Wanted Super Long Shot - Thorn Bicycle

[BiketoBasics]

Hi, I'm in Winnipeg Canada and have noticed there isn't much of a Thorn presence here (at least where I live). Perhaps on the East coast of the Country, 5000km closer to England.

I'm intrigued by the apparent robustness of the Thorn frames, the 26" wheels and the overall utility of these bikes. I think one would suit the type of riding I do. Anyone here locally with one? See what I mean by long shot! I ride at least a 23" seat tube and a 23" top tube is a must.

I wouldn't mind just seeing one in the flesh, it doesn't even have to be my size for that purpose.

 

[bikeworkshop]

Mid 90s mtbs have basically the same geometry as 26" thorn tourers, so if you can find one with the braze ons for touring, there should be more choice.
A 95 kona cinder cone is a nicer riding tubeset. Other brands offered similar geometry in quality steel
You can add braze ons like lowrider bosses or whatever extras, get something really nice.

 

[PanoIgano]

I think what sets thorns apart is their very long wheelbases. I mean they are almost as long as some Rivendells. This makes them very stable and better handling when loaded front and back. Also the fact that most Thorns are designed exclusively for the Rolhoff hub contributes to their special riding feel.

I have this Thorn nomad that I am tempted to sell as it doesn’t see a lot of action lately but I am on the other side of the pond and won’t make much sense for you if you consider import fees and shipping.

Anyhow, some of the best 26” tourers for your money.

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

Dawes Sardar 26" wheel tourer?

 

[minor_LEGEND]

I used to work at Thorn & live in the home town. I know Robin Thorn well.

Great bikes, really well thought out & designed for proper touring duties, by people that ride them. A Uk built Nomad was the staple tourer on offer when I worked there. As said, much in common with a a retro steel MTB but still not quite, good tourers are exactly that due to the extra length in the stays offering heel clearance with panniers, generous fork rake for stability & predictable handling when loaded. Likewise the braze ons & rack mounts will be placed for optimum packing etc.

Hit me up if you need any extra info on anything in particular.

 

[PanoIgano]

Here is a YouTube review of a Nomad set up as a bikepacking rig:

 

[BiketoBasics]

I used to work at Thorn & live in the home town. I know Robin Thorn well.

Great bikes, really well thought out & designed for proper touring duties, by people that ride them. A Uk built Nomad was the staple tourer on offer when I worked there. As said, much in common with a a retro steel MTB but still not quite, good tourers are exactly that due to the extra length in the stays offering heel clearance with panniers, generous fork rake for stability & predictable handling when loaded. Likewise the braze ons & rack mounts will be placed for optimum packing etc.

Hit me up if you need any extra info on anything in particular.

Thanks and will do!

 

[BiketoBasics]

I think what sets thorns apart is their very long wheelbases. I mean they are almost as long as some Rivendells. This makes them very stable and better handling when loaded front and back. Also the fact that most Thorns are designed exclusively for the Rolhoff hub contributes to their special riding feel.
View attachment 877214
I have this Thorn nomad that I am tempted to sell as it doesn’t see a lot of action lately but I am on the other side of the pond and won’t make much sense for you if you consider import fees and shipping.

Anyhow, some of the best 26” tourers for your money.

Yes Indeed, postage, exchange etc., is the kicker.

 

[BiketoBasics]

Mid 90s mtbs have basically the same geometry as 26" thorn tourers, so if you can find one with the braze ons for touring, there should be more choice.
A 95 kona cinder cone is a nicer riding tubeset. Other brands offered similar geometry in quality steel
You can add braze ons like lowrider bosses or whatever extras, get something really nice.

Hello, the old steel hardtail mountain bikes you mention are the type I ride almost exclusively. Here is my current go-to daily user

I have snapped 3 such frames in the last decade, all failing at different points on the frame. It was kind of surprising considering these bikes were looked after and not ridden frivolously. The third (a rear dropout failure) I didn't think to take pictures of.

 

[bikeworkshop]

Fatigue.
Those embossed raleigh stay covers are a classic weak point, but around then raleigh frames seem a bit brittle.
I suspect they were getting a little hot on the hearth, and maybe cooling them too quickly