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Author Topic: What next for Thorn?  (Read 5816 times)

The Raucous AUK

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What next for Thorn?
« on: November 29, 2007, 07:49:13 AM »
Any ideas for new models or types of bikes/frames that you'd like to see from Thorn?

I'll start off.

How about a bog-standard road bike?

After the success of the Audax Mk.3 what I'm thinking of here is a similarly priced tig-welded '858' frame preferably with mudguard eyes but without rack-mounts to take 23c's with guards and 25c's or even 28c's without guards when using standard 49mm drop brakes. Essentially it would be a tig-welded Cyclosportif but coming in at £300 for a frameset as opposed to the £1,200 which is what the Cyclosportif has now shot up to.

It could compete against the essentially similar Surly Pacer and Soma Smoothie and would be nice for those Spring/Summer/Autumn days when rain isn't likely to spoil a good long day out on your bike.

Anyway, that's my idea. What would you like to see Thorn produce next?
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stutho

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Re: What next for Thorn?
« Reply #1 on: November 29, 2007, 12:15:56 PM »
Easy any frame made with Reynolds 953.
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The Raucous AUK

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Re: What next for Thorn?
« Reply #2 on: November 29, 2007, 02:13:37 PM »
Why? Are you thinking 'frame for life' or some other reason?
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stutho

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Re: What next for Thorn?
« Reply #3 on: November 29, 2007, 03:13:23 PM »
I think that all Thorn frames are a frame for life - At least I hope they all are!

953 has a much greater Ultimate Tensile Strength than 853 2000Mpa - 1400Mpa.  Given that the density of each material is about the same this means that 953 has a much better Strength to weight ratio than 853 - It is 'allegedly' a better ratio than the best Aluminium or Titanium grades.

There are some drawbacks though.  To make use of it better strength to weight will require thinner tubes.  Thinner tubes are more susceptible to damage.  Another issue is that 953 tubes are rolled and welded, 853 is extruded, all things being equal an extruded tube is more robust as there is no weld to fail.  The other big draw back is price.

Having said all of that I would love to get my hands on a Cyclosportif like bike made of 953, it would be a rocket.
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rhebarker

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Re: What next for Thorn?
« Reply #4 on: November 30, 2007, 05:26:44 PM »
A rohloff recumbent!
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john28july

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Re: What next for Thorn?
« Reply #5 on: November 30, 2007, 09:19:50 PM »
quote:
Originally posted by rhebarker

A rohloff recumbent!


Ah ha! They are not bikes!
John.
www.pbase.com/john28july
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rhebarker

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Re: What next for Thorn?
« Reply #6 on: December 01, 2007, 12:32:52 AM »
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john28july

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Re: What next for Thorn?
« Reply #7 on: December 01, 2007, 10:19:20 AM »
quote:
Originally posted by rhebarker

If you say so :-)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recumbent_bicycle


Correction-They are not bicycles. Bicycles defined by Dictionary and general Worldwide opinion. Recumbent as defined by the same.I think that the Wilkopaedia is just a selection of opinion and not a real Dictionary such as a Collins.Anyway I somehow do not think that Thorn would build one.
Bicycles are upright two wheelers.
John.
« Last Edit: December 01, 2007, 02:54:31 PM by john28july »
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Dirk

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Re: What next for Thorn?
« Reply #8 on: December 01, 2007, 02:09:03 PM »
How about an of the shelf low end commuter like the 06 Kona smoke with a welded on rear carrier like the Tout Terrain.
A good tool for high crime areas.  ie; nickable
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jonathan

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Re: What next for Thorn?
« Reply #9 on: December 02, 2007, 07:36:18 AM »
quote:
Correction-They are not bicycles. Bicycles defined by Dictionary and general Worldwide opinion. Recumbent as defined by the same.I think that the Wilkopaedia is just a selection of opinion and not a real Dictionary such as a Collins.Anyway I somehow do not think that Thorn would build one.
Bicycles are upright two wheelers.
John.


Prejudice is everywhere it seems :(
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john28july

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Re: What next for Thorn?
« Reply #10 on: December 02, 2007, 10:39:11 AM »
quote:
Originally posted by jonathan

quote:
Correction-They are not bicycles. Bicycles defined by Dictionary and general Worldwide opinion. Recumbent as defined by the same.I think that the Wilkopaedia is just a selection of opinion and not a real Dictionary such as a Collins.Anyway I somehow do not think that Thorn would build one.
Bicycles are upright two wheelers.
John.


Prejudice is everywhere it seems :(


Its just light hearted fun! Bicycles have two wheels even if they are so laid back they don't work properly.
John.
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DavidH

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Re: What next for Thorn?
« Reply #11 on: December 04, 2007, 09:09:49 PM »
I was going to suggest a BMX, but on second thoughts, how about a Rohloff  equipped Chopper?

(well that gives my age away - I was 8 somewhere between 1976 and 1983). Actually I think they have already done a Grifter - isn't that the Sterling or Catalyst?

BTW I got the impression the new Choppers don't have the gearchanger on the top tube anymore.
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DavidH

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Re: What next for Thorn?
« Reply #12 on: January 21, 2008, 09:40:19 PM »
check out this link - if like me, you feel a little uneasy with pictures of blokes in camouflage gear, persevere

http://www.combatreform.com/atb.htm

I was particularly impressed by the Extreme Terrain Bike, designed to be able to jump straight out of airplanes
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