Author Topic: From RT to RST  (Read 2838 times)

geocycle

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1327
From RT to RST
« on: January 22, 2014, 06:04:30 PM »
Many of you will have seen pics of my 2006 RT which has done brilliant service over the last 20,000 miles.  I've slowly added goodies to it and it now has a good spec personalised to my use.  It is still an excellent bike but I have not been making full use of its load carrying abilities.  This is mainly as I've not done much cycle camping and my touring tends to be heading to the lighter end of the scale rather than tents, pots and pans.  So the RT has been a commuting workhorse, a utility vehicle and a means for day adventures, supplemented by some europe wide tours through france switzerland as well as the UK. 

Changes in the Thorn range gave me new bike itch.  That well known conditions contracted through forums.  Initially my head was turned by the mercury with its great lines, 700c wheels, discs etc but I decided it probably wouldn't work well as my all weather commuter, utility bike or for unscheduled off-road explorations.  I also admit to being deterred by the thought of having a bike of that value tethered outside work. 

So, I needed to look elsewhere.  I wanted a more sprightly bike and did briefly consider the audax derailleur bike or various Ti concoctions but I soon realised I could not be without the rohloff.  I decided that the new raven would not offer much more than the RT.  Finally, the obvous solution was to buy one of the discounted RST frames.  Unfortunately, my size had long gone.  However, Thorn had built some RSTs into alfine-driven commuters, so I decided to take the plunge and bought a new bike! 

My new arrival below is a svelte beauty in British racing green.  First impressions are very positive with the RST being a much lighter build. I'm not planning on riding it and instead I plan to swap the frames and use the rohloff on the RST which will become my do everything bike.  I'll be selling on the RT frame and some brand new components from the RST alfine so watch this space.  I'll probably spend the weekend swapping bits from both bikes and will update this thread with comparisons.

Looking forward to the next 20,000 miles...


 

Danneaux

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 8277
  • reisen statt rasen
Re: From RT to RST
« Reply #1 on: January 22, 2014, 06:09:27 PM »
Wonderful news, Geo' and all congratulations your way on a *second* lovely Thorn bike!

The new model looks a wonderful platform to tailor to your needs and should do the 20,000 miles without even breaking a sweat. Love the BRG color, and can't wait to see it fully kitted as you prefer.

Some fortunate soul will be getting a wonderful bike when your RT/Alfine goes on the block.

May many happy journeys pass beneath your wheels.

All the best,

Dan.

geocycle

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1327
Re: From RT to RST
« Reply #2 on: January 22, 2014, 06:13:29 PM »
Thanks Dan, always a pleasure to share good news with the forum.
 

jags

  • Guest
Re: From RT to RST
« Reply #3 on: January 22, 2014, 08:01:45 PM »
cracking looking bike looks much smaller is it?

geocycle

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1327
Re: From RT to RST
« Reply #4 on: January 22, 2014, 08:23:17 PM »
cracking looking bike looks much smaller is it?

No jags it's perspective and I've not raised the seat yet. The RT is 537L, RST 536L.  Most noticeable thing so far is the weight, without pedals and rack it's around 12-13 kg according to our bathroom scales which must be 3-4 kg less than the RT. I'll try and measure properly over the weekend.
 

jags

  • Guest
Re: From RT to RST
« Reply #5 on: January 22, 2014, 08:51:21 PM »
friend of mine has the rst fantastic bike he loves it ,done plenty of touring in france and ireland on it never had a problem.