Thorn Light touring bike ?? What think?

[bobg]

I so wish I hadn't seen this ..... Somebody dissuade me quick!! :?:
http://www.thorncycles.co.uk/AudaxMK3/Thorn_Audax_Mk3.pdf

 

[ufkacbln]

Are you going for Fuschia?

 

[Rhythm Thief]

Don't buy it. It's dog ugly. I know we've had this debate about Thorn bikes before, but their habit of putting 43 spacers on the handlebar stem of every bike they make really winds me up!

 

[Percy]

"Somebody dissuade me quick!!"

The thing that dissuaded me from buying a Thorn was one of these...see if it works for you (I have an SE but I see they've got a new model this year - Chiltern - which may be the equivalent of the Thorn you're looking at). I found them and the bikes to be much more agreeable than what you get at Thorn.

http://www.hewittbikefitting.co.uk/index.php?page=hewitt

 

[bobg]

Mmmm I think my ardour is cooling somewhat . A friend of mine is buying one ( poss fuschia:? so I'll have a test ride. My old Dalesman does the job, I just fancy a change. I looked at the Cheviot and its local, I just hate decisions ( and parting with money)

 

[P.H]

I have a Thorn and Hewitt, I got excellent service from both, each bike is fantastic in its own way, both require the same number of spacers for the same riding position.
I doubt there's much difference in quality between the Thorn Audax and Hewitt Chiltern (which BTW isn't exclusive to Hewitts) both neatly TIG welded in Taiwan. The Thorn is probably a bit lighter, comes in a tougher finish, is available in more sizes and comes with a long money back trial period. The Hewitt frame is £100+ dearer, for that you get to choose the colour (and it is a quality finish) get a first rate fitting service and if you're going for a bike rather than frame you get a better choice of components without the price penalty of upgrading.
You pay your money...

 

[bobg]

I have a Thorn and Hewitt, I got excellent service from both, each bike is fantastic in its own way, both require the same number of spacers for the same riding position.
I doubt there's much difference in quality between the Thorn Audax and Hewitt Chiltern (which BTW isn't exclusive to Hewitts) both neatly TIG welded in Taiwan. The Thorn is probably a bit lighter, comes in a tougher finish, is available in more sizes and comes with a long money back trial period. The Hewitt frame is £100+ dearer, for that you get to choose the colour (and it is a quality finish) get a first rate fitting service and if you're going for a bike rather than frame you get a better choice of components without the price penalty of upgrading.
You pay your money...

Thanks PH, very useful slant especially given that you have both. Hewitts is local(ish) too

 

[cheadle hulme]

This will be local to you too..

http://www.buyabikedirect.co.uk/products.php?action=prodinfo&pid=3225

 

[Riding in Circles]

You can get a hand built made to measure cycle for that price from here.

 

[P.H]

You can get a hand built made to measure cycle for that price from here.

I wish you could, I'd have one. But it would be around £550 for what Thorn are offering for £300. Here's the pricelist;
http://villiers-velo.co.uk/Villiers-Velo/frames/technical/technical.htm

 

[Cathryn]

Buy The Thorn!!!!

 

[Riding in Circles]

I wish you could, I'd have one. But it would be around £550 for what Thorn are offering for £300. Here's the pricelist;
http://villiers-velo.co.uk/Villiers-Velo/frames/technical/technical.htm

Complete bikes are similar prices. You are talking about frames only, the Thorn frames are made in Taiwan rather than hand made here so I would think they would be less, in every way no doubt.