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02-20-05, 03:54 AM
I've recently become the proud owner of a Thorn Raven Sport Tour (http://www.sjscycles.com/thornbrochure.asp). Overall, great bike.
However, initially the steering was really wobbly. I thought it was just me, but eventually discovered the wrong forks had been fitted. Instead of a 47mm rake, a 42mm rake fork had been fitted. It was replaced immediately.
With the 47mm rake fork it is more stable (phew!) by a factor of, say, 50%. (I understand that this goes against conventional logic which I can't explain!) However, how do I get to what I regard as real stability like my current Trek 7500FX. Ravens are supposed to 'run on rails'.
The Raven comes with a number of height sizes, each of which includes a 'long' and a 'short' version. I opted for a short version because I like a fairly upright ride, but now wonder if I would be better off with a long version, and with a shorter handlebar stem. So the question is, would a shorter stem (with a longer frame) provide more stability? Grateful for any thoughts.
Also, I'm not entirely convinced by the Raven's 26" wheels. Any opinions?
Best regards to all,
Frank Tompson, Bath
However, initially the steering was really wobbly. I thought it was just me, but eventually discovered the wrong forks had been fitted. Instead of a 47mm rake, a 42mm rake fork had been fitted. It was replaced immediately.
With the 47mm rake fork it is more stable (phew!) by a factor of, say, 50%. (I understand that this goes against conventional logic which I can't explain!) However, how do I get to what I regard as real stability like my current Trek 7500FX. Ravens are supposed to 'run on rails'.
The Raven comes with a number of height sizes, each of which includes a 'long' and a 'short' version. I opted for a short version because I like a fairly upright ride, but now wonder if I would be better off with a long version, and with a shorter handlebar stem. So the question is, would a shorter stem (with a longer frame) provide more stability? Grateful for any thoughts.
Also, I'm not entirely convinced by the Raven's 26" wheels. Any opinions?
Best regards to all,
Frank Tompson, Bath