I'm offering my beloved c.2002 Thorn Nomad, derailleur version. $650.
In 2002-ish it was their largest size. Since then I believe they offer one, or maybe two,
yet larger frame sizes, that is for yet taller people with longer legs. I'm 5'9" but with short legs
(so more like I'm 5' 7 1/2" tall) which has always made the bike a bit too tall for me, but i've foolishly loved it anyway.
The components are mostly Shimano Deore, one grade down from their most expensive at
the time.
Tubus racks on front and rear. Robin once mentioned
they were "custom", but never asked him as to which or why. (it is the
racks that are covered with the most significant surface rust. In the photos
the rust can look more substantial than it is, because the 3 dimensionality of
the layer of paint, is about the same thickness as the rust. So, it's significant,
but I doubt it's currently structural in impact on the racks, (as in, the racks
do not seem like they could fail, even under maximum load... but they should be
treated, or could be replaced if thought necessary. I love them. But the buyer
should evaluate).
Obviously a local buyer, or one who can come and inspect the bicycle, even take it
to a shop, if they need expert feedback, is ideal.
Optional: excellent Ortlieb rear panniers (maybe $80 extra with bike at $650, and with Ortlieb
attachable backpack frame for either pannier. The panniers plus cool attachable/detachable
backpack harness cost me $250+ USD). fully waterproof. The panniers are as good as new.
The bicycle, complete, was about $2250 or more new, in around 2002. I bought as totally "as new" in 2004.
As referenced there is a fair amount of surface rust, on spots where the
paint has been scratched. It seems sandable and paintable, just those spots.
The whole paint job is still original and substantial. I personally would NOT repaint it,
or even think of such.
I actually allowed it to surface rust to make it less steal-able which worked,
but now would be good time to sand off rust and paint those spots. I ran
a nonprofit Master's Level art project in Los Angeles' intense Skid Row district
for ten years and used the bike and panniers often for commuting and I didn't
want my bicycle stolen. To be honest, bicycle thievery-wise, it was just as vulnerable in the upscale Santa Monica
neighborhood I lived in and commuted from, as teams of professional bike thieves
worked those more affluent neighborhoods. Once the bicycle on each side of mine
was stolen and my Thorn left. It wasn't just the then barely forming surface rust,
it was the HUGE bulldog chain and lock I had on it, that made the thieves make more
efficient selections, plus nobody knows what Thorns are here. Probably looked "odd" to them.
I love the bike and it is fully utilizable as is. (a tune up would make it better, but but it's
a very sound bicycle). I'll try to take close up photos of the rust, as i'm
not an expert but, to me, it's non alarming and totally correctable (but that's me).
This bicycle with me on it was featured in the documentary motion picture
"Passing Through" Dektor Films 2018. I am NOT an expert bicyclist nor
tech. I just love my bike, and especially loved the integrity of the Thorn Nomad,
hence making the unusual choice (in the USA) to seek out a purchase it.
Thanks so much!
Rory White
Serial Number: On purchase receipt (respected seller had it on consignment for
original purchaser) it lists under Serial Number (hand written:
LA4280269 (visibly, quick glance without turning bike upside down i see a L A 4 2 8 0 2 [next line is] 69
Thanks to InR, who explained this in his reply it is clear it was both their largest size at the time and considered XL. To my memory
they added some larger sizes since then. Again, for me, at 5'9" and yet notably, with longer torso and shorter legs,
the standover height is definitely a touch too high. While I've loved the bike, this adds a danger to stability when partially
dismounted, as I'm not on tiptoes, but there is no give in my knees, as my legs must be fully extended to have
each foot firmly planted on ground on either side of bike. With no knee flexibility in that position it can allow
one to topple to the side. I was young, foolish, and in love with the bike, and it was a Thorn Nomad right here in
Los Angeles. I do not regret my years of joy with the bicycle, but one should get the correct size for their body, clearly!
(see size matrix chart in InR's reply to my original post here.) his comments, based on the bike's serial number
LA 42802 69
"LA cycles in UK, er Birmingham made the frame.
The 69 refers to the frame size"
NOTE in the photos of the bike on kickstand, the rear tire is lifted off the ground, so
one cannot see the amount of slope in the top tube, (except in photo of bike with
my old Bronco, where you can barely discern the slope, much more pronounced in person)
and which the size chart lists as "70".
This was their "new geometry" at the time, meaning the slope vs. horizontal top tube
and other factors increasing maneuverability including in urban use (tight city streets).
