Thorn Audax one part at a time

[jags]

everyone in the group i used to ride with up until 2 years ago including me rode carbon bike's, never once seen a problem and there were plenty of heavy weights in that group.
nothing wrong with carbon, i just prefair steel. but  i would not find it diffucult to use carbon up front defo wake up the ride of the sherpa which i always found to be heavy.
but i dont like using front panniers so i suppose for loaded touring the steel works fine.

jags.

[Dave Whittle Thorn Workshop]

http://tinyurl.com/kl9o4wk we have to stick to manufacturers recomendations, most carbon forks have a weight limit and an expiry date.  I built a Time VRX team frame a few years ago for a friend, it had a sticker on saying to discontinue use after 2016... 

[Vintagetourer]

Ok folks...(...and welcome Dave, source of the Thorn Audax parts and useful advice)

while we've been chatting, all those red bits have been beautifully assembled by my mechanic friend Alex.
And I'm mightily pleased. Just on 10 kg with all the accessories (except lights) fitted. Here it is unveiled in its ripe red glory:

[in4]

Now this must surely be named Testarossa. Great looking bike with 'go faster' written all over it. 

[Vintagetourer]

'Doppler' is another suggestion.

 The observant will have noted the small details.

[jags]

cracking build well done loads of detail bet it looks great in the sunshine.


jags.

[Vintagetourer]

Yes I'm delighted with the look and feel of the bike. Only one short ride this afternoon and the frame feels just right with a nice balance of spring and stiffness. Given that everything including the frame and fork was bought sight unseen and on size estimates, the fit is remarkably good.

This Thorn bike is replacing a 14 kg 1979 Ernie Clements Falcon Olympic  as my daily commute bike. The difference is noticeable

One more pic.

[John Saxby]

Brilliant, Graham, in every sense!  Suggest you keep it close by & inside your workplace after your commute -- display it only to select & appreciative audiences like the readers of this forum & the like, not to any passer-by who'd want to pinch it.  Enjoy! - John

[Vintagetourer]

That is a good reminder John. Yes I was conscious of this bike not being innocuous like its predecessor. I do have a good spot to keep it at work, so it'll be fine.

[jags]

what about this lock.

http://www.engadget.com/2014/05/15/skylock-smart-bike-lock/


jags

[Vintagetourer]

I wouldn't use a lock which is smarter than me

[jags]

  fair enough

[Vintagetourer]

...except if they are available in wet red:)

[jags]

theres always a rattle can.

[Vintagetourer]

True.
I might have to reign in this redness before it takes over.

As for security, I have a long-serving Kryptonite mini U-bolt I usually use.
Mostly the bike will be kept inside. Fortunately I work in a very low risk area for bike theft.

Local shops are the high risk area.