Raven Nomad S&S vs eXp Rohloff

[Phaedrus]

Greetings,

I hoping the intelligent and informed readers of this forum can help me.  Trying to figure out if the eXp Rohloff or Raven Nomad S&S is the best bike to purchase given:

- a 5 year world tour that includes transversing remote and rugged regions
- heavy rider (~125kg) that would need to carry up to 60kg of 'luggage'
- $ not an issue
- lifetime investment

Simply can't discern which of these two bikes are able to take the most punishment and handle the most load.  If I go down the eXp Rohloff route, then perhaps might go with the custom option.

thank you for your ideas!
-William

[geocycle]

You're in an enviable position!  This has to be one for the experts at SJS -they will definitely give you an honest answer and IME not try and flog you the most expensive bike. 

In terms of general issues then S&S could be useful if you are likely to be regularly boxing your bike up to take onto planes, trains etc -otherwise.... I'd opt for the simple route. Custom v off the peg depends on your shape as much as anything!  Thorn have a lot of options which will fit most folk.  I look forward to hearing the outcome and seeing the pictures!

[stutho]

If Money is no object then I would go for an Exp Rohloff with an S&S option - That is probably enough bike to last two lifetimes!  The Exp is as good as it gets in terms of ruggedness.


But as geocycle said on a purchase like this you really need to speak to SJS Cycles.

[julk]

The Rohloff eXp will cost you around £1400 more than the Raven Nomad S&S for a bike with an equivalent frame and S&S fitted, but made from Reynolds tubing, hand brazed and painted to your requirements. It may take longer to acquire if you order at a busy time of year.
You will have the choice of many more frame sizes to get the best fit, and the option to have what ever you want in the way of frame changes and fitments. Make sure the frame rack fixing points are tapped for 6mm bolts if you really are going to carry 60kg.

The components are going to be the same whichever you go for.

For a lifetime investment, money no object, I would recommend the eXp Rohloff.

I speak as a proud owner of an eXp Rohloff, it is a delight to ride unladen or heavily loaded.