Buying my first Thorn

[Patrick020]

Hi

I am planning a very big trip, and after searching for along time for a bike that would suit my needs i have found the a great Thorn Sherpa at a great price. my only problem is that it may be to small for me.

The Bike is a 535L and i am 6ft.... I have been told that with minor adjustments it could fit me perfectly. I know there are other dimensions to take into account such as the length of my legs and torso ect.

Will a saddle adjustment be enough?


The bike is just to good to miss as it is right for my budget but as i will be doing ALOT of miles should i buy a bike that fits me perfectly?

Any advice would be great


Thanks

[Fred A-M]

Hi Patrick

Although understandably very tempting, I would ring SJS cycles as a potential customer with your measurements and see what frame size they come up with. 

If it's maybe one size out, then discuss this with them and get their opinion ref adjustments - I think you're already coming to the right conclusion, that the bike should fit you perfectly if you're going to be doing a lot of miles - cycling is meant to be enjoyable, and you simply won't enjoy the Sherpa if you've been in any way misinformed.

Fred

[rualexander]

I'm 6'2" and ride a 610S size Sherpa on which I am very comfortable, couple of photos and some info on this thread.
In an ideal world I would maybe have liked an inch or so more length on the seat tube and the head tube, but purely from an aesthetic point of view to reduce the amount of visible seatpost and steerer spacers, but that is the largest Sherpa frame available so I'm happy with it.
At 6' you would probably be ok with the 535L size as long as you are happy with a similar amount of visible seatpost and maybe more steerer spacers. The 'virtual' top tube length at 575mm is the same as mine, and I like it (I use drop bars), some may prefer a longer reach.
Basically, if the price is hard to beat, I think you will be fine with that frame size, and if it turns out you feel it's not right you could sell the frame on and get a larger one or maybe a Surly LHT frame which are available a bit cheaper than the Sherpa frames but pretty much equivalent, if not higher in spec.

[mickeg]

I am 6' and a half inch in height.  I ride a 610S Sherpa with a 90mm 17 degree stem.  I would think twice about using that small of a frame unless I could ride it first and make sure that if felt good.  I also have a LHT 58cm with an 80mm 10 degree stem, but I probably could have bought a 60cm LHT for my height.  I think that the Sherpa frame is a better frame than the LHT frame.  I also think you should talk to SJS with your measurements to get their opinion.

[Patrick020]

Hi Guys

Thanks for the advice, My plan is to just forget the small frame bike and just order a frame that is my size and build the bike from scratch. My only problem is sticking to a tight budget. Wish me luck as it is my first build!

[Kuba]

You can buy the small bike and also get a new, right size Sherpa frame from SJS Cycles. Then you just swap all bits and sell the small frame on eBay!