(News of) New Thorn Mercury 40 prototype, destined for production

[Danneaux]

See attached photo for announcement, info culled from Thorn's Instagram page...

https://www.instagram.com/p/DJjIJSdsC65/

A kickstand plate included? Well...! 

Best, Dan.

[Danneaux]

Second photo with ordering information...

https://www.instagram.com/p/DJjIJSdsC65/

Best, Dan.

[Danneaux]

Backstory...

https://www.instagram.com/thorncycles/p/DFXXmBWMfZG/

Best, Dan.

[Danneaux]

One more pic...

https://www.instagram.com/thorncycles/p/DFvKSprsgwe/

Best, Dan.

[geocycle]

Thanks Dan, looks a very flexible machine.  Will follow its release with interest.

[PH]

Following with interest, though I've no intention (Or funds) to be looking for another bike.  Be interesting to see how much of the tube manipulation has carried over and how much difference any that hasn't makes. I've speculated in the past that some of it looked to be on the indulgent side, but it rides so nice I don't really care.
I note Thorn have updated their website. this isn't on there yet, but the Audax and Club Tour models are absent.  Looks like they're pruning back to two solo frames, then using the build options to widen the range.  I've always considered my Mercury to be quite a niche machine, be interesting to see if the new model widens that, and if anything is lost in doing so. At one time the range of Thorn bikes was a bit overwhelming, I seem to recall 7 or 8 solo models on offer at the same time, with very little difference between some of them.  Is two going too far the other way?  A great business move if not, time will tell.

[dsim]

Does this mean Thorn will start implementing kickstand compatability across all its models?

The kickstand adapter on my Nomad MK3 puts the kickstand foot behind my 26 inch rear wheel, meaning I can't rear wheel it around with the kickstand in the "up" position.

Interested to see what the kickstand plate looks like

[mickeg]

I just looked at it again, that chain looks way too tight. 

Looks like the rear wheel is laced one cross. 

ISO mount for the disc brake.

[PH]

I just looked at it again, that chain looks way too tight. 

Not sure it is, or that you could judge from a photo.  Just looked at a couple of my photos and chain looks as straight as that when new, and I certainly wouldn't run it taught.

Looks like the rear wheel is laced one cross. 

1x and heads out, they've been building 700c wheels that way for a while now, mine from 2017 is like that.  I was a bit dubious at first, but from a buyers perspective they're offering better warranty than the manufacturer!  If there was an issue with it, they'd have discovered so by now.

[mickeg]

...

Looks like the rear wheel is laced one cross. 

1x and heads out, they've been building 700c wheels that way for a while now, mine from 2017 is like that.  I was a bit dubious at first, but from a buyers perspective they're offering better warranty than the manufacturer!  If there was an issue with it, they'd have discovered so by now.

I built my wheel in 2013, at that time Rohloff specs were clear about two cross for 26 inch wheels.  But that was before the flange reinforcing rings were available.

[Andyb1]

How much is there to test?  The sidestand?
Thorn frame geometry is well proven. 
The equipment looks well proven.
Good to get a few miles under the wheels but it does not look a radical departure from previous models.
 

[PH]

How much is there to test? 

Probably not much, they'll have put their experience into getting it right first time, but there could always be something that detracts from that X factor.  Or some unintended consequence of a minor change, or conflict of components not evident till building it up, or just an error in communication between designer and builder. 
I've only designed one frame, a one off, I didn't notice on the final drawing that the measurement to the chainstay bridge was to the center not the edge, that reduced tyre clearance by 8mm.  Probably not the sort of error the experienced folks at Thorn would make, but wouldn't you want to be sure before ordering a container full of them?

[PH]

I built my wheel in 2013, at that time Rohloff specs were clear about two cross for 26 inch wheels. 

I don't think the advice from Rohloff has changed, Thorn seem to be unique in building this way, apparently with Rohloff's approval.  As it's Thorn offering the better warranty, I'd have been happy going along with whatever they did.
I did ask why on here at the time and Dave Whittle, the then workshop manager, explained that 1x puts the spoke entering the rim at the same angle as 3x with a standard hub.  No answer to why all heads out though.