THE ART OF THORN

[superfinlay]

http://http://mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/alexdoig

Please find attached a link to some pictures of my new Thorn Raven Enduro.  It's not complete yet, bare with me.  More to come.  Thought these might provide some eye-candy/inspiration in the meantime for those who're  still pouring over those brochures, thinking of spending their inheritance on a new pair of wheels.  Go-on, just do it, you know you want to.  The only downside, looks almost too beautiful to ride...some action shots still to come, watch this space.

Alex

[paulhipwood]

Great looking bike.
I like the idea of no pedals and chain, must stop you from getting tired!!!!!!

[stutho]

I know what you mean about “too beautiful to ride”.  I had to force myself to ride my raven for the first time after I build it up.  Any other bike and I wouldn’t of thought twice.  Anyway since that first ride I haven’t been able to stop riding it. It that good.  I think when you build up the bike yourself you become obsessively attached.  

Where are you mounted the shifter?  It looks from the photo like it is on the outboard end of the right handlebar, pointing out.  I’ve not seen one mounted in that position before - is it temporary?  

Good luck with the rest of the build.

[superfinlay]

Your eyes deceive you...

[superfinlay]

http://http://mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/alexdoig

Please find updated photos of completed machine, pedals n' all.  My first ride out on it today, shame the snow was waist deep in places, couldn't really get to grips with it.  First impressions are positive, solid, bomb-proof ride, feels much the same as my Dave yeats which can only be a good thing.  Saint Disc-Brakes are amazing and they're not even bedded in yet.  Bike feels and looks very clean, what with the 'lack' of gearing.  Which has an amazing range.  1-4 are really tiddly; I can really only see me using them hauling a laden BOB up a gravel road into an Icelandic headwind.  Tried 1 & 2, forward motion was only just perceptible.  12-14 seem big enough for Enduro events though (42x16).  As for the NOISE issue, meshing gradually increases from 1 onwards with a crescendo in 7, 8-14 are next to silent.  6 & 7 will be useful on steep offroad climbs, during which times, I'm sure the sound of my avleoli exploding open will drown out most of the din.  It is noisy though, however I'm sure I'll get used to it, just have to avoid club-mates for the next 1000-miles (not difficult in this weather).  All I need to do now is route the brake cables properly, chuck on some bar-ends and jobsagoodun.

[paulhipwood]

OK I can now see the pedals and the chain.

Wheres the chain guard??? lol

[superfinlay]

I'm not usually in the habit of wearing my corduroys whilst out cycling, hence the lack of chain-guard.