Thorn Cycles Forum
Community => Thorn General => Topic started by: lewis noble on November 22, 2017, 04:53:19 pm
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Hello
As I mentioned in a thread on tyres, I have ordered a new-build Audax.
I've often rambled on about how good my Sherpa is, and I still think that 100%. Round town, the braking, flat bars, good wheels etc makes a bike with few equals in my opinion . . . on tracks / lanes in bad weather as well. But on longer rides, on good surfaces (e.g. my ride from Brittany to Limoges in France last year) it was fine . . .but not at it's best. I hope to get back to France next Spring, and would welcome something that would lope along better.
I remember Dan the Oregon Sage suggesting when I was considering the Sherpa that I looked at Club Tour or Audax , but to save money I swapped the components from my Ripio (another superb bike) to a light Sherpa frame. So now, I'll end up spending more by trying to save money . . .
It's now about 45 years since I rode drop bars, and I was quite worried about this. I had a go on my daughters bike, and Evans Cycles loaned me one of their sportif bikes for a trial ride, a Carbon Fuji. I got the hang of the bars and STI quite easily.
Several months ago, I sent my details, bike measurements etc to SJSC and Dave Whittle reckoned I needed a 555S. I had quite fancied the Audax 550 advertised on the web as an EX TEST bike, with a double and a huge 11 sp chain ring. I calculated that a 550 should do for me. But my visit to Thorn confirmed what Dave thought, the 555S is better, and I ended up with reservations about the already built bike with the 11 - 46 cassette.
So I bit the bullet and ordered a new build. Gunmetal, a colour I liked. Wide range 11 - 36 cassette, and some modest upgrades to wheels, brakes, shifters . . . . modest on their own but they sure add up.
DT Swiss rims and Supreme tyres.
The Sherpa? That will still get plenty of use.
It should be ready week before Christmas, more details then. As always, it was good to see Dave and the others and I was well advised and cared for I reckon. Thanks Sarah.
Lewis
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All congratulations on the forthcoming Audax, Lewis. Looking forward to photos and reports on this one!
All the best,
Dan.
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Well done Lewis .love my Audax climbing hills is a doddle on the audax .I got a probike fit on mine made a big difference.I have lower back problems i can now ride more miles almost pain free.look forward to the photos.
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Awesome Lewis,I brought the other test Audax,the gunmetal 570 and it's a superb bike,goes up any hill round here (Derbyshire) and very comfortable,I swapped the 23mm tyres for some 28mm Durano's and the bar tape for some quality Lizard skins,put a Brooks Cambrain C17 carved on her and thats about it,looking forward to see the pictures of your new bike.
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Lewis,
Well done and enjoy the Audax when it arrives.
I too was down at Thorn a week or so back. I purchased another Audax in green with 853 Reynolds forks. It has now been built in my spare bedroom and pictures should follow.....
Enjoy!
John
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Very interested to know how you find the audax Lewis. That would probably my n+1, or perhaps a Mercury! I do love my RST but....
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Patience, Geo!! By the way, I think you are based in North Lancashire? Not flooded out I hope? Or cycle tracks washed away?
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Patience, Geo!! By the way, I think you are based in North Lancashire? Not flooded out I hope? Or cycle tracks washed away?
Record 24h rainfall and almost up to the bottom bracket, managed to keep the rohloff out of the water though. Snow and ice today in Cumbria, hills looked fantastic but turned back because of ice.
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I do love my RST but....
What's the but?
I've always had an Audax type bike since I started cycling a couple of decades ago and have done a fair few Audax, but my preferences have changed and it hardly gets ridden. I'm hoping the new Mercury will replace both the Audax and Touring bikes (My touring preferences have also changed, more miles less camping).
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Gunmetal, a colour I liked. Wide range 11 - 36 cassette, and some modest upgrades to wheels, brakes, shifters . . . . modest on their own but they sure add up.
DT Swiss rims and Supreme tyres.
The S
Sounds a good setup, that gunmetal is a lovely finish, I'd only seen it on the website it's even better than I expected.
Ha, I know what you mean about the "extras" I started off with a budget, then once over it must have gone a little mad! With all my major purchases if it's the right thing the price is easily forgotten.
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Hello again, sorry, I've been working off my phone the last couple of days, and hadn't noticed the posts from John, Ridgeback PH etc. Thanks for comments. Ridgeback, where in Derbyshire are you? I'm in Broomhill, Sheffield, and Ringinglow, Stanedge etc is one of my favourite routes . . . PM if you prefer . . .
Lewis
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Sent you a PM, John . . .
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Nice one Lewis, hope you have lots of fun. I'm also looking at getting an Audax. Like Geo, I love my RST but she is soooo heavy. Love the Rohloff gears but the weight :( I did my back in and aggrivated my shoulder recently heaving Scout on and off trains so I'm after something really light. Think I've got a name for it but can't decide on the colour. Waiting to see pictures of your new baby.
Janet
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Waiting for delivery, which should be some time today - sp be patient, Janet! In fact, mine will be BRG Imron, not gunmetal, it turned out that they were out of stock of gunmetal in my size. No problem, perfectly OK with either.
Lewis
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Waiting for delivery, which should be some time today - sp be patient, Janet! In fact, mine will be BRG Imron, not gunmetal, it turned out that they were out of stock of gunmetal in my size. No problem, perfectly OK with either.
Lewis
Lewis,
Enjoy!
I have BRG waiting here new never taken outside yet,
John
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Hi Lewis,I live in Ilkeston
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Updates, Lewis? :D
Best,
Dan.
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New Audax no longer on the way - arrived!
Delivered to my son's work in a huge box yesterday late afternoon - only just managed to squeeze it into the campervan to get it home. No signs of damage, though some penetration type injuries to box. (Box now being enjoyed by grandchildren!)
No photos yet, I'm afraid, I set the bike up, rode it round the block a couple of times, now in garage as the weather is bad tonight, forecast to get worse . . . and we're off for a long weekend away so it's secured up.
First impressions - beautifully made, everything works v smoothly. BRG is a deep rich green - I would have been happy with any colour except fuschia, but especially wanted one of the Imron finishes - supposedly stronger?? The Supreme tyres (700 x 32) are a tight fit, but it all works, and I have been very impressed with these tyres on Sherpa - I may swap them to something else in the summer weather. My spare Thorn Velo saddle fitted - suits me well enough.
The bike is very comfortable and lively, ok on a short stretch of cobbles near where we live. Riding position fine, though I think I will be flipping the stem to get the bars marginally higher and, in the future, cutting down the steerer tube - once I'm sure! I think the flipped stem will suit me better - may need to be shorter, I have a few alternatives in spares box - and will enable me to make it look better proportioned. But it was amazing how accurate the basic set-up was, Thorn always seem to get it right in my experience.
The Tubus Airey rack looks good, and is in fact wide enough on the top for a small pencil-case sized bag I often use - with some thin bungee cord I will make up.
I reckon I may review the bars - the drop seems too low, the vertical distance between hoods and drops too great - but not much alternative available on the Thorn list as far as I can see. For review, no rush. My main concern is how I will get on with drops, especially in urban riding - I last rode drops in 1968!! apart from a few short trials on borrowed / loaned bikes . . . I seem to have to get down too low too operate the brakes properly, but I am of course used to the Sherpa with my fingers on / near the levers and able to apply brakes strongly and instantly - but these are things I will have to try out - I hope the weather improves.
Photos will phollow on my return from holiday . . . . will be working from a phone so unlikely to respond to comments for a few days after tomorrow.
Lewis
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Congratulations and thanks for the followup, Lewis!
(Box now being enjoyed by grandchildren!)
I'm guessing they are enjoying it as much as you are the bike! ;D
I reckon I may review the bars - the drop seems too low, the vertical distance between hoods and drops too great...
I found the same and a switch to short-reach/compact drops and a change in stem length did me fine. A nice set of randonneur 'bars as I have on my three rando bikes isn't a bad choice, thanks to the nice upward bend on the tops and slight flare on the shallow/compact drops.
Looking forward to photos when you return, Lewis.
All the best,
Dan.
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My main concern is how I will get on with drops, especially in urban riding - I last rode drops in 1968!! apart from a few short trials on borrowed / loaned bikes . . . I seem to have to get down too low too operate the brakes properly, but I am of course used to the Sherpa with my fingers on / near the levers and able to apply brakes strongly and instantly - but these are things I will have to try out - I hope the weather improves.
I know what you mean! I really struggled with the drop bars on my son's bike after 30 years of not using them. I find it much easier to ride one handed and brake on flat bars while signalling than on drops. As you say this is more of an urban issue. There is also that worrying moment when you grab for fresh air! Looking forward to seeing the pictures.
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Update - more sleet and snow overnight, roads clear but very sticky with salty mush =, so not a lot to report. I've sat on the bike quite a bit, and yes, more compact bars needed. I never realised that drop bars varied so much. I think the upgrade bars offered on the Audax, PRO-PLT, are still to deep and long, most likely choice at the moment are Bontrager VRC - and I have a 31.8 stem of the right angle etc as well, from a sort-out of my daughter's Trek.
I don't think the Bontrager bars have a cable channel, I don't know how important that is, I doubt if it matters much and I think my daughter's Trek has those bars and they feel fine.
It's a long time since I re-taped bars - some websites suggest that they have to be wound different ways and differently in different parts of the bars, to cope with the stresses caused by the riders grip - I doubt if that will be an issue for me, but I don't recall it being that difficult. I doubt if I'll get it as neat as Dave Whittle and his colleagues, though.
Photos before too long I hope.
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I don't think the Bontrager bars have a cable channel, I don't know how important that is...
It won't matter, really. The channels are rarely large enough to completely sink the cable housings anyway. Taping and/or padding will bridge the gap over the housing nicely. Just be sure the housing is located under the 'bars or to the inside so you won't be resting your hands uncomfortably in it.
Before using handlebar tape, I secure the housings to the 'bars using vinyl electrical tape. Makes the job oh-so-much easier and faster.
I usually begin taping from the ends, so successive wraps are shingled over the ones below and are less likely to curl at the edges due to hand pressure over time. It last longer for me this way. As an added touch, I mirror the wraps on each side...in other words, if I start wrapping outside-to-in on the right, I also wrap outside-to-in on the left. Just an added sign of care.
You'll do fine; all encouragement. :)
All the best,
Dan.
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Will try and post photos . . .
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More I hope
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Tried to post photo of bars/front end, but kept getting error messages. Not to worry. Revised bars will change appearance quite a bit anyway.
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I'm hoping the Audax will be ok on hills . . . . but I think I'd need a quadruple chain ring to manage that one!
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Very nice, Lewis. The dark green is splendid--not so common these days, but a lovely colour.
Be interested to hear about your gearing and the hills. On my ti-framed derailleur bike, I have a 24-36-48 triple at the front, and an 11-32 at the rear. That gives me a low of 20.6 gear-inches. For me, that's OK for hills up to 12% or so, and a couple of kms of climbing; anything more requires a real effort. My Raven, by comparison, has three gears below 20: 3rd is 19.8, 1st is 15.4. Much more flexible, and that's why I'm taking it with me to Oz, where the hills in the Queensland/NSW border ranges are often 15% and more.
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Tried to post photo of bars/front end, but kept getting error messages.
The Forum attachment software gets a bit shaky when handling large file sizes. Best chances for success come if the uploaded photo is reduced in size before uploading.
A lovely machine uou have there, Lewis, in a gorgeous color. I feel sure you'll get things sorted soon enough. A simple change in 'bar shape can do wonders to make the cockpit feel like home.
All the best,
Dan.
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Thanks guys - not sure how to resize photos from android phone, will transfer to computer. My lowest gear on the Audax is around 19 ins I think, John, I've got the widest possible range of gearing. I'm happy with that - Sherpa is 16 ins, but probably better at v low speeds anyway. I guess the Audax will be better on gently undulating terrain, which is ok with me. First significant ride will probably be Monday.
Fiddling with bikes most of today - sorting out daughter's 30 yr old Norco . . . She loves it, but found it hard to carry up 2 flights of stairs where she now lives! Seat post seized . . . Oh dear.
Lewis
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...not sure how to resize photos from android phone...
It varies by Android edition and device/app, but for the default app, there is usually an option for resizing in the gallery (where the photos are stored after taking). Usual options are 10%, 25%, 50% and 74% of original size. Just look at the file size for a typical, unaltered photo and pick a reduction that will result in file size of ~400 for Forum uploads. <25% on a recent Android phone will likely do the trick. It might take a little experimentation.
Looking forward to your Monday ride report, Lewis. Hoping the weather is favorable enough to allow it.
All the best,
Dan.
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Very nice, hope you have many happy miles together.
I wouldn't be in a hurry to change the bars, if you've not ridden drops in a while any are going to take some getting used to.
There doesn't look to be a lot of clearance under the guards, OK on clean Tarmac, but I wouldn't be happy with it on any of my routes. Not for any safety reasons, but when I ride my bike with close clearance (Not as close as that) I end up having to stop and clear the muck from acting as a drag brake!
Does the Audax only have one set of rear eyelets? I was disappointed that the Mercury does, I'd have preferred to be able to remove rack or mudguards without it effecting the other. I assumed it was to accommodate the disc brake, but if Thorn are doing the same on non disc models it's hard to fathom the reasoning.
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Hello PH
Yes, the clearance is tight, with 32 Supremes, I think normally the max size on other tyres is 28. I went for the Supremes because I have found them so good on slippery urban and rural surfaces - no 28 available. In summer, I'll probably put 28s on, perhaps the Contis that Anto likes so much. Open minded about tyres.
Lewis
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Trying again . . .
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Your brake quick release levers are open in those photos, in case you hadn't noticed?
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Thanks Rual . . . No, I hadn't noticed and I need to get into the habit of checking . . .
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Lewis can't really view those photos (to big) but i have no doubt it's only CLASS,i had the surpeams on the sherpa great tyres but the conti's are way better the 28 is plenty wide enough 90psi seems to be the sweet spot for me but each to there own on pressure ;D
why all the spacers i only need 3 on mine .
anyway best of luck tail winds.
anto.
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Hello Anto - been waiting to hear from you! What took you so long?! Will swap tyres in the Spring I expect. Weather has broken out all the potholes around here again . . .
Spacers - will be sorted out once bars decided on, and as new stem needed (I have a 7 set one which should be fine) spacers will probably be reduced. I agree that fewer probably better, but better too many than too few on a new build.
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7 degrees not 7 set . . .
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I'm a little surprised in the last photo that the brake blocks are only half way down the slot, rather than at the bottom like on the rear brake. Just had a look in the mega brochure and all the 853 forks seem to have the blocks at the bottom, that's an extra few useful mm of clearance when running larger tyres. Are you sure everything is adjusted to maximise it?
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Hello PH . . . The blocks seem fine when brakes applied, well clear of the tyres - yes, perhaps in the outer section of the rim brake track but no problem at present. I guess that is the sort of thing I will need to keep an eye on as the pads wear and bed in, and thank for pointing up the need to check periodically. I hesitate to alter brake settings as I can never get them squeal free, which is why my Sherpa has brakes with cartridge blocks - removable pads - so they are still as sjsc set them up >2 years ago. Perhaps these brakes have removable pads as well? is that what the little screw is for? I have a lot to learn, and have not ploughed through the sheaf of instruction leaflets yet . . .
Lewis
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Yes those brakes are cartridge style with removable pads. But, by the time you come to change them you might find the tiny allen screw has seized and rounds off when you try to remove it! This has happened to me a few times.
Now I tend not to bother and just change the whole thing or use non cartridge style blocks.
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Hello Anto - been waiting to hear from you! What took you so long?! Will swap tyres in the Spring I expect. Weather has broken out all the potholes around here again . . .
Spacers - will be sorted out once bars decided on, and as new stem needed (I have a 7 set one which should be fine) spacers will probably be reduced. I agree that fewer probably better, but better too many than too few on a new build.
Lewis i have serious bad toothache dancing about the place this 3 feckin days i'm praying i can get to a dentist in the morning fingers crossed.
great bike my friend enjoy hope the weather picks up soon .it not to bad over here cold but seen worse.i havent been cycling in 6 weeks taking a break.
anto
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2 teeth pulled im in feckon agony away to me bed :'( :'(
anto
the toothless wonder.
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Brick thrown out of window, piece of string round the tooth, Anto? Not pleasant, good luck with it.
Been out today, will write up when I get the chance . . . Bars definitely for changing, no other major issues, more to follow in day or so.
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Oh :o Poor Anto! :'( Good thoughts are with you.
Looking forward to your road reports, Lewis. Take care as well.
Best,
Dan.
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Waiting for delivery, which should be some time today - sp be patient, Janet! In fact, mine will be BRG Imron, not gunmetal, it turned out that they were out of stock of gunmetal in my size. No problem, perfectly OK with either.
Lewis
My RST is BRG. Nice colour :D I thinking of going for red on my Audax.
Janet
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Lewis, thanks for those photos. They show me what my new bike will look like ;D Those tyres do look a bit tight. I'm getting Schwalbe G-One Speed, they're 30c tubeless. I hope there's more room for them under the mudguards/fenders. I see you've got the Tubus Airy. I'm going for one of those plus a saddle with titanium rails. Hopefully it will all add to a reduction in weight.
Good (and safe) cycling, Lewis.
Janet
Anto, how's your poor mouth?
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Not to bad now janet back to dentistin the morning hope I get dentures sorted or there'll be no turkey for anto. Soup.happy christmas everyone stay safe and keep g hose bike clean.
Anto.
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Well, I was out yesterday on the Audax, first real venture. Not far, around 10 miles, but in pretty difficult circumstancs as far as I was concerned, heavy traffic, lots of road works, urban riding, tramlines . . . . Would have preferred something in more open country, but had things to do other side of Sheffield.
All went OK, the Audax was certainly easier up long moderate hills than the Sherpa (Shalesmoor to Broomhill if anyone knows Sheffield), and felt stable and predictable, comfortable, with none of the twitchiness that other dropped bikes I have tried demonstrated . . .
The ride served to convince me that the bars have to go. I was OK on the flats, a little too far forward on the hoods, and the drops . . . . . I felt most uncomfortable and vulnerable, I have got so used to having 2 - 3 fingers on the brake levers at all times . . . So downhill, I ended up a good bit slower than on the Sherpa. New Bontrager bars on the way, should arrive in a day or so. I chose them because my daughters Trek, one of the bikes I played around with, has them, and I got on with them much better even on an overall less comfortable frame.
It just goes to show that a showroom fitting, however carefully done, is no substitute for actual experience on the road.
So I'm persisting with the green machine, and should replace the bars this weekend . . . .I doubt if much else will be happening . . . .
Best wishes to everyone.
Lewis
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Update (in case you read my earlier version):
Lewis: may suggest a shorter and steeper stem (keep the original handy) and not to cut the steerer for a while? Also persevere for a bit. Changing from one bike to another is a often a major shock! Trust the bike fit that Thorn did and be ready to move slowly from a higher/nearer position (with the new bars and stem) to where they recommended as you get used to it even if that means changing the stem and bars over again until you are happy - you won't get it in one day/one try.
Also find a nice quiet flat road and keep going out on it for short trips - it's like learning to ride a bike again!
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Thanks, horizon, yes, the steered will remain uncut indefinitely I expect . . . my new stem is 6 deg instead of 17, I prefer the shallower angle in lots of ways. Even if I end up with a spacer or two on top of the bars, no problem for me. Working on it!!
Lewis
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New bars fitted . . . .what a difference!! No particular problems (other than 'losing' the thread in levers when unscrewing the clamp - easier to disengage than re-engage!! - lesson learned), bars currently covered / cables secured with insulating tape / pipe wrap while I work on final position of levers etc. But I feel just so much more comfortable when riding, very good on tops and hoods, drops / brakes fine, quickly and comfortably sustained position.
New bars are Bontrager VR-S, bought from Trek outlet in Manchester. I already had a Trek 31.8 mm clamp stem from working on / revising my daughter's Trek, making her road bike more congenial for her style and city riding.
I will post more details and picture once all sorted. And I guess my position may need to change as I get used to the new bike and style etc.
Best wishes to all for Christmas.
A happier Lewis
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good stuff Lewis happy cycling enjoy Christmas roll on the summer.
anto.
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Yay! :)
Best,
Dan.
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Good ride yesterday, not all that far, but the 'outer' section, from Sheffield out west into the hills, was a steady uphill and strong headwind. Felt fine, better uphill than on the Sherpa. It's my favourite 'training' route, no idea of time or speed, not too bothered anyway and stopped a couple of times to re-adjust saddle etc. Then flew downhill back into Sheffield, along a recently resurfaced road, haven't been so fast on a bike in decades.
I felt much more secure and confident, very pleased. Audax very comfortable ride, and although most of the surfaces were good, it swept over the irregularities and defects very well.
So, all in all, things are looking up!!
Once set up is finalised, I will post pictures, insulating tape and pipe wrap still on the bars at present.
Best wishes for Christmas and New Year to everyone
Lewis
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Well, I was out yesterday on the Audax, first real venture. Not far, around 10 miles, but in pretty difficult circumstancs as far as I was concerned, heavy traffic, lots of road works, urban riding, tramlines . . . . Would have preferred something in more open country, but had things to do other side of Sheffield.
All went OK, the Audax was certainly easier up long moderate hills than the Sherpa (Shalesmoor to Broomhill if anyone knows Sheffield), and felt stable and predictable, comfortable, with none of the twitchiness that other dropped bikes I have tried demonstrated . . .
The ride served to convince me that the bars have to go. I was OK on the flats, a little too far forward on the hoods, and the drops . . . . . I felt most uncomfortable and vulnerable, I have got so used to having 2 - 3 fingers on the brake levers at all times . . . So downhill, I ended up a good bit slower than on the Sherpa. New Bontrager bars on the way, should arrive in a day or so. I chose them because my daughters Trek, one of the bikes I played around with, has them, and I got on with them much better even on an overall less comfortable frame.
It just goes to show that a showroom fitting, however carefully done, is no substitute for actual experience on the road.
So I'm persisting with the green machine, and should replace the bars this weekend . . . .I doubt if much else will be happening . . . .
Best wishes to everyone.
Lewis
Drop bars are best. Keep trying!
Happy New Year
John
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Update . . . . I've now done several short rides on the Audax, getting better all the time. More cold weather and ice forecast, but hopefully I'll be able to get out more soon - January was difficult because of hours of practicing for a difficult concert . . . now over.
I replaced the bars, and as mentioned above, a great improvement. At first, I was pretty discouraged and seriously contemplated returning the bike, but the new bars have reassured me that I will beat the beast. I've put 28mm Gatorshells on, as per anto, and the ride is firmer than on the Supremes, but I think faster - time will tell. The Thorn velo saddle suits well enough at the moment, but I may swap that, again for anto's fizik - looks ok for me and he sounds like a sensible fellow.
Having got the bars set up the way that suits me, I got tape to put on . . . . . not as easy as it looks on the videos!! Nowhere near as neat as Dave and his team got it . . . . . but it will do for now and I might choose better quality tape and get someone more practiced to do it. I could waste a lot of money getting it right . . . . but I do want it to look tidy.
So all in all, after c 45 years on straight bars, I'm pretty pleased with the way things are going. The Audax is very stable and secure feeling, and I like being able to change back posture.
My dtr-in-law bought a new bike last Autumn, she is a fit and active 33ys old. Pinnacle Arkose. Nicely made, though gears are too tight a range for her to manage some Sheffield hills. And she cannot get the posture right! Very short steerer tube limits options, but I have bought her the same bars as I now have (Bontrager VR-S) and a shorter angled stem, and I will swap things over soon. So Thorn's policy of wide gear range and long steerer gets more support . . . .
Will post more photos soon.
Lewis
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God stuff Lewis safe riding ,i got a lovely 25 miles in today on my lovely audax best day we had in months so i made the most of it,anyway enjoy keep her clean.
btw what were you practicing 8)
anto.
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I'm a keen amateur trombonist . . . . Ravels Bolero, tricky and you're on your own. And some Gershwin too. But all ok on the night.
Take care, anto.
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good stuff i love all music,
im listening to a great album (vinal) Al Di Mealo Splendido hotel brilliant, next up is Chuck Mangione ..feels so good brilliant album.
but at heart im a led zeplin man when i play zep i play it loud yeah i know i'm a geek but what can i say.
great to hear a good musician .
anto
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I'm a keen amateur trombonist . . . . Ravels Bolero, tricky and you're on your own. And some Gershwin too. But all ok on the night.
Take care, anto.
Lewis,
Not sure about your musical taste as a Bee Gees and Bowie enthusiast, but the Audax sounds nice.
I suspect that a ride down past Rivelin and Dam Flask might be a good route from where you live?
All the best,
John
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Posting photo . . . Will write more when on computer.
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Those tyres look a far better fit, much less likely to get something caught.
Having said that, there's been a couple of rides this winter where I've had to stop and clear the mud from under my guards, even with a minimum of 10mm clearance, that's been on a couple of bikes, I think we've just had the weather that's meant sticky mud.
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Able to type more easily now . . .
The Audax is now much more suited to me - I took this photo after a short ride this morning to my tame LBS, who did the bar tape far better than I had been able to - and saved me the cost of wasted tape!
I'm now very comfortable on the hoods, and fine on the drops as well, and feel much more in control. The LBS mechanic, I've known him for years, commented - '. . . . got the bars up into the sky, haven't you? . . . ' but that's the way I like and need it, and I am getting increasingly converted to this set-up. I've seen no other bike that gives this degree of flexibility. As the season goes on, and I get fitter, I may drop the bars down a spacer or two - I have done that before on my Sherpa - but I am fine for now.
I feel 100% happier about the bike than I did before Christmas. STI kit working fine, I reckon it may catch on.
My plans? Get some decent day rides in, and we are planning to go to Provence in September, around Mt Ventoux . . . . The Audax will clearly be better than the Sherpa (even my lightweight spec Sherpa that I have rattled on about so much) on long steady gradients, the sort of terrain I am happy with.
As Paul has already commented, I changed the tyres for 28mm Gatorshells, and also the saddle, now a Fizik the same as Anto's. We must have something in common . . . I'll be having a saddle clearout in the Spring.
Lewis - Sheffield
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Lewis is that a 28 on the back?
if your hitting the mountains stick a 36 on ;)
i have 34 on my audax i can get up most hills only defeated once :'(
anto.
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It's the lowest gearing available, Anto. 36. And I think 26 on the smallest chainring. Yes, I'm a low gear fella . . .
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id say you have 34 up front the 11 to 34 on the rear is great .Tiagra new 10speed cassette.
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Not certain, I'll check tomorrow.
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What size tyres are those? You seem to have packed in something wider than 28's under those fenders.
You post makes me wonder about an Audax (again) just when I'm about to buy a Surly LHT. It was the 28" tyres that make me decide against the Audax frame as well as the fact that now they sell the bike without a fork that can handle low riders, which I won't like without. There is a fuscia frame in my size left, however. Is fuschia pink a many color, I wonder. I actually like the thought of bright pink bike after a few pints. Makes me think that nobody will be likely to steal it. :)
You description of the ride does not help my willpower on bit.
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28 is wide enough for most rides including touring .the conti gator skins hardshell are class tyres ,experts will tell you smaller wider tyres are the way to go, load of nonsense .my audax with 28 tyres will tackle all the cycling i get up to and a bit more.
great bike the Thorn Audax especially the one i have. ;)
anto.
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Definitely 28mm tyres, Continental Gatorskins folding. They fit much better, with the 32 Supremes, much as I like Supremes, I could hear grit and gravel from roadworks etc scraping between tyre and guard. The 32 Supremes would be fine without guards.
The Gatorskins were a pain to fit - Anto, do you find they get easier? Or are you just hoping you never get a puncture??!!
Gearing - 11 - 36T cassette, 48/36/26 chainrings.
Pavel - the Fuschia pink is an interesting colour . . . . I am hopeless on colours, red/green colourblind, I was unable to wire up plugs on the old cable coding, and I once polished my wife's shoes the wrong colour. But the actual frames look darker to me than they look in the on-line brochure, and although I would not have chosen the colour, they looked better than I was expecting.
Lewis
Lewis
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Lewis that's a great range of gears leave well enough alone.
no never had a problem fitting the tyres i usually start at valve work both ways just roll it on to rim .a trick is to put your foot into tyre and pull hard ish just to stretch it a wee bit ,should pop on no problem.
anto.
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Nearly 3 months after the last post, so getting up to date . . . .
Rides on the Audax have been lengthening as the weather has improved. I have got used to the drops now, after a lot of fiddling with the rotational position of the bars and siting of the brake levers. I'm pleased with that, after such a long spell on nondrops (?? i.e straight bars of various styles!!).
It really is beginning to settle down now. The only thing I have had to adjust is the gear L limit screw, 1/4 turn, as the gears have bedded in to real changes rather than while mounted on a stand in the build. I've changed the brake pads from the standard Shimano to Koolstop - much better and kinder on the rims in my experience.
The other major change is that I have changed to bar end shifters . . . oh goodness, more cost . . . . I was tempted to do that when ordering, but stuck to STIs as they were cheaper and everyone said I would get used to them. The STIs worked very well, but on longer rides, anything 1 hour +, my arthritic hands really played up with the sideways twisting movement. The bar ends are perhaps less convenient, but on balance I prefer them. My preference and choice. So by saving money in the build I ended up spending more - I'm sure I'm not the only one. I will keep the other levers for the time being.
With much of my riding (if not the distances) being urban, I may well revert to the Sherpa for that, but I have been using the Audax all the time to get used to it.
Lewis
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Happy day's Lewis lets hope the summer rolls around real quick get some nice warm cycling in the legs.
keep safe and keep that bike clean, ;)
Anto.
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Nearly 3 months after the last post, so getting up to date . . . .
Rides on the Audax have been lengthening as the weather has improved. I have got used to the drops now, after a lot of fiddling with the rotational position of the bars and siting of the brake levers. I'm pleased with that, after such a long spell on nondrops (?? i.e straight bars of various styles!!).
It really is beginning to settle down now. The only thing I have had to adjust is the gear L limit screw, 1/4 turn, as the gears have bedded in to real changes rather than while mounted on a stand in the build. I've changed the brake pads from the standard Shimano to Koolstop - much better and kinder on the rims in my experience.
The other major change is that I have changed to bar end shifters . . . oh goodness, more cost . . . . I was tempted to do that when ordering, but stuck to STIs as they were cheaper and everyone said I would get used to them. The STIs worked very well, but on longer rides, anything 1 hour +, my arthritic hands really played up with the sideways twisting movement. The bar ends are perhaps less convenient, but on balance I prefer them. My preference and choice. So by saving money in the build I ended up spending more - I'm sure I'm not the only one. I will keep the other levers for the time being.
With much of my riding (if not the distances) being urban, I may well revert to the Sherpa for that, but I have been using the Audax all the time to get used to it.
Lewis
Hi Lewis, how are you finding the bar end shifters? Do they catch on your legs when out of the saddle climbing? I've had STIs on non-thorn bikes and I am a bit lukewarm about them. It is a long time since I used DT shifters and have never had bar ends, so I'm interested in your thoughts. Still like them?
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Hello Geo - I only spotted this post after writing up my weekend ride, so back here now.
Bar end shifters . . . mixed, really. For me, a 37 mile / 3 - 4 hr ride as on Saturday would have been very difficult with STIs, as I reckon my arthritic hand joints and an old injury would have played up rotten. I find the twisting movement required on STIs very uncomfortable.
But there is no doubt in my mind that STIs are more convenient, and fall more easily to hand. Moving down to change gear on bar-ends can induce a slight wobble, for me anyway, and so I find I tend to 'block-shift' (i.e. 2 - 3 cogs at once rather than individually go up and down reacting to road surfaces etc as people often do with STIs). I tend to settle down on a cog and stay there. My shifters still feel stiff - but I think the resistance can be adjusted with the centre screw (keeping tight enough to stop it slipping) so I will experiment with that.
For me, bar ends are the more comfortable and on the longer rides I hope to do, the best solution, but I can understand people being unhappy with them.
The Thorn brochure goes on about bar-end shifters being more reliable / longer lasting. Why is that? Is part of it that people change gear less frequently?? I suspect also that there are also mechanical factors - STIs, especially the ones where the gear cables follow the bars, have a lot of stressed components in small spaces, whereas the mechanics of bar end shifters look unbreakable . . . A very experienced cycling friend, he's built and ridden dozens of road bikes over the years, suggests that the more basic STIs (i.e. the gear cable coming out at right angles to the lever assembly) are more reliable, though they look less 'tidy' and make fitting a bar bag more difficult.
Are you still thinking / dreaming about an Audax?? No hesitation in recommending the bike. My Audax was a real leap in the dark for me, no experience on drops for almost 50 years, but I feel safe and secure on it. For urban riding, I think my Sherpa will still be first choice, larger tyres which are good on our potholed roads (despite the controversial PFI road mending deal!!), hands near brakes all the time etc . . . .but for most touring rides, I'm more or less converted to drops . . .
My last drop bar bike was a Witcombe road bike I found in a Gloucestershire junk shop in 1965. Fitted like a glove. 5 speeds, with a downtube shifter. I learnt how to fix / maintain it, I fitted a double chainset (called a double clanger in those days) and bar end shifters, and by accident the ratios worked out on a 'up on cassette, down on rings' or vice versa, so I steamed along on 10 close ratios. I did some long rides on it, from Liverpool where I was at University into N Wales etc. . . . . . but it was stolen a few years later. Thereafter, the MTB craze got hold . . . .
Regards
Lewis
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Thanks Lewis, most informative and helpful. Sorry to hear of the arthritic hands, must be difficult for you and I can understand why bar ends might be better. i can also imagine wobbling while changing being so out of practice with drops. My last drop bike was a Viking superstar 5 speed which I loved as a teenager, since then I have had flat bar bikes including my wonderful RST. My son's Raleigh cycle cross styled bike has STIs. I do have an n+1 itch and an audax is definitely interesting as it is different to the RST. i had previously been lusting after a mercury but I think it would overlap with the RST quite a bit.
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Hi Lewis,
Since your last post I was thinking there's been a long hot summer, and wondered how the Audax is going now?
All the best.
Joe
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Hello Joe . . . V limited signal where I am so brief reply. Still going v well, no issues at all, no repairs other than minor adjusts to gear cables/limit screw as components bed in. Now settled on Schwalbe One 700-28 tyres, 32 Supremes too tight in my view and now on wife. Her bike that is. I enjoy riding it. Not a carbon lightweight but comfortable on mixed surfaces, and climbs well. Lewis
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Many thanks, Lewis. Much appreciated
All the best.
Joe
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told you so joe ;)
i reckon 700x28 tyres are plenty enough for most surfaces unless your really going off road but sure who's gonna do that not this ould bird. 8)
The audax will take panniers no problem can't remember the weight i had in my rear panniers when i toured with bikepacker but put it like this i wasn't short of anything the bike was only class never missed a beat unlike the pilot :'( :'(
highly recommended.
anto.
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Didn't doubt you for a minute, anto, but you can never have too much information on a prospective new bike! :)