Audax bike

[Pierre647]

Hello,

I am looking for a fast (and comfortable) bike to ride long distance trips (200 km (124 miles) and more ?) with a little luggage (~ 10 kg (22 lbs)). I want a road like bike with quality steel frame. The bike must accept mudguards and luggage carriers (back and perhaps front).
Here in Belgium I found only carbon or aluminium road bikes. I have found the English Audax bike concept very interesting. An Audax bikes seems to be a perfect all round bike.

The Thorn Mk3 ultegra is very interesting but a Reynolds 853 steel frame is a dream…

What is your opinion ? Advantages and disadvantages of mk3 vs 853 ?

Regards,
Pierre.

[freddered]

What is your budget?

I love the Thorn Audax 853 but it's a lot of money.

My friend is buying a Thorn Audax Mk3, it seems great value and has all you need for light touring.

I own a steel tourer/Audax bike, if I didn't then I would buy the best Mk3 I could afford.

[john28july]

What is your budget?

I love the Thorn Audax 853 but it's a lot of money.

My friend is buying a Thorn Audax Mk3, it seems great value and has all you need for light touring.

I own a steel tourer/Audax bike, if I didn't then I would buy the best Mk3 I could afford.

I owned a superb Audax 853 Thorn. It was a fantastic bike. Thorn ruined its value and ruined my ownership of it by bringing out the mass produced market Mk 3. I am still not pleased about it as I was selling the bike at the time (for personal reasons) and it simply halved in value overnight.
The Mk 3 is worth what it costs and Thorn are still making a great profit!
John.

[Pierre647]

Hi,

At this time, no precise budget. I'm just looking the market ...

Why did you said the Mk 3 is worth what it costs ? What is your actual bike ?

Pierre.

[john28july]

Hi,

At this time, no precise budget. I'm just looking the market ...

Why did you said the Mk 3 is worth what it costs ?
I said the Mk3 is well worth what it costs!

What is your actual bike ?
I did have an Audax 853.

Read my original post carefully.
John.

Pierre.

[The Raucous AUK]

Pierre - the Audax Mk.3 is a superb frameset and seems perfectly suitable for what you want to do on it. I bought mine as a frameset and built it up with Campagnolo Centaur (but with Ultegra brakes) and have enjoyed riding it very much.

I haven't ridden mine loaded yet but can't see that being a problem.

[robbarker]

I helped a friend build up a Mk 3 recently and was very impressed with the frame.  I'd happily ride a 600 on one.  I have a Cylosportif 853 frame myself, which builds into a superb audax bike as long as you don't want lazy handling or fat tyres. 

[jags]

so what's the deal on these audex bikes,mk 3 and 853 one is obviously better than the other,but in what way better.