I've just come across this forum, which seems like a nice friendly place to be. After an eleven month "Round the World with Bicycle" trip in 1994 on a Dawes Super Galaxy, I returned to the UK and in early 1995 got myself a job as the "Touring and Development Officer" with the CTC. I'd had many hours in the saddle to think about my ultimate touring/expedition bike, and working daily alongside, and with advice from the CTC's technical guru, Chris Juden I decided to create one. I'd read Tony Oliver's book, "Touring Bikes" from cover to cover and was impressed by Tony's common sense approach and background in metallurgy. After much musing, I ordered a custom frame from Tony and built my dream tourer. Here's a couple of photos taken today. It's still the same spec as when I built it up, apart from the rear mech - changed after a fellow rider smacked into me from behind and bent the XT mech I fitted originally.
What's the relevance to Thorn? Well at the time, I wasn't aware of Thorn frames, so the design - sloping top tube, 26" wheels etc, is very similar to some Thorn touring frames I've subsequently encountered. Great minds think alike, or fools seldom differ?........you decide!
You might be interested to know that the majority of the components were supplied mail order by SJS cycles. Here's a photo of the receipt from 1995. I suspect their invoices may look a tad tidier in 2012!
What I will say is that I was pleased with the service I received from SJS at the time. I'm more pleased that the company is still trading successfully after 17 years. I'm even more delighted to report that of all the bikes I own (currently
- this is my favourite. It rides like a dream, is comfortable and even heavily laden - handles beautifully. If anyone would like more info on the frame, please feel free to ask. Sadly Tony Oliver stopped building frames quite a few years ago and I believe now makes his living as a professional photographer.
