Thorn Sherpa
#1
cyclopath
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Thorn Sherpa
I have wanted a Thorn for a while, but the cost and the hassle of getting it from the UK have dissuaded me from making it happen. Eleanor, my Baja touring partner, was riding a Thorn Sherpa and she demonstrated it was a very capable bike. We ran into a guy riding a Thorn tandem (solo picking up passengers on the way!). I took this as a sign that the Universe was telling me now was the time to get a Thorn - so I did.
I put a pic on my rando blog: https://thelazyrandonneur.blogspot.co...rn-sherpa.html
Here are the build details:
Thorn Sherpa 535L on Stealth Black
- 9 spd dura ace barcons
- LX front & rear der
- front wheel 32H LX hub w/ mavic X221 rim
- back wheel 32H LX hub w/ mavic X618 rim
- schwalbe marathon XR 26 x 1.75 tires
- deore cranks (42-32-22) soon to be (42-36-22)
- Time ATAC control-Z pedals
- 11-32 XT cassette
- SRAM PC991 chain
- deore V-brakes w/ koolstop salmon pads
- dia compe 287V brake levers
- Salsa 42cm short 'n shallow bars
- Salsa 110m moto ace stem 115 deg (not installed yet)
- Salsa Shaft seat post
- Selle Anatomica Titanico saddle
- Old Man Mountain cold springs front rack
- Tubus cargo rear rack
The bike is pretty rugged. Compared to my Surly LHT it is definitely more of a mountain bike and I built it with a long tour through South America and points beyond in mind. Off paved roads and away from North America 26" wheels make more sense than 700c.
The frame exudes quality and the multitude of brazeons show that someone was thinking when they designed this frame. It was definitely worth the expense and trouble to import. The folks at Thorn were very helpful and made the whole process easy.
When I get the stem in I'll finalize the bar position and cut the steerer accordingly. I'll post more when I have a few hundred KMs under my belt.
Patagonia here I come...=-)
I put a pic on my rando blog: https://thelazyrandonneur.blogspot.co...rn-sherpa.html
Here are the build details:
Thorn Sherpa 535L on Stealth Black
- 9 spd dura ace barcons
- LX front & rear der
- front wheel 32H LX hub w/ mavic X221 rim
- back wheel 32H LX hub w/ mavic X618 rim
- schwalbe marathon XR 26 x 1.75 tires
- deore cranks (42-32-22) soon to be (42-36-22)
- Time ATAC control-Z pedals
- 11-32 XT cassette
- SRAM PC991 chain
- deore V-brakes w/ koolstop salmon pads
- dia compe 287V brake levers
- Salsa 42cm short 'n shallow bars
- Salsa 110m moto ace stem 115 deg (not installed yet)
- Salsa Shaft seat post
- Selle Anatomica Titanico saddle
- Old Man Mountain cold springs front rack
- Tubus cargo rear rack
The bike is pretty rugged. Compared to my Surly LHT it is definitely more of a mountain bike and I built it with a long tour through South America and points beyond in mind. Off paved roads and away from North America 26" wheels make more sense than 700c.
The frame exudes quality and the multitude of brazeons show that someone was thinking when they designed this frame. It was definitely worth the expense and trouble to import. The folks at Thorn were very helpful and made the whole process easy.
When I get the stem in I'll finalize the bar position and cut the steerer accordingly. I'll post more when I have a few hundred KMs under my belt.
Patagonia here I come...=-)
Last edited by vik; 01-27-07 at 05:13 PM.
#2
Beer and nachos today!
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Nice ride!
I've been thinking of picking up a Thorn too... if you don't mind my asking, how much did shipping set you back?
And please post photos of your exploits in Patagonia! I need more motivation
I've been thinking of picking up a Thorn too... if you don't mind my asking, how much did shipping set you back?
And please post photos of your exploits in Patagonia! I need more motivation
#3
George Krpan
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A most handsome machine. I like the color with the flat finish. The Deore crank is good looking with its black big chainring.
I was on the Thorn site not long ago and it seemed to me that they favored, or favoured, the 26" wheel touring bike. I think it makes a lot of sense. Lighter, stronger wheels giving lower gearing with a huge choice of tires.
Although I've heard that the Dia Compe 287v levers work with v-brakes, I haven't heard someone's personal account about this combination. Please let us know.
And, of course, your impression of the Selle Anatomica Titanico saddle.
I was on the Thorn site not long ago and it seemed to me that they favored, or favoured, the 26" wheel touring bike. I think it makes a lot of sense. Lighter, stronger wheels giving lower gearing with a huge choice of tires.
Although I've heard that the Dia Compe 287v levers work with v-brakes, I haven't heard someone's personal account about this combination. Please let us know.
And, of course, your impression of the Selle Anatomica Titanico saddle.
#4
cyclopath
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Originally Posted by illdoittomorrow
Nice ride!
I've been thinking of picking up a Thorn too... if you don't mind my asking, how much did shipping set you back?
And please post photos of your exploits in Patagonia! I need more motivation
I've been thinking of picking up a Thorn too... if you don't mind my asking, how much did shipping set you back?
And please post photos of your exploits in Patagonia! I need more motivation
Last edited by vik; 01-27-07 at 09:52 PM.
#5
cyclopath
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Originally Posted by GeoKrpan
A most handsome machine. I like the color with the flat finish. The Deore crank is good looking with its black big chainring.
I was on the Thorn site not long ago and it seemed to me that they favored, or favoured, the 26" wheel touring bike. I think it makes a lot of sense. Lighter, stronger wheels giving lower gearing with a huge choice of tires.
Although I've heard that the Dia Compe 287v levers work with v-brakes, I haven't heard someone's personal account about this combination. Please let us know.
And, of course, your impression of the Selle Anatomica Titanico saddle.
I was on the Thorn site not long ago and it seemed to me that they favored, or favoured, the 26" wheel touring bike. I think it makes a lot of sense. Lighter, stronger wheels giving lower gearing with a huge choice of tires.
Although I've heard that the Dia Compe 287v levers work with v-brakes, I haven't heard someone's personal account about this combination. Please let us know.
And, of course, your impression of the Selle Anatomica Titanico saddle.
If I was going to ride across Canada I'd use the LHT - its a bit faster, but as soon as you cross into Mexico and points South the Thorn makes the most sense.
I am hopeful the Selle Anatomica saddle will be even more comfortable than the Brooks on my LHT, but only time will tell.
#6
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Nice bike. I'm curious why you chose what appears to be a very small frame size for your height--given the seat and steerer tube lengths.
Last edited by russian fighter; 01-28-07 at 12:51 AM.
#7
hell's angels h/q e3st ny
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hey vikram! i want your bike! nice. very nice. i heart thorns. one day i'll have one.
do any of yall have to hide your bikes from your women? i'm ashamed to say that i do. i have 5 for various purposes and a couple i leave at undisclosed locations or in locked off rooms in my house for when my girlfriend comes over. seriously.
do any of yall have to hide your bikes from your women? i'm ashamed to say that i do. i have 5 for various purposes and a couple i leave at undisclosed locations or in locked off rooms in my house for when my girlfriend comes over. seriously.
#8
More Energy than Sense
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Nice bike. I have a Nomad but think I would have been just as happy on the Sherpa.
Russian Fighter, I am 6'05" and my also looks small from me but it is a great fit. The sloping top tube makes the frame smaller overall but your saddle, stem and crank are where they need to be. Makes for an easier bike to pack in a box.
Russian Fighter, I am 6'05" and my also looks small from me but it is a great fit. The sloping top tube makes the frame smaller overall but your saddle, stem and crank are where they need to be. Makes for an easier bike to pack in a box.
#9
cyclopath
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Originally Posted by russian fighter
Nice bike. I'm curious why you chose what appears to be a very small frame size for your height--given the seat and steerer tube lengths.
I would trust the guys at Thorn to steer you towards the right frame.
Last edited by vik; 01-28-07 at 09:36 PM.
#10
cyclopath
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Originally Posted by brunop
hey vikram! i want your bike! nice. very nice. i heart thorns. one day i'll have one.
do any of yall have to hide your bikes from your women? i'm ashamed to say that i do. i have 5 for various purposes and a couple i leave at undisclosed locations or in locked off rooms in my house for when my girlfriend comes over. seriously.
do any of yall have to hide your bikes from your women? i'm ashamed to say that i do. i have 5 for various purposes and a couple i leave at undisclosed locations or in locked off rooms in my house for when my girlfriend comes over. seriously.
#11
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I'm amazed that it cost only £35 to ship to Canada. This is the same cost to ship within the UK.
The Sherpa is a solid bike with a proven record as is the Nomad.
Thorn is now changing over all its touring range to Rohloff hubs and I understand selling off the Nomads at a cheaper price.
The Sherpa is a solid bike with a proven record as is the Nomad.
Thorn is now changing over all its touring range to Rohloff hubs and I understand selling off the Nomads at a cheaper price.
#12
Patria O Muerte!
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Originally Posted by onbike 1939
I'm amazed that it cost only £35 to ship to Canada. This is the same cost to ship within the UK.
The Sherpa is a solid bike with a proven record as is the Nomad.
Thorn is now changing over all its touring range to Rohloff hubs and I understand selling off the Nomads at a cheaper price.
The Sherpa is a solid bike with a proven record as is the Nomad.
Thorn is now changing over all its touring range to Rohloff hubs and I understand selling off the Nomads at a cheaper price.
I called up Thorn, or SJS cycles, asking for a shipping quote to Israel - 350 pounds.
RIDICULOUS!
After reading this guy's post, that paid only 35 for shipping to Canada, i emailed them asking what's what, because it makes absolutely no sense.
Waiting for an answer.
#13
cyclopath
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Originally Posted by FidelCastrovich
I called up Thorn, or SJS cycles, asking for a shipping quote to Israel - 350 pounds.
RIDICULOUS!
After reading this guy's post, that paid only 35 for shipping to Canada, i emailed them asking what's what, because it makes absolutely no sense.
Waiting for an answer.
RIDICULOUS!
After reading this guy's post, that paid only 35 for shipping to Canada, i emailed them asking what's what, because it makes absolutely no sense.
Waiting for an answer.
Also I ordered just the frame and fork which was shipped in a fairly small box and weighed very little. BTW - the frame was VERY well packaged and arrived within a week or so of placing my order.
I am sure the Thorn guys will address your concerns and either sort out the problem or fully explain what is going on.
Last edited by vik; 01-29-07 at 10:46 AM.