I rode a Thorn Ripio for about 3 years, a mixture of trails and quite long (for me) rides. I think that the Ripio (derailleur) is broadly similar to the Sterling (Rohloff).
Very good bike, stable, fun, strong, reliable. Can be ridden with either Mt Tura rigid of 100mm suspension forks. Disc compatible at rear, and at front I guess, though not with the Mt Tura fork.
The only reason I changed it for a Sherpa (swapping most of the componentry over) is that I wanted a livelier bike on the predominantly road / lightweight touring rides I tend to do now. The lightweight Sherpa spec suits me better. But the Ripio was superb and I am sure a well looked after Sterling would be the same.
I still have my Ripio frame, and 2 forks for it - I was hoping that one of my sons would express and interest, but not so far . . . . .
Lewis