Hi Jags, from reading your posts on the forum over the past few years I get the feeling that the Audax is the bike you really want in your heart. I bought an RST in 2011, it's a great, great bike but it is also a 'jack of all trades', not quite focused enough for spirited blasts in the country (although certainly not slow by any means) or for serious touring duties, but it is a fantastic commuter bike which is the reason I bought it for. I am now hoping to add an Audax to my stable this year and maybe a Nomad one day too. I'm sure they are both great bikes but I'd be tempted to go for the Audax, see how it handles with a load and if you think you need a fully fledged tourer maybe look for a nice secondhand one.
Good luck whatever you decide to do.
Neil
yes Neil i agree with you for the type of touring i'll be doing it should be perfect.
i wont be carrying the kitchen sink, nor will i be doing any adventure touring like a few of the lads here
3 or 4 days away will do me fine, i enjoy the cycling more than i do the camping to be honest.
i'm a late bird always have been i go to bed late and get up late,when camping going to bed at 8 or 9pm wrecks my head makes for a long night usually sleepless
Hah just reading back on this post i sure make for the perfect cycle tourist
but believe it or not i love it ,love seeing new places findind new routes love the idea of actually doing for me self when away for a few days. i'm spoiled rotten at home wouldn't boil an egg for meself worst cook on the planet.
so when i do go camping the best thing since sliced bread ,Stew in a tin... stick it on the gas stove and i'm fed happy as larry.
so yeah the Thorn Audax will suit me fine i have no doubt on that score.
cheers lads
Jags.