MK3 retrofit S&S couplers

[kurtfraser70@hotmail.com]

Has anyone retrofitted S&S couplers on the MK3? Really like the ability to use gates belt on MK3 and larger tires.   

[George Hetrick]

If your goal is to use a belt, a seat stay splitter will be a lot cheaper.

Also https://www.veercycle.com/collections/all/products/split-belt-pro?variant=29894666125390 would let you have a belt with 0 frame modifications.

[Danneaux]

If your goal is to use a belt, a seat stay splitter will be a lot cheaper.

Fortunately, Mk3 Nomads already come so equipped. 

Best,

Dan.

[mickeg]

Are you familiar with the S&S couplers?  Having a frame builder add them and then the repaint job would not be inexpensive.

There was a thread recently on adding them to a Mk II Nomad, that is here:
http://thorncyclesforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=14501.0

If you are in USA, when I was considering having couplers added to my titanium bike, Bilenky is where I looked but in the end decided that I only needed one S&S bike and my Nomad Mk II met that criteria.

If you are serious about a Mk III with S&S, you probably will find that 26 inch wheels are the best option for packing it. 

My Mk II is the 590M size, it is a tight fit to pack.

[George Hetrick]

If your goal is to use a belt, a seat stay splitter will be a lot cheaper.

Fortunately, Mk3 Nomads already come so equipped. 

Best,

Dan.

Yeah, I don't understand the connection between adding S&S couplers and using a belt drive, but, oh, well.

Also, at least for US-based air carriers, it's no longer necessary to try for the 62" linear dimensions to avoid an extra luggage charge.

[mickeg]

...
Also, at least for US-based air carriers, it's no longer necessary to try for the 62" linear dimensions to avoid an extra luggage charge.

I think only American, Delta, and more recently United dropped the oversize fees.  I think Southwest and some others still have the oversize surcharge.

[kurtfraser70@hotmail.com]

Thanks for the replies!

Like the idea of belt drive offer on Mk3, but need S&S couplers to ride on some transports. 

[Matt2matt2002]

Thanks for the replies!

Like the idea of belt drive offer on Mk3, but need S&S couplers to ride on some transports.

Out of interest, what transport are you thinking of?
My Raven had traveled by train, plane and top of a taxi or 3, in one piece.

[kurtfraser70@hotmail.com]

Just thinking about getting back into touring after retirement.  I had trouble travelling with my old bicycle in Burma.  Granted that was ten years ago so things may have changed.

[in4]

Welcome back! SE Asia is beginning to open up again now. Thailand and Malaysia are already open but others are not. 🤞 things will soon make touring in the region possible again.
Assume you’re getting a new Thorn to resume touring on 😉

[mickeg]

Just thinking about getting back into touring after retirement.  I had trouble travelling with my old bicycle in Burma.  Granted that was ten years ago so things may have changed.

Some people that have belt drive are very happy with that. 

I however prefer chain for my Rohloff bike.  For riding that bike unladen near home or with a pannier load of groceries, I use a 44T chainring and 16T sprocket in the rear.  But when I set that bike up for touring, I instead use a 36T chainring for lower gears, remove four chain links.  Removing or adding four links from a belt is impractical but is very easy with a chain with two quick links.  My point is that there are some advantages to a chain drive.