If you are limited in budget to a disc trucker, don't even look at the Thorns.
Originally Posted by
gregjones
I have a year to buy the "ideal" bike and your stipulations are mostly the same as mine, if it's steel ok.....if not ok.
So far unless something else pops up its the Co-Motion Pangea to win and the Soma Saga to show.
But, I doubt that on the road there really is no justification for the pricing differences. I'd bet on the Saga to take the lead, for the win, when it's time to enter the AMEX number.
Since you are considering a bike in the price range of the Co-Motion, don't rule out a Thorn Sherpa (derailleur) or Thorn Raven (Rohloff).
Thorn touring bikes and tandems
Thorn Nomad is also a 26 inch touring bike but it is probably overbuilt for typical touring, it is more of an expedition bike.
I have been very happy with my Sherpa and Nomad, but I do not have a Raven so I can't answer any questions on that model.
If you decide to order a frame, I think I paid about 6 percent for customs duty on the frame I ordered from the UK. But I think the customs duty on a complete bike might run 10 percent. So, factor these numbers into your budget.
If discs are important, I think Thorn will not put discs on their front forks. My Nomad can use either rim or disc on the rear, but rim brakes only on the front.