Nub question or maybe inappropriate... not sure

[ianshearin]

I am about to embark on a tour of Africa either this Year or next year and in the planning stage,

My first purchase will be a Thorn bike but I am a little confused as to where to buy it 
I was under the impression that we buy direct from Thorn cycles who build the bike to your spec but I have seen a supplier called SJS cycles that sells Thorn bikes.

Can anyone enlighten me as to whether it is better to buy from SJS or go direct to Thorn

Thank you in advance

Ian

[ians]

Hi
 
it's the same place.  SJS is a bike shop - Thorn are their in house brand.  If you can manage a trip to Bridgewater it's worth the effort - although they're pretty good at bike fitting from a distance.

ians

[ianshearin]

Ah, that explains it, thanks Ian

Probably gonna do it via distance, but might just get the urge to make an appointment and visit.

[allywatt]

I bought a Nomad from a distance last October.  I was a bit worried that it wouldn't work out - the reality is that the bike is much, much better than I thought.  I took great care in measuring the vitals of my old tourer and sent them to Thorn.

I too have a military background (only 7 years though!), and am involved in education.  You're my senior by 10 years, but I still dream of setting forth on the type of trip you describe...some of us dream and do, others just dream...All the best for your trip, you've joined a great forum with many very knowledgeable helpful people out there.

[ianshearin]

Hi Ally,

Well the 22 year pension kicks in next Year when im 55 which is the only reason im gonna be able to afford to do this trip, that plus getting divorced a few years ago helps 

And less of the Senior thing.....

[Erudin]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/sjs_cycles/m.html

Their ebay shop has is worth looking at too, from ex-demo bikes to cheap panniers and new old stock.