To Hull and back...

[ianshearin]

Hey guys,
Haven't been on for a while so thought I would check in.

I sold the Thorn couple Months ago and have a Halfords special deal cheapo to see the Winter out, got my eye on a Thorn Mercury for a JOGLE run this Year.
The last trip saw me realise that Camping was not for me but I did realise how much I enjoyed being away on the bike.
So a JOGLE trip this Year with comfortable B&B each night is the next trip.
Looking at the SJS site I am very tempted to get a Thorn Audax Mk3, although not a Rholoff bike it looks well decent for a UK trip and at a Third of the price is very attractive.
The weather is getting a little better now and my cycling feet are getting itchy, I have a Sister in Hull so thought I could do a few days over there, game of Golf with Bro in Law and cycle back.

How do you guys rate the Audiax machines, at the price I could maybe get one in time for a Spring trip.

Ian

[jags]

Say Ian john (leftpool) is selling one of his audax bikes if it fits  your onto a winner.
great to hear your back peddling enjoy the tour when it comes around.


jags.

[honesty]

As an audax owner they are brilliant. Pretty much a machine for all roads. It does depend on the fork you specify (the choice of carbon, audax with mounting points, or 853c will somewhat dictate the total flexibility of the machine and your maximum tyre width) but I have mine set up with a carridice bagman, 25mm tyres and the carbon forks and I'd happy tour B&B for a reasonable length of time. Plus they are fun unloaded. They also seem to be very comfortable, not that I've done great distances on other machines recently.

The only shadow over the whole lot is that the club tour looks to be a slightly more rounded machine. it can take more load, larger tyres, etc. without that much penalty in speed, and I'm pretty sure the frame weighs the same...

[Danneaux]

...john (leftpool) is selling one of his audax bikes if it fits  your onto a winner.

True that, Ian. I've never seen bikes built with more care or skill.

Really good to see you thinking about bikes again.... Sure sign of Spring: New Bike Fever!

All the best,

Dan.

[Swislon]

I have the new Club Tour and yes it can take bigger tyres and more luggage and is extremely comfortable. It is not the lightest machine so think carefully about the spec and intended purpose.
I don't have an Thorn Audax but a Bob Jackson custom Audax.
If I was going to do JOGLE quickly then i would take the Bob Jackson but if I wanted to travel a little slower and perhaps take in a few Bridleways and Cycle paths then the Club Tour would be my choice. If for any reason I needed to replace the Bob then I would not hesitate getting a Thorn Audax, everyone loves them.

I live in Harrogate North Yorkshire so if you come to Hull and want to view/try my Club Tour before you buy then you are very welcome.

Steve

[Neil Jones]

Not sure of your size Ian but there is also a stunning rare Mercury for sale at a good price in the For Sale section of the forum,
Neil.

[ianshearin]

Thanks for the replies and good info guys,
That Mercury for sale is an awesome bike and exactly my size.... only problem *cough* I cant stand that colour....

I looked at the club Tour as an option but I think that the Audax is probably more suited for me, I only intend to belt out the miles and then relax in a hot bath, cold beer and warm food at the end of each day.
Probably will only carry a change of clothes for the evening, some battereis and an ipad/phone.

Beside there is a old lady near me that used to overtake me last Year when I was training on the Thorn  , she is gonna get a shock this Spring....