Audax Mk4 due first week of May 2019...

[lewis noble]

Replying to Janet . . . . I've found the 28 Schwalbe One tyres fine, though not much riding so far on wet muddy lanes on them.  If they made the Supremes in 28 size, I would probably go for them, but I have no plans to change now.  And for my riding style, rim brakes have suited me fine,, again no plans to change.

Best wishes

Lewis

[RST Scout]

Thanks for that, Lewis.

[RST Scout]

Dave, will the new Audax have bosses for front racks on the fork or are you using the mk4 fork?

Janet

[Dave Whittle Thorn Workshop]

They are using the Mk4 fork or a Carbon fork. But theres no reason we couldn't use a Mk3 fork if we have one in the right rake and colour left.

[martinf]

Replying to Janet . . . . I've found the 28 Schwalbe One tyres fine

I also have 28 mm Schwalbe One tyres on my one remaining derailleur bike, a Woodrup light tourer from 1977.

I generally prefer wider tyres, but the Schwalbe One are reasonably comfortable, probably even better for a light rider. These tyres have performed well so far, including one trip that ended with very wet weather, although this wasn't planned, as I generally only use the bike on good roads and in good weather. I dislike cleaning derailleurs now that I have the choice of riding hub gear bikes instead.   

[Dave Whittle Thorn Workshop]

Stock just arrived, see here for pictures https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/frames/500-thorn-audax-mk4-disc-frame-gunmetal/

[Dave Whittle Thorn Workshop]

[geocycle]

Nice pictures Dave, looks like a terrific bike and I hope it does well.  Is the bend in the front mudguard stay to avoid having to use the plastic safety clips?

[PH]

Is the bend in the front mudguard stay to avoid having to use the plastic safety clips?

I'd guess that the stay is bent so it goes into the fitting cleanly, there's no need for a quick release with stays that attach away from the dropout, bend or no bend.  If something gets caught a guard rotating around a higher pivot point would move away from the tyre releasing whatever was caught.  I think some thorn models have always had the stays high on the fork, it's an even better idea when you're trying to avoid conflict with the disc brake.  I just wish they'd do something similar for the rear guards. Be interesting to see this bike from the other side.

But never mind the guards - what's going on with the gear cabling? It isn't through the adjusters than attached with zip ties?

[Danneaux]

what's going on with the gear cabling? It isn't through the adjusters than attached with zip ties?

Di2, methinks.

Best,

Dan.

[PH]

what's going on with the gear cabling? It isn't through the adjusters than attached with zip ties?

Di2, methinks.

Best,

Dan.

Doh!
Hadn't even considered that, the whole electric shifting thing has (Thankfully) passed me by.

[jackben]

What is the main difference between this mk4 and the previous version of MK3R?

[PH]

What is the main difference between this mk4 and the previous version of MK3R?

Disc brakes - There might be other differences, but the materials are the same, the steering geometry is dictated by OTP forks and I doubt Thorn have strayed far from their tried and tested geometry and sizing.
There was some discussion earlier in this thread about what size tyres fit, complicated by the difference in opinion of what constitutes adequate mudguard clearance.  IMO genuine 32mm tyres and guards don't fit under deep drop caliper brakes even if they're set for maximum clearance (That isn't to say that some described as 32mm won't)

[Prince of Darkness]

Also Rohloff ready.

[Vintagetourer]

Nice, though I'm finished with frames that'll only take 28mm tires.  I like the idea of disc brake rear and rim brake front, it's what I went for on a Mercury and although I was a bit sceptical I'm now a convert...

I have 32mm tyres on my Thorn Audax Mk3 with room to spare.
But I live in Australia so don’t need mudguards.