Thorn XTC 525L

[JWestland]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/171127513020?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

I got all hopeful and asked size from seller. But it's a 525L...I'd need at least a 525S / 490S

Nice yellow/purple "snooker" paintwork,  727 judging by decal and looks like a tidy bike may make somebody here happy

[Danneaux]

I got all hopeful...

Such a shame it wasn't right for you, Jawine, as it is a beauty. Obviously a detail-oriented owner, even to the bi-colored matching water bottles.

You'll find the right one yet.

Best,

Dan.

[Danneaux]

Relisted after timing out...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Thorn-XTC-touring-road-bike-52cm-20-5inch-frame-great-condition/171133257303?_trksid=p2047675.m1850&_trkparms=aid%3D222002%26algo%3DSIC.FIT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D17531%26meid%3D1584111013037524479%26pid%3D100011%26prg%3D8148%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D1%26sd%3D171127513020%26
It is a beauty...

Best,

Dan.

[horizon]

Owner says it is 515S. Did this exist as a size? What size would you say it is judging by the photo? What is the maximum load for this bike?

[horizon]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/171127513020?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

I got all hopeful and asked size from seller. But it's a 525L...I'd need at least a 525S / 490S

Nice yellow/purple "snooker" paintwork,  727 judging by decal and looks like a tidy bike may make somebody here happy

How did you know it was a 525L? BTW, according to the brochure it's 853, 725 stays and 531 forks.

[brummie]

Seller may have measured "actual" seat tube length rather than the "virtual"?? Given the head tube / top tube lengths I'd have guesses it was a 560 Short... I could be wrong.

[Danneaux]

I agree with Brummie; it has the "look" of a 560S. By "look", I'm centering on the head tube length and the "openness" of the main triangle, coupled with the length of stem extension. There's a bit more to support that assumption...

Looking at the xTc brochure ( http://web.archive.org/web/20060321060909/http://www.sjscycles.com/thornwebsite/thornpdf/ThornxTc853BroHiRes.pdf , pg. 4), the 55cm top tube length the seller reports would put it spot-on as a size 560S (short top tube, intended for use with drop handlebars).

The seller reports a 52cm/20.5in seat tube. If he measured c-t, that would be awfully close to the 50cm c-c Thorn lists for the 560S, so more evidence there.

The Thorn xTc brochure refers to the 560S frame size as having a "Frame Number" of 94. That number might appear somewhere on this vintage xTc, or the serial might start with 560S as it would have on later Sherpa Mk2s.

Lots of fun to speculate! It appears the incorrect size listing might be the reason why the bike hasn't sold. Might be a good opportunity to snap up a relative bargain on a lovely-looking bike if you're "in the know".

Best,

Dan. (...who is having a lot of fun with Bicycle Forensics today)

[horizon]

Many thanks for the quick replies! I also thought that about the size. Have some other doubts! In general though would an XTC be too light for heavy loading (say 24kg spread out)? I'll report back if I find out more!

[Danneaux]

I'll report back if I find out more!

Thanks, Horizon, and welcome to the Thorn Cycling Forums!

In general though would an XTC be too light for heavy loading (say 24kg spread out)?

Mmmaybe not. The xTc was designed as a fast 26"-wheeled all-'rounder that could handle an annual lightweight camping trip, but is not ideally suited to heavy touring. Here's what Thorn had to say about it in their 2004 quick brochure description: http://web.archive.org/web/20041209071419/http://www.sjscycles.com/thorn/26solobrochure2002/solop10.asp

We have spent 36 months developing and testing the new frame in the following situations ... long Audax rides, severely hilly Audax rides, lightweight camping, fairly serious but careful off-road and day to day commuting...Many of our customers say ... “I want an exciting lightweight cycle that I can go for a blast on in the summer evenings, that I can ride, lightly laden, over long distances briskly, and that I can also use for my annual touring holiday.” ... Well, this bike is for them!...It is not an expedition tourer but it will carry lightweight camping gear for the annual holiday without fuss or drama. This is quite simply the best all-round touring cycle in the world ... if this is the type of cycle you require then try one for yourself ... we are so confident of this cycles abilities that we will double our normal trial period ... talk to us, have us build you an XTC 2002, and if you contact us within 2 weeks of delivery and tell us that you don’t wish to keep it, for any reason, we will arrange to have it collected and refund you in full.

[Underlined emphasis mine] Though I don't see a specific weight limit, given the diameter and wall thickness of the tubing and the bike's intended mission, I think it would be happier with somewhere around 10-15kg and not more.

Perhaps others and owners will weigh in with their weight/cargo recommendations. I know Jawine loves her xTc, but I don't know if she has done much cycle-camping on it to date.

Hope this helps.

Best,

Dan.

[Philb]

Hi. Reading this thread. I own an XTC (725) and an Audax Mk3. I think the Audax is rated to around 18 kilo these days. I would be very, vey surprised if the XTC didn't handle a load better than the audax. Its a much stronger bike IMO. Unfortunately work and weather have stopped me testing that theory.

Hope that helps Phil     

[JWestland]

Ah, he gave me a 55 cm top tube and I wrongly assumed 525L...I stand corrected! Too big for me, again, one day a 525S or 490S.

Alas work etc. has stopped me from doing touring this year. Hrmp...it was such nice weather too.