Returning rider. Anyone else?

[ipswichcycler]

A couple of months back I was unfaithful to my dear beloved. I was lured away by speedy road riders and went out and bought a boardman hybrid pro.

Then a couple of nights ago I went back on my thorn nomad. It was like putting on a pair of old slippers. Pure comfort. The ride quality is like chalk and cheese. Smooth riding, smooth gear changes, smooth everything and it feels like a steam train that chugs along nicely when you have build up a head of steam.  Yes it's about 10kg heavier but that really helps build up momentum. What ever the physics of it I know which I prefer and the boardman hybrid pro is now on eBay. The best bit about that bike were the hydraulic disk brakes. Makes me consider putting one on the rear of my nomad.

Anyone else dome something like this?

[Danneaux]

Hi, Ips'!

I've not done quite the same as you, but do maintain a stable of similar yet different tourers and randonneur bikes. While their mission is roughly the same, they go about it in different ways, are of different weights and cargo capacities, and have different wheel and tire sizes ad widths. I find when I get a little bored or jaded with one, switching to another and then back again can make the first feel fresh again in comparison. I think it is the novelty value of the "new" than allows me to rediscover -- and fully appreciate -- old  bicycle-friends again.

That may also be why I can't bear to part with any of them!

Best,

Dan.

[David Simpson]

The best bit about that bike were the hydraulic disk brakes. Makes me consider putting one on the rear of my nomad.

Anyone else dome something like this?

Yes, I have a Magura MT2 hydraulic disc brake on the rear of my Nomad. You can see (older) photos of my bike in the Member's section, under the topic "Dave's Nomad" (http://thorncyclesforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=9029.0).

I am using a disc brake because I regular commute to work on my bike on hilly roads in Vancouver, and it rains a lot in the winter. I have a CSS rim on the front with KoolStop pads, and they are adequate but not great in the wet. With the rear disc, I have no trouble stopping in any weather.

I originally had a Surly Big Dummy fork on the bike because I wanted a disc brake on the front also. But then I wanted to have a front rack, so I put the original Thorn fork back on and installed Shimano V-brakes. I don't miss the front disc brake at all.

I use the Magura brake because it uses regular mineral oil, not brake fluid. Many hydraulic brakes use brake fluid, which eventually absorbs water and needs to be replaced. In my older bike, a Cannondale mountain bike, I have Magura Julie hydraulic brakes and have never needed to change or add oil in 13 years.

However, hydraulic brakes can be more difficult to work on if you do need to mess with the oil. I have never used cable disc brakes, but I have read great reviews for the Avid BB7 brakes. I recently purchased BB5 brakes for my son's bike, but I haven't installed them yet. I have heard that the housing for cable disc brakes is larger than that of hydraulic brakes, and they may interfere with rear racks. That is something to consider when installing on a touring bike.

By the way, even though I have such different brakes on the front and rear, I don't notice any difference in the feel of them. They are both excellent brakes.

- Dave

[Andre Jute]

I have Magura's HS11 rim brakes on my everyday bike and love them for their smooth uptake. Zero service in seven years and over 8000km. I would specify them again, for sure.

On another bike I have Shimano cable-operated disc brakes from near the bottom of their price list. They're a pain for chewing pads and needing adjustments every so often. Hatefully unpredictable and sudden in operation.