I think Thorn cycles are ugly

[Tim Bennet.]

but then I prefer function over form

Why are they mutually exclusive? Why wouldn't you want both?

 

[Crackle]

Why are they mutually exclusive? Why wouldn't you want both?

Good question. I'll re-phrase it. I find a functional looking bike to be quite attractive because I prefer that kind of thing whereas I'm not always drawn to beautiful looking bikes like the Bianchi's of this world. So sometimes, if I'm comparing two bikes with the same functionality, I actually find I like the look of the clunkier one more Now riding it might well change my opinion but on looks alone....

 

[Keith Oates]

I personally don't think any touring bike is 'good looking' but they are good bikes and riding them is great. Thorns are as good as any and better than most. The same thing applies to roadies for me the C50 is the bees knees but there are others who prefer some other inferior make!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[GrahamG]

I can't get over the amount of fudging using 150mm of spacers on the steering tube! Surely this puts far more stress on the headset than if they just made longer head tubes? I've yet to see a flat bar thorn without at least 50mm of spacers, there's one lady locally does actually have about 150mm on there!

 

[just jim]

With these spacers you stir up the (T)hornet's nest sir!

see what I did there?

 

[Andy in Sig]

I imagine that when current road bikes have gone the way of all fashionable frippery, Thorns will still be chugging along doing a real job in a real world. They're not pretty but IMO they look determined and purposeful. They make roadbikes look like anorexic fashion models.

 

[Flying_Monkey]

I imagine that when current road bikes have gone the way of all fashionable frippery, Thorns will still be chugging along doing a real job in a real world. They're not pretty but IMO they look determined and purposeful. They make roadbikes look like anorexic fashion models.

Yeah, but the point is that it's perfectly possible to make beautiful touring bikes that are also functional (look at Roberts for example). Thorn in many ways are as making as much of a statement as overly 'cool' bikes.

 

[numbnuts]

I love my club tour .........well someone has too

 

[Crackle]

Yeah, but the point is that it's perfectly possible to make beautiful touring bikes that are also functional (look at Roberts for example). Thorn in many ways are as making as much of a statement as overly 'cool' bikes.

Ah, the bike of choice for Josie Dew, Chuffy's favourite author.

http://www.robertscycles.com/largeviews/tour2.html

Is that any different though?

 

[betty swollocks]

Here's mine. This is when it was new. It's a bit battle-scarred now and the steerer is cut down.
I think it looks quite pretty ....in a workmanlike way!

 

[Kirstie]

My friend has a roberts tourer and it's the dinkiest, cutest touring bike I've ever seen, shown here having a fab time in iceland:

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/pics/crazyguyonabike/docs/00/00/42/50/small/IMG_1794.JPG?v=Gf

 

[Twenty Inch]

In the same way a Trabant or a Lada outlives a "more modern, sleek but ultimately lightweight car?"

A Thorn does not share any design or build principles with a Trabant or a Lada.

 

[Tharg2007]

mostly they are but this one isnt

 

[dangerousjules]

surely my thorn is the exception!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/13019762@N02/2258491510/

 

[just jim]

Ah , I see you have the budget model there dangerousjules