pumped up too hard at first. When I let some air out, they were much better.
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in case you haven't seen it already, my nifty tire pressure chart: http://interdependentscience.blogspot.com/2013/06/bicycle-tire-pressure.html
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Thanks Jim.
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Are the Supremes ok on tracks/towpaths?
Yes.
I put 2.0" Supremes on the converted mountain bike I used for my last long trip, and also have them on it's replacement Raven Tour.
They are excellent on good tarmac, with their nearly slick tread and flexible lightweight casing, which also makes them very comfortable. Not noticed any grip issues with the slick tread when using them on roads in wet weather.
Probably better than tyres with more tread on the sandy cycle-paths that I used for long stretches in France, as I reckon they didn't spray sand about as much.
To my surprise they also coped quite well with much rougher surfaces, including rock-strewn tracks in the Picos d'Europa and NW Portugal, though if I had known in advance that I would be going on that sort of surface I would probably have used something slightly tougher (Duremes) for peace of mind. The total weight of bike, rider and luggage by the time I got to the mountains was about 115 kg.
They also reasonably durable (not yet worn any out) and have fairly good puncture resistance, just two so far in about 9,000 kms.
I have also used the 1.6" version of the Supreme, in the 650B size, which is slightly larger diameter than 26". Much lighter than the similar-width Marathon ordinary I had on the bike before, and a bit more comfortable and easier running. Also coped well with towpaths and local tracks, though I haven't tested them on very rough tracks. They are now on my wife's bike after I found out that 2.0" Supremes would just fit on my 650B bike but not on hers, she appreciates the added comfort compared to the Marathons. Wife is small and light, so she can use much lower pressures than I can.
Direct comparison of 1.6" and 2.0" Supremes on the same bike - the 1.6" are a bit lighter, feel very slightly faster (no figures to prove this), noticeably less capable on very sandy tracks and (for a fairly heavy rider) less comfortable than 2.0"
Downsides of Supremes are the price, and the sidewalls are thin, so probably more vulnerable to freak accidents than something tougher like Marathon ordinary (for example unrepairable gashes caused by large pieces of broken glass or sharp metal debris).
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Janet,
I do a lot of my desert tours, logging road riding, and gravel rides on road slicks, so your Marathon Racers are well worth a try.
I am so delighted and pleased to hear your new bike will soon be in your eager hands. I hope the minutes will pass quickly until you have it in your possession, then pass slowly as you enjoy every well-deserved moment with it.
So excited for you!
All the best,
Dan.
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Great news, Janet, and I hope you enjoy every moment with your new bike! I've used both Marathon Racers (700 x 35) and Supremes (26 x 1.6), the former on my day-ride bike, the latter on my Thorn Raven. They're both good tires, and comfortable. The Racers feel slightly faster, but I'm not sure that they are.
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It's on it way ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D Oh joy! It's on it's way. Had a message just b4 saying Royal Mail's Parcelforce have him\her in their tender care (at least I hope its tender!). Will let you all know how s/he rides.
Janet
PS. Thanks for all the good wishes and information about tires (is it tyres or tires???).
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happy days Janet,
be sure to take her somewhere nice. ;)
tyres ;D ;D
anto.
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well Janet was the new baby delivered yet. ;)
anto.
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Hope it was painless.
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;D ;D very quick bob.
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Noooooooooo! Should be tomorrow. Don't worry guys, you'll know when I get it ;) Only problem is it pouring with rain all tomorrow according to the Met Office and we have a weather warning for ice. :(
Janet
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Don't know how I'm going to sleep tonight ::)
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Don't know how I'm going to sleep tonight ::)
put Dave on the telly, usually works for me ;)
good luck with the bike and weather
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Don't know how I'm going to sleep tonight
It could be worse, Janet...morning will come 8 hours earlier for you than for me! ;)
All the best,
Dan. (...who's that far behind most of you)
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Well today's the day, after all the waiting. In Edinburgh the weather is fine at the moment,
hopefully your weather will be fine and you'll get out on "scout" today. Blue skies and tailwinds
Regards Alfie
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Fine here in Aberdeen, Janet.
I'll be thinking of you on my 40 mile ride today.
Matt
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We should have heard something by now...Janet, are you and Scout doing okay?
[Maybe they're already off on a Grand Adventure... ;D ]
Best,
Dan.
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Janet if it's icy don't chance it, i broke my collorbone on black ice on the sherpa not worth the risk stay home take loads photos throw plenty sugar at it and give it the odd hug. ;)
anto.
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We should have heard something by now...Janet, are you and Scout doing okay?
[Maybe they're already off on a Grand Adventure... ;D ]
Best,
Dan.
Well, Scout has indeed arrived. Came in a bloody great box - I had murder getting it thru the porch and front door. When I looked inside she was complete, wheels attached and everything. In the past I have had to put them together. Not that I'm complaining mind. Had to tip her up on her a*se to get her thru the door and this also made her easier to get out of the box. She was well wrapped up in foam. So took my time to undo her carefully. She is perfect in every way.
Would you believe I haven't been out on her yet??? Had a lovely morning fitting her peddles, lights, bottle cage, pump and luggage rack (all the best bits off my other bikes). By the time I was satisfied it was poring down and has continued to do so for the rest of the day. She is up here by my bed!!! ::) (just for tonight, it was murder getting her up the stairs :o
Roll on tomorrow we are off out to give her a shake-down and see what she can do (shut up legs). And yes I will take photos.
Cheers,
a very happy Janet
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I bet you wake up a lot just to have another look, and then go back to sleep to dream of all the places you are going to go together. Sweet dreams. :)
Regards Alfie
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Enjoy every pedal stroke Janet,looking forward to the photos.
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Thanks all.
Goodnight.
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Best news ever, Janet! Thanks so much for the update. Really hoping for good weather on the morrow for your test ride!
All the best,
Dan.
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shes gone to bed Dan :'(
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkBvsBpgGbo
Janet where are you.
Anto
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Yep, looking forward to your report on the inaugural ride Janet! Hope you have a great time :)
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I'd say Janet looking out her window this morning and seen a lovely blue sky and said I'm out of here ,the around around the block test run turned into an epic ride.
either that or she can't get the bloody bike out the front door.
i'm hoping it's a epic spin tho. ;)
anto.
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She is up here by my bed!!! ::) (just for tonight, it was murder getting her up the stairs :o
Hoping they both didn't go downstairs the hard way. ???
Best,
Dan. (...who's getting kinda worried)
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;D ;D.
ah Dan where the hell is she i have no patience and like all women they keep a fella hanging on till the end ;D
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Give the girl a break she has obviously better things to do.
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Just joking Janet ;)
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Hi everyone. Sorry I'm late in letting you know how I got on. I was out last night at a lecture on Shakespere that was very interesting but I didn't take Scout because I didn't want to worry about her throughout the lecture.
I have done a review of her and Yes I have photos.
Please note I have changed my username from TabbyCat to RST Scout ;D
Janet
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Oh and by the way. RST now means Rough Stuff Tourer to me ;)
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;D
All good, Janet!
Best,
Dan.
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mmmm roughstuff rings a bell ;)
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Where has our janet gone.very quiet these days I miss the chat.hope all's well in her camp ;)
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She will be out enjoying herself.
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certainly hope so. 8)
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Been ill but have been out on Scout almost every day this past week. I'll post a few photos. Still messing around with the saddle position but think I might have sorted it now. I am still getting numb fingers and thumbs on occasion but still think she is a very comfortable bike (a novelty for me!). Very easy to ride, I think its because changing gear is so easy, I'm more often in the correct gear now. Usually on derailleur bikes I try to stay in the same gear regardless of the terrain and I over-tire myself.
Janet
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Hi Janet great your ok not nice being ill :'(.no idea how to get rid of numb hands maybe saddle height either to high or to low Dan would be expert on this.anyway great your back chatting .cheers anto.
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Janet
What type of handlebar grips have you on Raven? Not sure if you have drops or straight bars? I have Thorn comfort bars with the Ergon GP1 Biokork grips ...
http://www.ergon-bike.com/en/product.html?a=griffe#gptouring-series
At first I made lots of small adjustments to the angle of the grips, and found that any small adjustment to the saddle, forward or back, or to the seat height required another adjustment to the angle of the grips.
I found it best to get the seat height absolutely perfect then play around with the grip making mm adjustments before each ride. Finally I have them in the best position. Only suffered a couple of bouts of numbness on two three month tours.
Recommend the comfort bar and Ergon grips combination if you have flat bars!
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Hi Stunt,
Got the flat handlebars, Ergon GP1 grips and have added bar ends. Still fiddling around with the saddle. I agree its just micro adjustments required. I'll get there in the end. :D
Hi Anto,
It was the damned pills wot dun it! ::) . How's your back. Has the bike-fit made much difference?
Janet
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Hi janet,bike fit was great but the back is knackered im afraid.I finished with the group rides last week just to fast.got a lovely spin in today today photos on facebook.good your back out roll on the summer.
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I've just been reading an article that says lower back pain is a symptom of road vibration :( Have you tried one of those flexi seatposts? I fancy one but they are expensive.
Janet
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i have indeed Janet but the set back is all wrong for me .ah it's the pace that screws me up big time i'll just have to learn to ride easier pace myself .if i buy one more thing cycling the wife will deck me for sure :'( :'( :'(
anto
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I quite agree, pace yourself. Just do what you want to, how you want to. Life's too short. I've given up with groups too.
Janet
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I enjoy solo suits me better these days.the groupis a good craic but yeah t heres always one that wants t o push up the pace I jus t leave them a t it.
An t o
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if i buy one more thing cycling the wife will deck me for sure :'( :'( :'(
Should I put a gum shield in t box with t bag ;)
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not a bad idea ;D ;D.
my lovely Terry Dolan bike is in the spare room wheel less gathering dust not a chance in the world will she allow me to buy a set of wheels for it. huh feckin women just dont understand.
Janet will you marry me . ;)
anto
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my lovely Terry Dolan bike is in the spare room wheel less gathering dust
Anto, Is your T D 700cc?
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yes 700c i was using the wheels i have now on my audax , great wheels but if i swap them over i have to change cassette everytime pain in the ass so i need a new set .
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will send you a PM.
Apologies Janet for hijacking your thread :)
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;) sure no harm looking Paul ;D
cheers
anto.
ps don't tell me wife for god sake. :'(
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not a bad idea ;D ;D.
my lovely Terry Dolan bike is in the spare room wheel less gathering dust not a chance in the world will she allow me to buy a set of wheels for it. huh feckin women just dont understand.
Janet will you marry me . ;)
anto
What makes you think I would let you spend money on more wheels ;D ;)
Janet
LOL
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will send you a PM.
Apologies Janet for hijacking your thread :)
No problem at all Paul, hijack away.
Janet
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not a bad idea ;D ;D.
my lovely Terry Dolan bike is in the spare room wheel less gathering dust not a chance in the world will she allow me to buy a set of wheels for it. huh feckin women just dont understand.
Janet will you marry me . ;)
anto
What makes you think I would let you spend money on more wheels ;D ;)
Janet
LOL
;D ;D ;D fellas will never figure out women thats the truth.
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Mmmmaybe Janet would like new wheels, too! ;)
All the best,
Dan.
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The things one reads when sitting in a hotel room killing time ::) ;D ;D
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We are here to cheer you up paul,im not giving up n new wheels or janet ust yet she didn't say no so im stil in there ;)
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Anto if you get a divorce you will not need new wheels as you won't have any bikes and probably no tent to live in.
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Shes not getting me bikes bob
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You think so. :'( :'( :'( :'(
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Ah im just joking bob we are to long together to part now sure you have to have th e craic ;).
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Phew, off the hook! ;)
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Janet
(and no I don't need any new wheels. Isn't a new bike enough???)
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Not yet janet.u could do worse honest. ;D
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I'm really happy for you Janet. I have a Nomad, because I was caught dreaming of a world tour, and then when I got sober, I bought an RST, like you have, and am completely in love with that bike. I run Kojak 1.25" tires on it and am pretty happy with the ride. Here most of my time is on paved roads and the Kojaks seem a lot faster that my Marathon supremes and Mondials, both, with no negatives that I can find. (so far)