Thorn at Cycle Show

[Swislon]

AS promised:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/80450786@N02/sets/72157631644511447/

New Rohloff shifter by Co-Motion for drops. A little chunky but very smooth
Andy and Fiona Blance
New Raven which I test rode and was well impressed.

A couple of Medal winners for GB fans!!

Enjoy
Steve

[Danneaux]

<applause>

A terrific job, Steve -- well done! Almost like being there! (well, not really, but much closer than otherwise for those of us 4,928mi/7931km away by air!).

I'll be pouring over these for awhile...you really did a fine service for us all; thanks!

All the best,

Dan.

[Swislon]

Cheers Dan, though there is not that many. I spent quite a bit of time with the guy from Rohloff and of course Andy. The Thorn stand was quite a bit smaller than last year and there were no Mercuries. The one in the photos was on the Carradice stand!

[Matt2matt2002]

Nice pictures.
May I ask, what show?
Thanx

[Danneaux]

Right here, Matt: This is the UK Cycle Show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham:
http://www.thorncycles.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=4683.msg23182#new

It is still possible to see it and get in on the action, though too late for the discount mentioned in the linked thread above. I believe you can still get a discount if you are a CTC member.

Steve...that was the whole booth? I was hoping we'd see even more Thorns, but I realize there wasn't room. Judging by the signage and personnel, it appears they have a well-integrated presentation with both Rohloff and SON, so that nicely complements Thorn's core mission as a touring specialist.

I still think you did a fine job with the photos. I blew them up to maximum resolution and had a fun, fine time looking at all the details. Having tried to take decent photos at a number of trade shows in the past, I know how hard it can be to get good shots -- someone is always in the way, the space between booths is tight, and lighting is often poor. You can be proud these came out so nicely.

Best,

Dan.

[Swislon]

Yes that was whole booth. Smaller than last year. To be honest I felt bit of a nerd taking loads of photos so tried to get the essence rather than close ups of every detail. They had a few bikes and a lot of personnel to field the questions including Robin, Andy and Fiona. Rohloff man on one end and Schmidt lady on the other.

[jags]

Thanks Steve for the photos great stuff,
Andy blance is in good shape man theres not a pick on him 
so how was the show overall see anything you fancy buying.

[ians]

I was also there today - though missed Andy B and crew.  Lots of interest in Thorn bikes. 

Two big surprises - to me at least - (1) an astonishing number of electric bikes.  I had hoped to show Andy B a photo of my electric RT as we'd conversed by email about such a conversion, but missed him.

And (2) a large number of, dare I say it, beautiful examples of the frame builders' craft in steel.  Retro bikes are obviously (still) cool.  Even my wife (who doesn't normally bother about these things) was rather taken with a Paul Smith Condor.  I don't care that they're expensive - I'm pleased that someone still wants to make them - and to paint them.  And narrow tyres will always look better with narrow frame tubes (to me).

Did see the gold medals though.

ians

[Danneaux]

Retro bikes are obviously (still) cool...I don't care that they're expensive - I'm pleased that someone still wants to make them - and to paint them.  And narrow tyres will always look better with narrow frame tubes (to me).

Hear, hear! well-said, Ian, and I agree! There's nothing like lugs or superb fillet-brazing to turn bikes into High Art. TiG-welding is a practical way to keep costs down and is just as strong, but hand-cut lugs? A smoothly-radiused fillet catching the light just right?

Nothing visibly showcases a builder's skill like that (though nice, cleanly lapped welds are also Art, but of a more subtle variety).

Best,

Dan. (...who thinks *all* bikes are Art of one sort or another...)

[Andybg]

Great photos Steve and thanks for the effort.

It is intersting to see that it looks like the three bikes on the Thorn stand all are running drop handlebars. One with gb rohlhoff shifter , one with sti and one with bar end shifters. It is nice to see that they are still cattering to the drops.

If you knew how much the exhibition space cost at a show like that you ould probably appreciate Thor just having a small stand.

Cheers


Andy

[Relayer]

It is intersting to see that it looks like the three bikes on the Thorn stand all are running drop handlebars. One with gb rohlhoff shifter , one with sti and one with bar end shifters. It is nice to see that they are still cattering to the drops.

And ... drops with v-brakes / Tektro (?) levers taking centre stage, I suppose they must now have attained the Thorn seal of approval.  This is a setup I have pondered for a long time, and more so since GB shifters have come on the scene.

Thanks Swislon, for posting the pics.

[Swislon]

The comment about size of booth is more of an observation than a criticism and there was a lot going on within their booth. It is interesting to see different approaches from Exhibitors. There were some very large stands going for minimalism and really show casing their product eg Trek, Specialized and even Condor was pretty substantial. Then their was a few like Thorn and Carradice which were crammed and you could get in there and get your hands on things!
Watch out if you put your sticky mits on one of those super polished high end carbon jobbies from the big boys. As my mate says the after you have seen one or two they all look the same.......then your mind goes blank and your eyes glaze over.

There were two Thorn Ravens on the test track both with flat bars. The one I rode was really lovely, very comfortable and seemed lighter than my RST and the weight was more evenly balanced between front and back. I didn't expect that.

[kwkirby01]

Steve, can you remember if the Raven you rode had the new C2 forks (the ones without low rider bosses)?
Kevin

[Swislon]

Kevin, they were 853 Reynolds and I don't think they had low riders but can't be sure. Andy told me he had ordered some of these for the Mercury which I think will be perfect for me! I had thought before the show of all the reasons why I shouldn't have a Mercury but Andy knocked each " objection" aside!

[Danneaux]

...I had thought before the show of all the reasons why I shouldn't have a Mercury but Andy knocked each " objection" aside!

Steve, resistance is futile. You *will* be assimilated into the Thorn collective....or collecting Thorns! 

Best,

Dan.