Thorn Exp

[Andybg]

Another ebay item.

Absolutely horrible and I am sure no one will like !!(I am really fancying this one but seems unfair not to post the link as I generally post them all)


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Thorn-eXp-Touring-Bike-54CM-New-9-Speed-XT-Cassette-New-Chain-Bargain-/190768297700?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item2c6aad36e4

[Andybg]

Happily I have managed to strike a deal with the seller and this bike will be coming home to live with me. Although I have tried to settle in with the Thorn Tour I have just not managed to get comfortable with the longer top tube and straight bars so it will be going up for sale in the new year.

I have then arranged for my Nomad to be shipped back across to Kevin Sayles (who originaly built the frame) at Woodrup Cycles to have the rear end resized to 135 and get the bike stripped and resprayed.

Happy Times

Andy

[Danneaux]

Oh, this is wonderful news all 'round, Andy -- Congratulations!

The EXP is a lovely bike, and has the potential to become a favorite for your intended use, I think. Plus, you have a first-class plan in mind for the Nomad, and I really think respacing the rear to 135 will keep it going with greater options for years to come (I know you were thinking of lighter wheels at some point for summertime use).

"Happy Times", indeed, and I can't wait to hear how it all develops, along with some photos for the gallery, of course! A repurchased bike (a bike so good it was bought twice! Even thrice!) *always* comes to look different under new ownership, so I'm looking forward to seeing your special touches that will make it an "Andy Bike". B'sides, it is a beautiful color.

Yay, Andy!

All the best,

Dan.

[JWestland]

Oooh congrats!

Wait, you got a Kevin Sayles frame???

Well done you

What colour are you going for? Black powdercoat, oh so handy, or can I tempt you with cobalt metallic blue, touch-upeable with humbrol?

[Andybg]

Thanks Jawine

Yep got two frames now by Kevin Sayles. The Nomad I have is one of the very first built from Reynolds 531 with the Thorn Nomad cross shaped head badge and the eXp is of an era that would have been built by him so dead chuffed. Maybe next year will look out for an xTc to complete the collection.

Probably going to keep it standard and go for a respray in the black but maybe the xTc in a blue like yours would be nice.

Andy

[JWestland]

Sayles XTC are harder to come by, a SWB is your best chance. But they don't have front loader forks, so are not "real" touring bikes. If you're pedantic...

The XTC looks different depending on light bit dull inside, but give it some light outside or some sun and it takes on a deep sparkling hue. There is something about several layers metallic paint

But powdercoating is much more hard wearing. And doesn't leave aerosols in the air. If the Nomad is a hard working, black powdercoat may be the way to go.

Heart or mind issue 

An XTC from LA cycles rides lovely too.

They're still building see: http://leecoopercycles.webs.com/apps/photos/album?albumid=7725856 probably recommended for people looking for fillet brazed work. FB is rarer than lug work, but I guess there's always people that prefer it over lugs/welds.