Ian!
You've found Thorn's secret development and test facility!
Obviously, after visiting the Philippines, Andy and Fiona dropped off plans with subcontractors in Indonesia.
A much lighter solution overall 'cos there's room for the true Adventure rider to carry lots of panniers without the weight or clutter of adding pannier racks. Andy uses the term "gird-sus" to describe the natural compliance of a long girder frame; the compliance of a sus fork without the maintenance. The handlebars are the latest Comfort 'Bars developed in consultation with Fiona.
Much of the development work was done in cooperation with Schwalbe, who has manufacturing facilities in Indonesia:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXdEJxoBytU&list=UUqrliOfFeNuBAHg87D2Mhdg&index=24 The photos make it obvious Schwalbe have revised their inflation recommendations downward; I would expect the low rolling resistance despite the lower pressure.
Along with the new frame, this is our first glimpse of Thorn's new "drag-free" dynohub lighting system, developed in cooperation with Schmidt and BUMM and mounted on a Thorn Accessory T-bar (looks like the 55mm version to me). Nice to see the prototype in the traditionally stealthy matte black finish.
I'm guessing for a mid-summer introduction, just in time to catch this year's touring season at its peak.
Best,
Dan. (...who knows the news before it is news)
