Well thanks for asking and sorry it took a while to answer........... Late back last night.
The experience was well worth the journey down to Bridgwater even at 660 miles round trip and a night in a hotel.
We were (4 of us took the opportunity to visit and 3 of us to ride out on the bikes) met by Stephen who with a bit of assistance looked after us throughout the morning. I was bowled over by the size of the operation they have and the vast array of test bikes.
After an introduction I was asked what sort of things I wanted from the bike, I am quite a novice with probably less than 3000 miles under my belt since I took up cycling a couple of years ago and usually spend my time walking the hills or doing trips further afield on a motor cycle.
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My main use would be a 3 times weekly run out for about an hour on 75% roads (with the ever growing potholes) 20% uneven pavement and 5% gravel path. On a good weekend about 30 miles taking in more gravel paths and the odd bit muddy path. On the odd trip away with light luggage and this may grow into a tent etc one day. I do intend to get out more in the future. I hope to do LEJOG in a couple of years time and not sure what route I would take . I can’t see myself throwing myself down mountain hills but I would like to spend more time on forest tracks and old railway lines.
The test bike I took out was a Thorn Raven with big tyres (I think they were Marathon Supremes) the bike I could not fault, the Rohloff Hub instantly took to me; the V-brakes stopped the bike when instructed. (Although I had always fancied Disc) The riding position was good using The Thorn flat track bars with the Ergon bar ends suited me well. The ride was a lot better than I get from my Dawes Karakum running on Marathon Plus 700x35 tyres.
My only doubt was not while riding the bike it was looking at it afterwards, it just looks so small with its 26” wheels and my 6’1” height and 100kg bulk. It did not feel small while I was riding it only the photographs afterwards.
I can’t help think that people will think I have borrowed it, or is this something I will get used to? Do any other users have similar experience and overcome them. Or should I look at 700 wheels? Would these be strong enough for the riding I want to do?
So many questions I have looked at forum posts about wheel size and still can’t find myself an answer and wondered if it was best and gain knowledge from other large riders about the bikes they ride.
I know that Thorn also do the Mercury but failed to spend much time with this yesterday.
I had a nice phone call with Tony Woodrup after his earlier post to which he supplied a rough quote but wondered if I was going to the other side of £3000 a bit too far (same as the Mercury). The Woodrup product does look good.
My day well worth the trouble and I learned so much but sadly not enough. My only complaint of Thorn was the missing cup of coffee ..........
So many questions to ask I hope forum members can help.
The test bike
Is it me or do the wheels look small?