Its not a Raven-its a Sherpa!

[john28july]

Hello all,
Its not the Raven, its a Sherpa. The first on here I think.
John
http://www.pbase.com/john28july/days

[DomT]

So John, which is your favorite?

(You've been through quite a few Thorn bikes).

[john28july]

Well...................its a question of why I have had a number of Thorn bikes that really matters.
I have spinal problems which have over the past few years meant that my height has shrunk by almost 3 inches. I have had to change the riders position due to this and the best way for me has been to get a larger frame with a shorter top tube. This means my back has less stress...........This is why.
Which is my favorite? Thats an easy one. The Audax 853 . Its perfect.
I could not get on with a Raven Tour for a number of reasons, the main being the handlebar setup. I really like this Sherpa and value for money? I think all Thorns are value and I would buy any without testing as I know whatever frame I could have it would be comfortable.
I hope this clarifies?
John.

quote:Originally posted by DomT

So John, which is your favorite?

(You've been through quite a few Thorn bikes).

[DomT]

Ouch... painful!

I see your point with the set up of the RT, even I (with no back problems) find that you need a fairly strong back and upper body to suit the mtb style handlebar setup. It's taken me since October to adapt to it!

I do like the look of the Audax 853; a real mile eater of a bike. I hear that they are bringing out a new version, the Audax Mk3 - so will wait and see what's that like before I decide.

Good Luck with the Sherpa,

Dom.

[john28july]

Hello, The 'new' Mk 3 Audax is a frameset available for home build. It is priced at £299.00 and represents the Taiwanese side of the Thorn production. It will no doubt be a great ride. Of course and I certainly hope, it will not be the same as the Audax 853 which is top range UK hand built.
John.

[freddered]

What was the problem with the bars on Raven Tour?  I assume ou mean drop bars and shifter positioning.

If so, is it much more of an issue than using bar-end shifters?

[john28july]

I would not have been happy with a what seems to me 'cobbled' up shifter position with the drop bars. I have always been happy with bar end shifters and Campagnolo Ergos. The comfort or straight bars were a nightmare for me. The other reason too if I am truthful is, that I really was not too comfortable with the gear system of hub gearing. I own and use a Brompton with hub gears and I get on just fine with that.
Its a horses for courses thing I suppose.
All Thorn bikes I have and have owned ride great and I would not hesitate to confer that feeling to any prospective purchaser.
John.

[freddered]

quote:Originally posted by john28july

I would not have been happy with a what seems to me 'cobbled' up shifter position with the drop bars. I have always been happy with bar end shifters and Campagnolo Ergos. The comfort or straight bars were a nightmare for me. The other reason too if I am truthful is, that I really was not too comfortable with the gear system of hub gearing. I own and use a Brompton with hub gears and I get on just fine with that.
Its a horses for courses thing I suppose.
All Thorn bikes I have and have owned ride great and I would not hesitate to confer that feeling to any prospective purchaser.
John.

Point taken, I struggled with wrist-ache on 'comfort bars' and could never get the bike to go very quickly.

Reverting to Drops transformed it though.

Sherpa looks great in Red, got any more photos?

I'd point out though, to any prospective buyers, that the Rohloff shifter works superbly well on an accessory bar but make sure you will have enough room for one.

I've never used Bar-end shifters but I know it's better than my old downtube shifters.

[john28july]

http://www.pbase.com/john28july/the_bikes


http://www.pbase.com/john28july/days

[lb1dej]

John

Nice photos.

What size is your Sherpa? - looks as though you've moved away from the low stepover/lots of stem bike that caused all the fuss on the C+ forum.

What do you think of the Suntour cantis?

What's the Sherpa's handling like compared to other Thorns?

Dave

[john28july]

Hello..........
I have serious spine trouble and have found that higher frame 560S with shorter top tube does the job for me.Plus of course-I chose the size and I decided and it is brilliant!The Suntour brakes are fine, I have a small stock of them...... Ride of the Sherpa? Well, I just sold my much more expensive Nomad!
It is good I admit to get away from a high stack of steerer spacers too.
John.

quote:Originally posted by lb1dej

John

Nice photos.

What size is your Sherpa? - looks as though you've moved away from the low stepover/lots of stem bike that caused all the fuss on the C+ forum.

What do you think of the Suntour cantis?

What's the Sherpa's handling like compared to other Thorns?

Dave