My set of Thorn bikes is complete (nearly)

[john28july]

[bJust ordered my third Thorn frameset. A Brevet in Indigo to complete my decided set of three Thorn bikes. I own a Thorn Nomad, a Thorn Audax 853 and now (collecting Monday) the Brevet. This lot should suit my needs completely.
I have listed my last non Thorn frameset on Ebay (a Dawes Audax). I have Spinal Stenosis which basically means that walking is really difficult but cycling is great! Good job too........
I have spent years trying to get a good bike fit. Now with the various top tube lengths on Thorn bikes I am sorted. Its taken a while but at last I have done it.
Anyone on this Forum now own just Thorn bikes?
John.
www.pbase.com/john28july
][/b]

[femmcommuter]

2 Thorns here, Brevet - excellent bike and a Raven- what can I say both excellent.

[femmcommuter]

2 Thorns here, Brevet - excellent bike and a Raven- what can I say both excellent.

[john28july]

My Brevet frameset arrived. Its built. Will post pictures when the rain goes away! First rain for months.
John.
www.pbase.com/john28july

[john28july]

http://www.pbase.com/john28july/the_bikes


Now showing at a link near you!
John.

[PH]

Nice looking bike, but you know your Thorn set will never be complete without a Rohloff[]
I wonder what the thinking behind getting a Brevet was?  What can it do that your Audax bike wouldn't do better?  Or was it a matter of keeping that for best?
Not that I'm sugesting you could have too many bikes[]

[john28july]

Well...here goes.
A number of years ago I was about to buy a Thorn Brevet. But, decided that Thorn were not well known enough, so purchased numerous other cycles over the years until I took the plunge for the Thorn Nomad. It was a wonderful insight for me. I then took up the Thorn Audax 853 which was even better. I had still not the required day rides bike, the Brevet so at long last here it is.
I suffer with terrible spinal problems and I can honestly say that after 15 years of various bikes including suspension AM Moultons, that I found bikes which fit, but most of all are very comfortable. I now have my full set of three.
I have no wish nor the desire for a Rohloff fitted cycle. I know they do the job, but I am a real dyed in the wool traditionalist. So no Raven for me. Maybe if I wake up one day to find a Lottery prize or suchlike, I will buy a Raven for the sake of having one, but don't bet on it!
All the best,
John.
www.pbase.com/john28july
[]

[john28july]

Well! Taking into consideration that I owned two Thorn bikes, a Nomad and an Audax 853 before my purchase of a Brevet. I am amazed at the quality and comfort and performance. If you want a Thorn and cannot or do not wish to spend loads of money, I can heartily recommend a Brevet. I think that if I had bought the Brevet first I would just still have one solitary bike!
Well done to the designer Andy Blanch, and Robin Thorn for making life so much better.
John.
www.pbase.com/john28july
[]

[kwkirby01]

Still confused[?] What are the relative advantages of a Brevet over an Audax 853 and visa versa. To my untrained eye they seem very similar but at different price points.

[kwkirby01]

John, the Audax 853 has an interesting gear setup; Campag shifters with deore gears. What's the thinking behind this and how does it work in practice? Kevin

[john28july]

Hello,
In response to the above two questions.
I simply wanted a day ride/Winter training bike. The Brevet being cheapest seemed to me this criterior. However now I have it, its virtually as good as the Audax 853. Obviously the 853 is more comfortable but overall I am very pleased that I now have a general purpose bike. The Audax 853 has more brazed on bottle cage bosses but other than that the Brevet is great. In fact its probably as comfortable! No disadvantages noticed with the Brevet-its just better than expected.
Campagnolo TEN speed shifters with Shimano EIGHT speed cassette and Shimano rear gear. Works perfectly and the front shifter is not indexed so will work with any front gear mech. Very pleased with the setup.
Note 10 speed Campad shifters only work with Shimano 8 speed.
John.
www.pbase.com/john28july

[kwkirby01]

John, thanks for answering my questions promptly, it's always good to know the thinking behind someone else's bike choices.
The Audax has brake lever shifting, but the Brevet bar end shifters. Any particular reason for this or did you just use the kit you already had?
Kevin

[PH]

quote:Originally posted by john28july


Note 10 speed Campad shifters only work with Shimano 8 speed.
John.

It'll also work with 9 spd if the cable enters the mech at a different angle.  I've been using Campag 10 spd Ergos and Shimano 9spd mechs for three years without problem.
Full details of what works with what and why are on the CTC website
http://www.ctc.org.uk/DesktopDefault.aspx?TabID=3946

[john28july]

Regarding the Campagnolo versus the Shimano Bar End shifters. I will be fitting Campag to Brevet at a later date (cost). Already had Shimano bar ends. The Ergos are easy to use and makes shifting faster. 10 speed with Shimano 8.
John.