Hi All!
Thorn's designer, Andy Blance, has updated the Thorn Mega Brochure for May 2016. There are a number of new developments in it, all making for a good re-read if you have not yet seen the new edition:
http://www.sjscycles.com/thornpdf/THORN_MEGA_BROCHURE.pdf• Derailleur gearing recommendations and options have been revised and in some cases expanded.
• Among the new developments is a pending 650B wheel/tire option for disc brake-equipped Nomads. See page 35 for details. It appears a Nomad disc fork is on the way.
Some time ago, I determined my past Sherpa and current Nomad had enough adjustment in the pad-mounting slots for the v-brakes to work with 650B rims. However, because of the larger rim size, a smaller tire would be required to maintain the same outside diameter:
http://thorncyclesforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=3893.msg17072#msg17072• Pages 36-37 detail Andy's current thoughts regarding tubeless tires and rims. He likes them and his views have evolved as the technology has improved, particularly in the area of puncture sealants. The advantages are self-sealing of small punctures and the option to temporarily fit a tube in the event of larger holes. Because no tubes are normally required, overall rotating weight can be reduced provided tire and rim weights remain comparable.
• Page 42 details the new option to use a TRP (Tektro Racing Products) Spyre/Spyke mechanical caliper in place of a Hope at the rear of Nomads -- with good rack clearance...as I predicted last October:
http://thorncyclesforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=11445.msg83112#msg83112• All Thorn bikes assembled post-Mayday 2016 will be equipped with Rohloff splined cogs and carriers, facilitating quicker cog-swaps. Page 42 tells more about the 19t splned cog option and its benefits wrt drivetrain life. Chainline will be somewhat different, as discussed here previously:
http://thorncyclesforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=11576.msg84492#msg84492http://thorncyclesforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=11609.msg84856#msg84856• Options and accessories have been expanded and updated.
• Page 50 has some useful discussions wrt S&S Torque couplings and the note that any Thorn single (barring the Mercury) can be equipped with the couplings at extra cost. This section once again notes couplings should be checked for proper tightness every day. Those considering couplings for minimal packed size for air travel would be wise to read this section as well for tips and cautions.
• Starting on page 60 is a whole new section on touring advice gleaned from Andy and Fiona's own tours.
• There are some nice new photos and variations in the "Recipe" section at the end.
These are really just a few of the highlights, as the Mega Brochure has been revised throughout, making for an excellent read with a hot cup of tea ready to hand.
Best,
Dan.