It's time to sell this lovely bike again.
We've had tons of fun on him. I've been able to take the boys cycling when they would have been too young/inexperienced to go on solos. And if the ride ended up being too long for one or other of them, they could relax and let me take the strain. We've cycle-camped using a trailer. And the school run was made much easier (not to mention much more fun) with this bike.
I got it when the boys were 6 and 3.5 and it fitted them immediately. They are 11 and 9 now and - while it still fits them (it is very adjustable) - they tend to use their own bikes these days, and I could use the space (and the cash).
It's red (= faster). Has mudguards and rear rack. Both sets of stokers' cranks have 2 positions for pedals (they don't seem to do that now. The website pics suggest only the rear cranks have these). The stokers' pedals all have clips and straps on to keep little feet out of the (many) chain rings.
I changed the front V-brake for a magura hydraulic rim caliper, which is an awesome brake. I have one for the rear wheel too, but have not fitted it. I'll include it, with the pads and spares, very long hose and lever if you want it. In the meantime, there's a perfectly adequate V-brake still on the back.
It won't come with the (2) Brooks saddles. I might have some spares if you need them.
Gearing is 3 x
67, with a nice, low, bottom gear. I don't recall finding a hill we couldn't climb. I changed the twist grip shifter for the rear mech to a rapid fire+ because it's better. The front mech is still twist grip operated, however because (in my opinion) it allows more trimming, which is useful on a triple chainset operating in a different time zone!
It's been stored indoors since we bought it. There's no rust on the frame (I touched up some superficial patches). It might be time for new timing chains: I think I have some spares and, if I have, I'll replace them.
New they are £1999 (yellow). I think this bike is worth £950 with the roof rack which sits flat on top of your roof bars (but might need some adjustment if your bars are not the same distance apart as mine). This rack was hand made by a chap who used to advertise his services in the CTC (as was) magazine. It was for my Dawes (2 seater) tandem, but it takes the Thorn very well.
Some pics:
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn6/gaydisco/DSCF2004.jpghttp://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn6/gaydisco/DSCF2996.jpghttp://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn6/gaydisco/DSCF2986.jpghttp://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn6/gaydisco/DSCF2366.jpgWe're in Derbyshire and you're welcome to come and try the bike out first, obviously. I have advertised this bike elsewhere, but not (for the moment) on eBay.
Paul.
(I was going to start a new thread, but I quite liked the idea of continuing this bike's history here.)