pwa wrote:Matin
I have 2 Thorns. One is a tandem with 26" wheels and Rohloff, and its a steady, comfortable ride on country lanes. But it doesn't freewheel down hill as fast as my solo bikes, and tandems are usually said to roll faster than solos on the flat. I suppose the Rohloff may be to blame with its draggy freewheel action, but mainly I blame having 26x1.75" tyres. They just don't roll as well as 700cx32mm on lanes.
My other Thorn is my Club Tour 700c wheeled tourer, and it is a much nicer ride. It rolls well, it feels comfortable and its mountain bike gears are just right. Drop bars are my favourites for comfort, much better than the straight bars on the tandem. I can see how problems getting tyres in far flung parts of the world might influence wheel choice, but I do all my touring in Europe.
If I was asked to recommend Thorn I could not do it. Their stuff is too expensive. And their paint finishes are hit and miss. My dark green Club Tour has decent paint, but my bright yellow tandem has paint flaking off all over the place. So much for tough powder coat! And some of Thorn's solo machines are too heavy. Okay, you might be someone who carries a lot of stuff on tour, but are you only ever going to ride a bike fully laden?
Good points.
I'm a Thorn Raven man myself.
I find SJS very good to deal with and although their parts are not cheap they have given me lots of free advice when fixing my Raven. And I didn't buy it from them.
Your last sentence should be set against the posters question.
He wants a touring bike. Not an every day bike.
I often wish I had a lighter faster bike when I ride my Raven but bought it for touring. So should not complain.
Boom proof but not a rocket.
Matt
2017 Ethiopia.5 weeks.
2018 Marrakech 2 weeks.
2023 Thailand 8 weeks.
Always on a Thorn Raven/Rohloff hub.