New Bikes

[Andybg]

My new bikes arrived today!!! I went to look at a second hand RST and he also had a MK1 Nomad. I took both for a ride and even though they are so different I could not decide which one I prefered. While out test riding them for a second time the wife took the decision and bought both.

Just got them home today (shipped from the UK to Bulgaria) and set them up with pedals and seat height.

Still delighted (even though only time for a short run out on each) and looking forward to many more miles - still not sure which one I like the best but I suppose that is not the worst problem to have.

These are my replacement after 25+ years of riding race bikes. The roads out here are just too bad to enjoy a race bike.

All I can say is that no one ever told me cycling could be this comfy.

What great bikes!!!!!!!!!!

[Milemuncher]

Congratulations, Andy!  Lucky you.  Enjoy. 

[jags]

what a woman  bought you both bikes i need a woman like that
enjoy there both great bikes spoiled for choice.

[Andre Jute]

A great day for you, Andy, and well deserved! (Oh, and what a woman your wife is!)

Andre Jute

[Cedric]

Hi Andy,

Very unique and interesting situation On this forum there are so many long discussions about the models, advantages and disadvantages, which one to choose. But you certainly found the best solution.

Now having time and opportunity to compare, how do you find them? As RST and Nomad seem to be for different purposes?
Did you travel in UK for them?

Can you place some pictures?

Thanks!

Regards,

Cedric

[Andybg]

I had been looking at a Sherpa for a while as I had gone through a spate of destroying high end race and audax bikes on the terrible roads here. I generally do day rides up to 100 miles plus the odd hour just for a blast plus I like to use my bikes for errands so a mixed set of requirements really.

A friend of a friend in the UK had a RST for sale so last time I was over I went to take for a test ride to see what I thought of the hub gear to make sure that I was not missing something with getting a Sherpa rather than a Raven.

When I went he had not only the RST but also the Nomad which is basically just the predecessor to the Sherpa so was a chance to trial both.

First Impressions

The Nomad is lovely. Rides so smooth and so stable. Totally unfased by anything. 30kg of water (in bottles in panniers) no probs (we live near a mineral spring so we go there for water) - so one less job for the car.

This could definitely be a friend for life.

The RST is in a different league - feels much more sprightly and dare I say aggressive. Not nearly as relaxing to ride but great fun never the less. Definitely different bikes for different uses.

The Rohloff is fantastic. Efficiency might not be its strong hand and the freewheel is noisy and in certain gears it whirs and ... and - but having said that definitely a fantastic bit of kit. No need to think about gears at all - just click and up one - click and down one - or up 3 or down 4. No more needing to think about changing down before stopping.

I think maybe a RT may getting added to the stable at some point but for the time being I am more than happy.

[Andybg]

Will post some pictures tomorrow in the photo section.

[Danneaux]

All congratulations, Andy, and best wishes for enjoying your new Thorns!  I'm delighted for you.

Now you've done it...! 

We can't wait to see the photos -- be generous and post lots of angles and details for us to drool over.  And...ride reports!  You're in a wonderfully unique position to compare two bicycles, each intended for different purposes so we need details.

Enjoy, have a wonderful time, and just soak in the happiness, Andy; all the best!

Dan.

[Andybg]

Photos now up in the Gallery

[Safiraya]