eric von zipper

I'm wanting to order a Nomad frame and was wondering how those of you here in the states went about ordering yours from the UK. I see that Harris cyclery can get them, not that I wouldn't mind ordering through them, but wondering if there are any other options?
thanks.

vik 

I emailed SJS and worked out what I wanted. Then I ordered it from their webshop with my credit card. A very short while later a box arrived in the mail.

eric von zipper

Thanks, vik. Sounds painless. I'm assuming when you say 'worked out what I wanted' that you are talking about sizing? You mind posting how much they charged for shipping?

kipibenkipod

Didn't you have to pay custom taxes on the bike?

NoReg

"Didn't you have to pay custom taxes on the bike?"

Could be, but if it is taxable, then that will be built into that frame's price whoever and however it reaches your door, whether LBS or otherwise. Often I have avoided the tax when ordering mail order just because they don't bother picking it up on all orders. Depends on local situation of course.

Cave

I never ended up buying a bike from them (regrets...) but emailed re sizing/delivery and they were prompt and helpful with replies.

Generally with imports the receiver is responsible for taxes - the shouldn't charge you VAT, and you're responsible for any import duties that may be charged (or overlooked).

wll

Just checked SJS out, that is a very nice looking frame.

Have you seen the Surly LHT and the Cross-Check, is this frame of better quality ?


wll

vik 

It was very painless. Yes I had to figure out which size I wanted. Their frame sizing options are a little different from what I was used to, but they know what they are talking about so give them your info and expected uses - they'll help you out.

I can't recall exactly what I paid, but you'll get the VAT removed from the frame price and I seem to remember the VAT I got back was less than shipping. I also recall the frame just showing up at the post office and that I wasn't charged any duty...just the usual 7% sales tax.

I'd contact SJS they will give you the exact price without VAT and let you know what shipping costs.

eric von zipper

Thanks again, vik.

Yeah, I know about these. I own a Cross-Check and owned at LHT in the past (wishing I still had it). The Thorns seem to be a better built frame, imo, and of the highest quality plus, I fancy 26" wheels. The LHT that I had was a 56cm (700cc). I'd love to be able to test ride a Thorn, but I can't.

robmcl

Just out of curriousity would there be any stateside frame builders who could put a Thorn like, 26" touring frame together. With shipping and the low value of the dollar versus the pound it seems to be worth thinking about.

vik 

Just about any custom builder will do this for you, but it will be way more $$$ than an off the shelf Thorn. If you want an inexpensive 26" wheeled touring bike and can't fit onto a 26" LHT you could find an older steel mtn bike and use it.

halfspeed

You won't get any bargains with custom, though there are some builders who might come close with a tig welded frame. There's also the BLT-X from Bruce Gordon. It's a little more expensive than the most basic Thorn Sherpa, but it's probably worth it.

hoogie

i spent a little time swapping emails with the helpful folks at thorn before i ordered mine. have been really happy with my nomad.

bear in mind that when you order from england, they deduct their sales tax from the price, so its cheaper than what's advertised on the webpage.

my nomad

vik 

There is a review of a Thorn Sherpa here for anyone that might be interested. A lot of the features of the Sherpa are used in other models as well.

DukeArcher 

I just finished (10 mins ago) building my brand new Thorn Raven Nomad!

vik 

Cool! Post some pics....

NoReg

"There's also the BLT-X from Bruce Gordon. It's a little more expensive than the most basic Thorn Sherpa, but it's probably worth it."

Yeah, the racks might mount on the level.

DukeArcher 

My camera is broken, but as soon as I can, I'll post some pics. It's a beauty!

eric von zipper

Jealous. Yes, pls. post pics.

I'll be ordering the Nomad frame next month.

vik 

Not to freak you out Eric, but the Nomad is discontinued... Once they sell out of what they have in stock it is gone forever. I had a look and the size Nomad I'd want is already gone....

If they have your size it might be worth calling them and putting a deposit on it now...

brunop

they have a thorn with a rohloff in the window at harris cyclery.

harriscyclery.com

antokelly

check out the thorn website forum,look for john28 check out his photo gallery
some serious thorn bikes ,he built all these bikes ,bit of a genious i reckon
great photos

NoReg

Harris gets iit. It would be cool to have them as the neighbourhood shop.

vik 

+1 - amen to that!....

eric von zipper

Thanks, vik. I'll call this weekend and see what's left.