You found a Thorn Brevet? Nice.
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Bike for audax?
(101 posts)- Started 12 years ago by crowriver
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Posted 11 years ago #
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@Tom, there seem to be a few around. I've seen a couple of full bikes on fleaBay, this one's still available and the price is good. A later model, with threadless steerer, by the looks of it more similar to Thorn's current Audax Mk3.
I've been lurking on YACF and the CTC forum, quite a few nice bikes, frames, and parts are advertised: sometimes for very reasonable prices, but you have to be quick replying!
Posted 11 years ago # -
a classy paintjob too.
That seems to be the 'Special Edition' element (I think).
Most handsome and I hope rides superbly.
Thanks, I hope so too. They have a rep as a comfy bike.
Nice to see the headlamp bracket and low-rider brazeons on the fork.
I think the bracket is for a bottle dynamo, but a lamp could be fitted too I guess: would keep the wiring neat! I might try using the low-rider points to attach twin lamps, as I doubt I'll actually put any racks on the front.
If you're thinking of putting larg-ish tyres on this (say 32mm) I can recommend an excellent long-read double-pivot from Tektro which has a special double-jointed quick release to allow you to get a fat inflated tyre on and off without letting the air out.
That's a good tip, will look out for these. You don't know the model number off hand? I've still to try a set of wheels in the frame: I will soon, and measure the drop for the brakes. Then I'll know what clearance there is, but I imagine it should manage 32mm tyres with guards, unlike the Dawes which will manage 28mm maximum (32mm without guards, possibly, at a push).
Posted 11 years ago # -
I haven't read all pages so this may have been posted already.
I wondered about the carbon forks on a new acquisition but this link solved that problem.
Posted 11 years ago # -
Finally got a chance to finish re-cabling the Dawes Audax this afternoon. Also took a snap of the bike at last. Currently sporting the original 25c tyres, which I may swap out for 28c with a bit more p******e protection. Should finally manage a proper test ride some time this week!
(click for larger image)
Posted 11 years ago # -
(click for larger image)
can't even see a smaller image?
EDIT - now I can! Looking handsome, good match on the bar tape to the frame.
Posted 11 years ago # -
Oh the new (to me) STIs are shifting well, after quite a bit of fettling with cable tensions, limiter screws, etc. Front mudguard still damaged at the leading edge, will try to repair with Araldite and strips of old credit card. Otherwise just needs a saddle bag, toe clips and I'm almost ready to roll. Wish I'd had time to take it for a proper spin today, hopefully later in the week...
Posted 11 years ago # -
So I have made a few wee changes to the Dawes Audax.
Changed:
- saddle, now a Selle Italia FX gel instead of the Viscount that came with the bike.
- stem, removed the short 40mm high stem and put in a rather racy 120mm SR stem that was deemed too long for the single speed.
- brifters, took the wingpig acquired Soras for my other Dawes 'project bike' and replaced with near identical, but newer Sora brifters sourced from fleaBay.Took it for an extended test ride today. Saddle slightly firmer but still comfy, power transmission through legs seems better. Riding position more stretched out now, I seem to go faster! Also with hands 8cm further forward seems more natural to come out of the saddle on climbs. Easier to get up hills with weight further forward. Gear changes have a slightly more positive click in both directions.
Will have to see how the new setup suits on longer distances. Doing the Saltire 200k perm next week so there's my opportunity...
Posted 11 years ago # -
Serious case of n+1 today. Had my birthday recently so was perusing various classified ads for bikes. As you do, you know, when you are mulling over the idea. Spotted a nice Thorn Brevet on Gumtree, in Edinburgh. Went to see it, just my size, good condition, not expensive, perfect.
(Click for full image)
That's it after riding from the buyer to Eastside Bikes, where I've put it to get the main bearings overhauled. Apart from dry grease and a few rust bubbles and a slow puncture on the rear tube, it's in very good nick. Been hanging upside down in a garage for 15 years apparently after not a lot of use judging by the tyres and drivetrain. Even the RSX shifters are working, which is a pleasant surprise. Brooks saddle comfier than I expected: may keep it. Frame is a nice metallic racing green.
Some may recall I bought a Thorn Brevet SE frame over a year ago, which I have yet to build up. Fancier than this, but with a lot more use. Must say that based on a short ride across town the Brevet seems a very comfy bike, and the setup as bought is just right for me, incredible. So I probably will build up the other one too. Eventually.
Posted 10 years ago # -
That is a very fine bike indeed. Thanks for the pics...
Posted 10 years ago # -
Oh the sellers of the Brevet are very nice. They showed me another bike they are trying to sell, which has essentially never been ridden. It is an even better bike than the Brevet, slightly higher price (still a steal), but I dd not like the paint job or I'd have bought it instead.
I said I would tell folk about it because it is really a rare, interesting and high quality bike. I don't know the sellers at all but they seem very genuine folk (I'm not getting a commission either). Anyway it's a custom built steel frame, Columbus tubing. Geometry copied from the Thorn Brevet for comfort. Apparently built in
GlasgowHouston, Renfrewshire* by A.J. Rickett, a frame builder who used to build Flying Scots! Lovely cut outs on the lugwork, chrome chainstay.Mid/late 1990s Shimano group set: Ultegra transmission (I think); RSX shifters and (I think) brakes. All basically as new. Paint job apparently by Roberts, very good finish, nice detailing around the lugs but a bit too 1990s for my taste: reminded me of Global Hypercolour t-shirts. However might appeal to another rider. If not, always an option to strip the frame, and send to Roberts/Mercian/Jackson/Yates for a respray.
Total bargain anyway. Still on Gumtree so I presume still for sale as they pulled the ad for the Brevet immediately after I bought it. Photos don't do it justice: go and see it because it's a really nice bike.
* - I just did a quick Google on the frame builder and turned up this blog post from the owner of an A.J. Rickett 'PBP Special'. It seems this was an Audax bike specialist.
Posted 10 years ago #
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