New (to me ) Thorn 853 Audax

[TheShipwright]

Hi Folks,

By way of an intro I thought I'd mention that I bought myself my first Thorn bike, a used Thorn 853 Audax.

I've contacted Dave W at the SJS workshop who gave me some info on frame numbering and I worked out it was built by Lee Cooper as it was stamped (LA) next to the serial number.

I've not cycled a steel framed bike for just over a year and I was completely blown away by how smooth and comfortable it was.

Some jobs undertake so far, I've rebuilt the hubs (one new cone required), tweaked the derailleurs as theshifting wasn't great, carbon seatpost, lightweight fizik saddle, swapped the R451 (tiagra?) for R651's I had n the shed.   Next up new lighter wheels and a carbon fork. I'm not trying to be a weight weenie but the 36H XT/Sun CR18 wheels are a little heavy for my needs.

Paint isn't in great condition however I'm trying to save it via touch paint up etc however there's one very happy Thorn owner here.

Image fail, will add a snap later.

[Danneaux]

Oh, what a beauty; sure shows well in the photo. All congratulations as 853 Audaxes are a prize these days.

Best,

Dan.

[Neil Jones]

Fabulous bike, you are going to enjoy that beauty I'm sure.

I have an 853 Audax too and find the combination of smooth yet responsive ride just right for my use.

There aren't many around now so you did well to bag one when one came up.

Happy cycling,
Neil

[geocycle]

Splendid bike, welcome to ownership. I note you said this is your first thorn bike....

[TheShipwright]

Thanks very much the feedback folks.

The funny thing about the cosmetic condition is that it seems to be the lacquer that's crazing the actual paint underneath is solid, well solid in most places.
There's a patch missing around the BB area.

Yep first Thorn but not my first involvement with SJS, I have a Rohloff that they've fixed for me and advised on a few occasions.

Thinking long term I considered getting it powder coated and replacing the decals but Dave W says they're not actually decals and that this batch of 853 frames were painted by ColourTec in Dartford and the Thorn and Audax are painted on before the top coat.

[ridgeback63]

Lovely bike,I've just done the cycle live Nottingham on my Audax,very comfortable,I'm sure you will enjoy her.

[TheShipwright]

Thanks Ridgeback63, I'm still blown away by how comfortable these frames are, so much so I'm going back to 25mm tyres and moving my 28mm tyres back to the carbon bike.

[RST Scout]

Lovely bike. Having just got an Audax, I'm sure you'll have many years of enjoyable cycling. I know I will.

Best,
Janet

[yorkshirethorn]

Hi Guys,

Sorry, new on here, how does the comfort rate on the 853 Audax compared to the newer MK3/R version?

Kind Regards
Matt
 

[TheShipwright]

Hi Janet,
Janet thanks, I'm still really enjoying my "new" bike and I hope you're enjoying yours as much as I am my bike.

Matt, sorry I can't assist as this 853 version is my first Thorn.
I'm sure some others will chip in. I think there's a chap on here called Leftpoole who has had many Thorns and was looking for an 853 version recently.

Good luck.

[leftpoole]

Hi Janet,
Janet thanks, I'm still really enjoying my "new" bike and I hope you're enjoying yours as much as I am my bike.

Matt, sorry I can't assist as this 853 version is my first Thorn.
I'm sure some others will chip in. I think there's a chap on here called Leftpoole who has had many Thorns and was looking for an 853 version recently.

Good luck.

Hello,
Indeed I have built a few Thorn cycles over many years. Most enjoyed.
The 853 which I am certainly looking for in size 550 frame or complete was a very stiff frame and the comfort was in many peoples opinion compromised. But I felt at one/home on the bike and regret selling it. But I sold for health reasons.
The Mk 3 of which I have one is comfortable and holds the road well. Better in many ways than the 853.
Regards,
John

[jags]

i have a new Thorn audax meself  no idea if it's a mk 3 or 4 but it's a wee beauty rides like a dream loaded or  unloaded.done a tour with bikepacker few years back the bike was great but the pilot was knackered had to abandon ship after few days (bloody sore back)
anyhoooo i hope to get back cycling on the Thorn in the next couple months.

anto.

[leftpoole]

Hi Guys,

Sorry, new on here, how does the comfort rate on the 853 Audax compared to the newer MK3/R version?

Kind Regards
Matt

I have three Thorn Audax 853! I love them. All in different specifications.
I highly recommend obviously.
The comfort of the ride of the mark 3 is smoother.
By the way production of this made in England hand brazed frame stopped some years ago.
So sorry.
John