Thorn eXp

[markbUK]

I was looking for a bit of a project to keep me entertained over the next few weeks, this exp was the one recently on eBay, the plan is the referbished it, still to decide on the details, but am thinking on converting it back to cantilever brakes, to make use of the rear hanger, and the only other thought is to go for British racing green powder coat, I doubt if I can get any original transfers but the intension is get it looking as it would have done.

I'm sure I ended up paying over the odds for it,  and more wallet bashing to come to get it up to scratch, but still its going to get used

the bike should arrive next week, I will post pics when thats back up and running

Mark

[Danneaux]

Outstanding, Mark; does the heart good to see an older bike brought back to spec in a loving manner. It'll be good to you in turn. I've done a number myself, and enjoyed the process and the result always seemed a little bit more special for my invested effort.

Can't wait to see the photos of it now and as work progresses. Hopefully, we'll be back up and running for photo attachments soon. If not, inline html tags to iccies hosted on other sites will still work.

Good on ya!

All the best,

Dan.

[markbUK]

Just started to strip the frame, and sent Thorn the frame number (1201878 KS 102) given the KS stamp I assumed it was a Kevin Sayles frame, which it is, which I really pleased about,

I'm currently trying to find the best place to get the frame refurbished, Dave (Thorn) informed that colour-tech in Kent did the original paint jobs on these frame, I was thinking of using Argos cycles in Bristol as the are close enough to make a trip to to discuss the work. Has anyone any experience of using them?

Mark

[Kuba]

I used Argos a few months ago to paint/build up my Thorn XTC. The paintwork was excellent if somewhat fragile, the bike has picked up a couple of scratches already. But hey that's enamel, if you want something tougher then consider powder-coating instead. But the quality of work was very good and they hand-polished the stainless Thorn head-badge too... I'd use them again.

By the way, you can search for photos of my XTC in member's gallery to see how it turned out.

[markbUK]

That really helpful, I was thinking of getting it powder coated but I Argos don't do it, enamel will I think be fine as long as I can touch it up, unfortunately the pics are still down so can't see you xtc,
Mark

[markbUK]

Quick update .. Firstly great to see the site back up ... Anyway

Frames been sent to Argos Cycles, hopefully ready to pick up mid august, the original 48 spoke wheels have been check by the LBS as not requiring any attention and they've cleaned up very nicely, the SON Klassik and Edelux ver 1 has also checked out OK and polished up nicely probably not going to be used for now

A few new parts sitting ready to go on; new tyres, cantilever's and levers, gear & brake cables, tubus Cosmo rack, all the rest has cleaned up well,

Just a few more bits to collect together, mudguards, seat post which I'll get from SJS when pop to Bristol to pick up the frame

Mark

[markbUK]

This is the original eBay PIC, hoping to pick up the frame from Argos on Monday

[markbUK]

The original wheelset is going back on, all cleaned up, and ready too go. .... 48 spokes seems a bit OTT for a trip to the shops!

[jags]

Get a really nice paint job done on it  dont go getting it painted green for gods sake,
silver with white bands on seat tube would be classy .
u done a fantastic job on the wheels
paul canti brakes  are really nice kool stop pink  blocks 

anyway best of luck with the build going to be a cracker me thinks.


jags.

[markbUK]

After much deliberation ... How hard can it be to choose a bike colour!! .. I've gone for a dark blue, all the Reynolds Transfer's replaced, the head badge is being polished and silver Thorn and eXp logos added to. Hopefully it looks OK when I pick it up

[jags]

  if its blue its gonna be class.


anto.

[markbUK]

Picked up the frame and forks from Argos Cycles, having popped into SJS cycles, for some bits for the build ... The colour is standard flamboyant blue,

[jags]

i like it

[Danneaux]

It really "pops", Mark, and is a beautiful color. I love the polished headbadge, and the silvery decals go nicely with the rest.

Looking forward to seeing it all built-up; a real treat!

Best,

Dan.

[markbUK]

Finally completed the build, I've set the bike up the same as my Mercury with the narrow bars, but am using a rido2 instead of the brooks for now, 
Mark