menelaos

Hi
I want to do a thorn sherpa build for touring. I have compiled some stuff and need some help about the compatibility of the various parts. I've chosen


Shimano Alivio Chainset Square Taper M410
170mm 42.32.22t Black

Shimano Deore Cassette 9 Speed HG50
11-34

Shimano Deore Front Derailleur Conventional M511
34.9 Black Dual Pull

Shimano Deore Shifters 9sp M590
F&R Pair

Shimano Deore Rear Derailleur M591
SGS Long Cage - Black

Shimano HG73 Chain 9 Speed
RPM Square Taper
68-110mm

FSA XC-190 Stem
90mm 17 Deg Black 25.4mm

Shimano Acera V Brakes M422
Front - Silver

Shimano Acera V Brakes M422
Rear - Silver

Shimano Acera Brake Levers M421
Silver

DT Swiss Champion Stainless PG Spokes
Black 2mm Set of 36 & Nipples

ITM Vitus Bullhorn Bars
Black 44cm 26.0mm SHOP SOILED

Schwalbe Marathon Plus Tyre - Smart Guard
26 x 1.75 Wire Black Reflective

Shimano M324 Clipless SPD/Flat Pedals
Platform-Clipless

Brand-X Bar Tape

Sun Ringle Rhyno Lite XL - Pinned Rim
36h Black/Silver 26inch

Shimano Deore Rear Hub M590
36h Silver

Shimano Deore Front Hub M590
36h


I may be asking too much but I would really appreciate some help...
ps I'm a newbie trying to do something worthwhile so please be gentle...

Chris_W

The drivetrain all looks compatible, but there is a major problem with your bars and controls. I'm pretty sure those bars are 24.0mm diameter in the clamp area. Your shifters and brake levers are made for mountain bike bars that are 22.2mm diameter, and so won't fit on these bars. A better option would be to get some straight bars, chop them down to the desired width and then add some long bar-ends. The stem also won't work with those bars (25.4mm stem, 26.0mm bars), but will work with many standard MTB straight bars, just make sure that you get some bars that have a short 25.4mm clamping area, which narrows down to 22.2mm quickly, so that you can mount all the levers close into the stem to fit everything on.

If you want to go with the bullhorn bars then you're going to have to rethink which brake levers and shifters you're going to use - there are a few options, but none are particularly standard or cheap.

dabac

Building from scratch is just about always more expensive than buying a complete bike. Only attempt if:
a) you're fine with that, and is willing to pay the premium for getting "your" way.
In this case you seem to be looking at perfectly servicecable, but kinda low-range parts, which IMO makes the self-assembly even more questionable. Doesn't Thorn offer package deals? That would remove a lot of the compatibility issues from your responsibility.

b) you already have a stockpile of parts & tools, and/or is willing to spend the time looking for "deals".

c) you have to have a custom configuration that just isn't available elsewhere.

Stem won't be a good fit for bar, se bold numbers. It might, work, but it might also pinch the bar, causing crimping that lead to failure.

Deore and Acera are intended for the "MTB" standard of bar sizes, and won't be a nice fit for a bullhorn, which is in the "road" size. It may be possible to ream the brake/shifter lever clamps to fit the thicker "road" bar, but I'd advise against it. Either get a normal flat bar and add some bar ends, or have a look at either a "Brahma" bar or a trekking AKA butterfly bar.

These will work just fine, assuming you get the right spoke length.

But if you're looking to do touring, on what's basically a flat bar bike I'd recommend disc brakes instead. With a flat bar there's easy compatibility, your rims will last longer and your overall braking will be better. And unless you go for a disc specific rim there's always the possibility to slap on a pair of generic v-brakes if you should have a failure and can't get the spares.
I'd also recommend a thinner gauge spoke on the non drive side, which is also good for durability. But the biggest key to wheel durability is spoke tension. Either have someone skilled build them for you, or get a tensiometer to check your work.

davidad

I would go with double butted spokes. Makes for a stronger more reliable wheel. You should carry at least 2rear and 2 front spokes and a cassette cracker. https://sheldonbrown.com/harris/tools/cassette.html
As far as the chain goes a KMC will do a fine job.