Which Thorn model for my needs?

[canali]

I am having a heck of a time finding a versatile bike:

Can you suggest a bike that's great
for fast commuting, club rides, randonneuring as I love to ride fast) BUT also is versatile enough,
more stable under loads for mid-weight loaded touring
(nothing extreme, weight-wise, however, let's say 30-50 lb MAX of gear).

70% of my riding is for fast commuting/club rides
but I also want a bike to be versatile enough to handle
the remaining 30% for MID-WEIGHT semi-loaded touring (if i ever wish to go
this route--30-50 lb MAX of gear) and on fire trails, light trail riding/rough conditions.

Also I want the bike to accomodate
up to 35cm tires (perhaps even 38) with fenders.


Bike makes I am considering thus far:
Co-motion Nor'wester (they gave me the idea
for lengthening the rear chainstays to achieve this aim for
enhanced versatilty, as noted above)
-custom Bill Davidson (from Elliott Bay Cycles, WA)
-Rivendell Atlantis
-Heron Touring (supposed to be in between the rivendell
ramouillet and the atlantis for a faster geometry
but also can go on a loaded tour).

I also realize that Rivendell is coming out with a new product
later this spring (the 'Saluki') which is supposed to be aimed
at just this segment (which I think is BIG & is overlooked by most
bike manufactuers) : the saluki will have the faster geometry of the rambouillet
(i.e, for fast club rides, randonneuring, light touring)
but also share the more beefier specs
and versatility of the Atlantis....from what I have read, the Saluki
will not be for  fully loaded touring but rather mid-weight, even
 light trail riding and can accomodate up to 40cm tires.
I think this segment is not being addressed right now by
most manufacturers (you either only have a loaded touring
bike or a sport touring bike to choose from)....many
people want a good quality bike but can't afford 2 or 3 to accomodate
different issues.

I am small (5' 6"), with a pubic bone inseam of 74.5 cm
(have been suggested to have a max top tube of 52
and a seat tube of 49-51).

Look forward to hearing from you.

Joe Collins
Vancouver BC

[SPARSONS]

I don't know any of the bikes you describe;However should you wish to consider the Thorn range it sounds like a Nomad, simply beacause you may be going off road; If you were limiting yourself to road only touring I would reccommend a XTC as it will be much nicer for the majority of your unladen rides.[]

[Chris Land]

Ditto SPARSONS lack of knowledge of most of these bikes, but a Nomad would do the job though I expect you would want two wheel-sets, one light and fast for road/clubruns and one bombproof for loaded trail-riding.

TBH I expect you would be better with a pair of bikes though.  Perhaps a Nomad for the heavy stiff and off-road then a lighter bike (dare I say with 700c?) for faster riding.  I have a Nomad, currently with Marathon XR 1.75 tyres on Sun Rhyno rims and it is fine for off-road trail stuff (though I have the guards set too close for really muddy conditions) but is way too ponderous for me to keep up with a club-run (except the CTC of course []).  It is also a bit tired for commuting so I plan to switch back to a lighte tyre-set for on-road touring and commuting, when it is fine and a comfortable ride.

For faster rides I still prefer my more conventional 700c, lighter framed bike though.

[James]

I agree with you Chris, 700c wheels are my choice for fast(ish) rides regardless of the distance.

[grant620]

I would recommend an XTC with two sets of wheels.
The XTC will *probably* take a lot more than it is designed for [:p]
Get some light wheels for the club run and a set of 36h beasts for the touring...

[piggling bland]

Bite the bullet and get two bicycles!  I got a mountain bike to complement my Audax and thoroughly enjoy using both bicycles.