New Raven on order

[Mart]

Hi all

After weeks (or even months) of decisions made and then changed, agonising, worrying and enthusing I have taken the plunge today and ordered my new Raven. In Black with a lightweight build. Delivery is in 4 weeks so not too long to wait.

This is a new direction for me, coming from a mountain biking background, but with most of my mtb chums packing it in (we're now all over 50) I fancied doing something a bit different. The plan is to explore all the countryside around Bristol before heading out further afield. Still keeping the mtb for the odd blast though.

Thanks again to the guys on the forum who gave some useful advice a few weeks ago.

Martin

[jags]

Nice one Martin best of luck with it


jags.

[RonS]

Congratulations, Martin, and welcome to the Thorn community.

My black Raven is still a baby, only 500km on it, but I like it more with every ride. It's a light(ish) build, with DT425 rims and an 853 fork. I just love the Rohloff.

I am confident you will enjoy it.

All the best

Ron

[bikerta]

Hi Martin,

Welcome to the site, there is no better place for excellent advice, great people and of course fabulous bikes. I have had my Sherpa for 3 weeks now and am loving it, so I am sure you will feel the same about your Raven. The 4 weeks will soon go.

Jackie

[John Saxby]

Echoing all the welcomes, Martin, and enjoy your bike!  I have had my Raven on the road for just a few weeks now, and like Ron, am chuffed with it.  Not enough kms on it yet, but I hope to change that in two weeks' time with a first shakedown tour.  I fitted mine with Schwalbe Supremes (26 x 1.6) and so far, have been very pleased with them.  The Rohloff is slick, and my 38 x 17 gearing will be good for the hills. The other day, I was riding in the hills across the river, and for the first time, another cyclist pulled up alongside, intrigued by my bike: "Nice rig you've got there! How many gears in the hub?"  He was astonished when I said, "Fourteen."   Most people don't even notice the bike 'midst all the flash plastic stuff on display.  This is just fine -- Barely Noticeable is good.  Today I fitted my Hebie Chainglider in my workshop while a huge rainstorm was raging outside, and people will think it's just an Amsterdam fixie...

[Mart]

Thanks all - will post some photos when I take delivery.

Martin

[jags]

Martin what spec did you get on the new baby,coming from a mountainbike backgroung i reckon you want to keep it as light as possible.
look forward to the photos, photos of my Audax is somewhere on the forum 
worth a look if i say so myself .


jags.

[Mart]

Hi Jags. Similar spec to Ron's as far as the main bits are concerned with DT425 rims and the 853 fork. Also gone for low gearing which is what I'm used to, plus it's surprisingly hilly in Bristol unless you get down into the Severn vale. In truth it's probably going to be a good 6-8lb or so heavier than the mtb (Cotic), but horses for courses I guess and the test bike I rode at Bridgwater was a slighter heavier build again and rode really nicely.

Wasn't originally going for a rear rack, but when I came to order the bike Thorn told me the Tubus Airey rack was on offer at £99, so went for that. If nothing else useful for fixing a rear light to and if I get roped into the weekly shop.

The one thing I'm still not sure about is the tyres. Have gone for 2" Shwalbe Supremes as a compromise between speed, grip and comfort, but not convinced it's the right decision...?

Selling off all sorts of bits and bobs I've collected over the years to help fund the bike.

Will go and have a look for your Audax photos

Martin

[jags]

Martin the supreams are fantastic when i had the sherpa i tried all types of tyres could never settle on one i liked until i tried the supreams totally changed the feed of the bike even great on wet tarmac.

so by the sound of it you wont be doing any touring.
i have all the gear (new)  still haven't ventured out, im a geek,
but i'm the type of fella that money burnes a hole in my pocket when i have it,the only interest i have is cycling so it all goes on that,
love all this lightweight camping stuff fantastic gear but i never get to use it,
i will tho this summer.
best of luck with the new bike sounds a cracking build be sure to buy a good lock for when the wife sends you to the shops.

jags.

[Mart]

Thanks for the info re the Supremes - great to hear from someone who's used them.

No immediate plans to tour, though hoping to do that in the future when the kids have flown the nest and  we maybe have a bit more time on our hands. The Rohloff should be nicely run in by then!

Wow! Love the colour scheme on your Audax.

Martin

[jags]

yip looks good  if only the pilot looked as good,i'm as fit as a rusty wheelbarrow.


jags
 whos away to paint a house.will i ever win the lotto.

[Mart]

Hi all

Picked up the bike from Bridgwater on Friday (20th), which is pretty good going as I placed the order on the 3rd!

She had he maiden voyage yesterday, over the bridge and away to see the wide world (ok Portishead and back).

Initial impressions is that I think the bike's brilliant. A really comfy, stable and solid ride. Possibly slightly slower than my mtb for the same effort, but that translates into more time to look at the countryside.

Have to be careful with the lightweight forks tho - went full pelt over a speed bump forgetting what I was on!

Martin

[Danneaux]

All congratulations,  Martin, on a gorgeous new bike!  May the roads be ever down and the wind at your back (an initial dose of each is supplied by the adrenaline accompanying delivery and arrival of a new purchase!).

Looks simply terrific and hoping like mad we'll see more of it and your adventures together in the Gallery.

All the best,

Dan.