Newbie saying Hi

[Hi]

Hi

Sorry, I jumped in on another thread to introduce myself and realised it was rude

Like most I suspect of the over 40's my health needs a bit of maintenance if I am ever to look down and see my toes again. I do not like in general spending money but when I do I tend to get the best I can afford.

I've been looking at a sherpa world tour drop spec as when I intend to use it it will tend to be on trips 3 or 4 weeks in duration and heavily loaded with all the kit, tents etc. I prefer the standard gears over the rohloff just because I can, like the steel frame get them fixed anywhere

I would value any perspectives on this bike as towards the end of next year I would like to try a much longer trips so weight carrying ability and right kit for the use is imperative. As mentioned in another post by a member the thorns are no longer a good value excellent bike but they are now an excellent bike. So if you have one and if you've used one for long tours and heavily laden then please chirp in or any input at all would be usefull

[julk]

Hi again,

You will enjoy touring on your proposed Thorn bike. They do seem to have it worked out.
I use mine for short tours, but I go with all I need for camping and have carried up to 25kgs of load.

I find my Thorn bike handles really nicely when laden. I did try a handlebar bag, but loaded it gave me a funny effect on the feel of the handlebars and I stopped using it. I now use 4 panniers, a stuff sack on top of the rear rack, 3 drink bottles and a small cape roll size bag which I velcro under the top tube for easy access to money etc.

I have a dynohub and leave a lighting system fitted all year. I use a Rohloff hub and have found the most useful features to be the even gear spacing, the ability to stop and then change gear whilst stationary and the straight chain line reducing wear by an incredible amount compared to previous derailleur systems.

The bike has needed very little maintenance and has had the brake pads changed once in 4k miles. I have never had to use the tools and spares which I carry except for an early use of Panaracer Tourguards being damaged by glass. I changed to Schwalbe XRs and have had no noticeable damage since then, although the ride is not as supple as a lighter tyre.

You have a nice task deciding just what tyres to ride on, not to mention the other items you will need to kit your bike out with for expedition touring.
Julian.

[bobs]

Hi,

I bought a Sherpa frame almost 2 years ago and have not regreted it. I built the bike up with parts I had. Bought a new set of wheels from Spa cycles. My friend and I did a tour of Southern Germany with 2 rear 2 front and bar bag. Bike handled great and now my mate has bought himself a Sherpa frame and is transfering everything from his Cannondle.

Bob

[Hi]

Julk hi again and bobs thanks

I've no doubt that If I call thorn they will be correct in their information but I always find asking owners their opinions and experiences is extremely helpfull

Something else if I may, the Sherpa comes in red gloss and black matt has anyone ever had a sherpa in the matt green or would I have to get it repainted ?>

[geocycle]

Others can advise on colour (I like black!) but I have to say I really like the look of the Sherpa.  I have an RT which I love for practical reasons but the aesthetics of the Sherpa look very nice indeed. 

[mikerr]

Hi Hi,

Like you I am new around here. I took delivery of my Sherpa frame a week ago.

Re colours. I think there are a couple of sizes of Sherpa in Gunmetal, you can check on the SJS Cycles site.
Black seems to be the popular colour but I opted for red.

Mike