MK2 Nomad/Perspective

[in4]

Perspective: it’s an interesting thing. . 

[Andre Jute]

 Dijja build dat model boat in yer piccie?

PS I do think the functional-appearing white on the top tube emphasises rather than detracts from an otherwise black bike as shown in your earlier post at: http://thorncyclesforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=14808.msg111267#msg111267

[WorldTourer]

Got rid of my Mk2 frame and upgraded to a Mk3 frame. I believe that the Mk2 is fatally flawed by its design that basically makes the bottom-bracket shell a wearable part, and who knows how long SJS will stock replacement shells (plus customers on the continent might not want to deal with the hassle of ordering post-Brexit).

Really happy with the Mk3 frame, it is just nicer to look at and touch than the Mk2 frame, and the presence of the seatstay splitter for a belt drive makes it more future-proof. Also nice to be able to fly with the bike without having to look for a fork spacer, because the Mk3 fork (at least the Thorn Bikepacking Fork) has a thru-axle.

Also, it is my understanding that Thorn no longer stocks a suitable disc-brake fork for the Thorn Nomad Mk2. The overall bike industry decided years ago already to reduce stock and quality of rim-brake components.

[in4]

Dijja build dat model boat in yer piccie?

PS I do think the functional-appearing white on the top tube emphasises rather than detracts from an otherwise black bike as shown in your earlier post at: http://thorncyclesforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=14808.msg111267#msg111267

It’s actually a tanker full of Guinness heading for Cork as I type 😉
I put the top tube, tube on for when I was using the ferries in Scotland. A length of rope is supplied to secure your bike to the ship wall with. Additionally it makes the bike less attractive to thieves and also might soften any blow to the Crown Jewels should an unforeseen, sudden stop be necessary. Slanté

[in4]

Got rid of my Mk2 frame and upgraded to a Mk3 frame. I believe that the Mk2 is fatally flawed by its design that basically makes the bottom-bracket shell a wearable part, and who knows how long SJS will stock replacement shells (plus customers on the continent might not want to deal with the hassle of ordering post-Brexit).

Really happy with the Mk3 frame, it is just nicer to look at and touch than the Mk2 frame, and the presence of the seatstay splitter for a belt drive makes it more future-proof. Also nice to be able to fly with the bike without having to look for a fork spacer, because the Mk3 fork (at least the Thorn Bikepacking Fork) has a thru-axle.

I think another company also make a bottom bracket shell; the name of which escapes me atm.

With regard to MK2 & MK3: There is a certain inevitability over time as manufacturers respond to developments and indeed introduce them. There is little dipped in aspic these days. Who’d have foreseen the growth in e-bikes? Nevertheless I’m pleased that your MK3 works better for you. Pop a photo up ( tanker not required!)

Also, it is my understanding that Thorn no longer stocks a suitable disc-brake fork for the Thorn Nomad Mk2. The overall bike industry decided years ago already to reduce stock and quality of rim-brake components.

[Andre Jute]

It’s actually a tanker full of Guinness heading for Cork as I type 😉

I'll be quayside to welcome it... Australian folk song, all 113 stanzas of it, The Fatal Wedding, refrain: "The hearse overturned at the crossroads, and the pub ran out of beer." Five equally tragic elements!

I like the authentic detail of a rope being supplied on the ferry to tie up the bike in case the crossing is rough. (Only bike forum where you can read about cycle bondage, a niche sport.) Makes one wonder how many cyclists have the foresight to bring a piece of hollow foam to protect their bikes' paint against the rail.

[jul]

Got rid of my Mk2 frame and upgraded to a Mk3 frame. I believe that the Mk2 is fatally flawed by its design that basically makes the bottom-bracket shell a wearable part, and who knows how long SJS will stock replacement shells (plus customers on the continent might not want to deal with the hassle of ordering post-Brexit).

Do you mean, there is only SjS who sell this type of bottom bracket ?

[in4]

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=bushnell+ebb&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-gb&client=safari

[jul]

Ok so dimensions are standard ..

[UKTony]

Good to see a Mk2 carry on carrying on……

Also, it is my understanding that Thorn no longer stocks a suitable disc-brake fork for the Thorn Nomad Mk2.

https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/forks/the-light-blue-darwin-mt-700c-disc-fork-1-18-inch-black-50mm-offset/

[WorldTourer]

Also, it is my understanding that Thorn no longer stocks a suitable disc-brake fork for the Thorn Nomad Mk2.

https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/forks/the-light-blue-darwin-mt-700c-disc-fork-1-18-inch-black-50mm-offset/

Thanks for pointing this out. I assumed there were no options because the part labeled “Thorn Nomad Disc Fork” which I ordered some years ago for my Mk2, disappeared from the site. Interesting that the old fork was curved and this one is straight, though. And being straight, the new fork can offer the triple-screw pattern for fork-cage mounts that are becoming so popular now.

[Danneaux]

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=bushnell+ebb&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-gb&client=safari

Ian, to my knowledge the Bushnell bottom bracket (originally marketed through R&E Cycles north of me in Seattle; their web links went dead after licensing to QBP/Problem Solvers) is not a match for my Mk2 Nomad's 51.2mm OD eccentric...
https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/bottom-brackets/eccentric-bottom-bracket-insert-fits-raven-mk2-sport-tour-etc-732mm-for-external-bearing-bottom-bracket-gold/?geoc=US
I checked last year and found that to be so. Forum member Il Padrone/Pete S in Australia went so far as to order one and found the same.

Some Forum topic links...
http://thorncyclesforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=4695.msg24171#msg24171
http://thorncyclesforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=9627.msg67517#msg67517
http://thorncyclesforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=7281.msg46517#msg46517
http://thorncyclesforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=3726.0

If considering this terrific design, it would be wise to check specifics first. If one is available in a diameter to fit my Nomad Mk2, I would get it in a heartbeat!

Best, Dan.

[WorldTourer]

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=bushnell+ebb&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-gb&client=safari

Are Bushnell EBBs sold today designed to have two screws bite into the metal? This overview seems to suggest that the biting-screw design found on the Nomad Mk2 is a problem that the Bushnell was designed to move past.

[mickeg]

I am keeping my Mk II Nomad, not changing to a Mk III.  I sometimes use the S&S couplers and a couple times I have fitted a suspension fork to the Mk II.

That said, I see real advantages to the Mk III bottom bracket shell design over the Mk II.  But, I have figured out the Mk II, and I expect mine to last forever.

Here is how I adjust my chain:
http://thorncyclesforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=14475

[PH]

But, I have figured out the Mk II, and I expect mine to last forever.

Yes this. I too prefer the clamp style on the current Thorn bikes, but don't support the idea that the set screw type is flawed, let alone fatally. Thorn could and should have done a better job of explaining how to get the best from it. The natural inclination of a new owner is to over-frequently adjust, and it's this which wrecks them. Once it's grasped that there only needs to be three positions and that once indents are made it's best to re-use them, there's no reason the insert shouldn't last a lifetime.
Sheldon Brown has a description of all three systems, saying there's pros and cons to them all, I'd agree.