Author Topic: Catalyst and Co.  (Read 6176 times)

Pkolecki

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Catalyst and Co.
« on: October 12, 2023, 11:59:15 AM »
Hello Everyone,

This January I became
a happy owner of a Raven Catalyst frame,
courtesy of a member of this forum
who was so kind and sent her to Poland where I live.
I’m going to post some photos of this one and my other Thorns.
Hope you will enjoy them as much as I enjoy watching yours.

Cheers,
Przemysław

Danneaux

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Re: Catalyst and Co.
« Reply #1 on: October 12, 2023, 02:22:19 PM »
Absolutely wonderful and a pleasure to see in use and used properly for Adventures, Przemysław!

Best, Dan.

Pkolecki

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Re: Catalyst and Co.
« Reply #2 on: June 08, 2024, 01:38:51 PM »
Ripio on duty. Still my favourite Thorn bicycle.

Danneaux

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Re: Catalyst and Co.
« Reply #3 on: June 08, 2024, 03:42:38 PM »
WOW, Przemysław! I don't think I've seen a Thorn ExtraCycle conversion before!

Lots of possibilities there and expanded utility -- your Ripio turned out to be a great cargo bike!

I'm having lots of fun working out the drivetrain and chain runs. Can you please favor us with a few more details on the build?

Best, Dan.
« Last Edit: June 08, 2024, 03:44:45 PM by Danneaux »

in4

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Re: Catalyst and Co.
« Reply #4 on: June 08, 2024, 06:27:11 PM »
Wow! That is special. What does it ride like? I use the same saddle and its very comfortable.

Pkolecki

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Re: Catalyst and Co.
« Reply #5 on: June 10, 2024, 12:49:55 PM »
Hi Dan,

The build itself wasn’t particulary cimplicated.
Just a little bit longer chain and cables.
For additional tension chain runs over special roller mid through.
It is necessary when motorcycle  style kickstand is used.
There is also a mount for side kickstand but some people report that it breaks after a while.

Drivetrain is Shimano Deore XT 3x9 with SLX shifters.
Initially there was a problem with chain rubbing rear tire,
with 11s rear hub (46mm chainline) and Hollowtech II x3 cranks (50mm chainline) used.
To solve this I  have changed  to Shimano Deore FH-M525 (50mm chainline).
Generally this 26x2,4 tires (Maxxis Ardent) tires are the widest one
that can be mounted with this setup.

Brakes are mechanical TRP Spykes with XT levers.
I was affraid of lack of braking power and overbuilt them
with metallic pads and 2,3mm thick downhill rotors (180 front/203 rear).
Generally, I have an issue with those brakes.
In my oppinion their return spring is too weak
and it can’t overcome cable friction (especially rear one)
even with Jagwire Elite  used.
It causes awful lever feel, probably will be changed to Avid BB7s.

Rest of parts:
Thorn Ripio 595 frame
Extracycle Leap conversion kit
Surly 420mm forks
FSA The Pig Pro DH headset
Downhill stem (IXS) and handlebars (Ergotec)
Ryde Andra 40 rims with 2,3mm spokes
Shimano 3D72 Dynamo hub and Busch Müller lights
SKS 27,5 plastic 65mm mudguards
Tubus Duo lowrider
Gusset 450 seatpost and SMP TRK gel saddle
Wooden feet  support of my design

Cheers,
Przemysław

Pkolecki

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Re: Catalyst and Co.
« Reply #6 on: June 10, 2024, 01:51:57 PM »
Wow! That is special. What does it ride like? I use the same saddle and its very comfortable.

Hi,
Ride doesn’t differ much from regular bike with loaded panniers.
It is surprisingly stable, at least until kids don’t start a brawl at the back  :)
I’m also a big fan of SMP saddles. Have them on all of my bikes.
In my opinion it’s crucial to use them with two bolt style seatposts because
even tiny angle adjustments can change their comfort dramatically.

Cheers,
Przemysław






Danneaux

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Re: Catalyst and Co.
« Reply #7 on: June 10, 2024, 10:31:15 PM »
Quote
Hi Dan,

The build itself wasn’t particulary cimplicated.
Just a little bit longer chain and cables.
For additional tension chain runs over special roller mid through.
It is necessary when motorcycle  style kickstand is used.
Thanks so much for the added explanation and detailed photos, Przemysław; that mid-drive roller was the part so intriguing to me and I just couldn't explain the chain runs and now I see! :)

Altogether a pretty remarkable machine, nicely assembled by you, well done!

Best, Dan.