Robin Mather

I don't do the Thorn website. Browsing PDF files optimised for print in garish colours isn't my thing.

That said, I own a couple of Thorns. I just don't touch their website.

Feels like a LOT longer than 2 years ago that I was lusting over pics of this build, how is it being used today? Daily?

I fitted lovely new tyres today... Compass tyres, the Barlow Pass. Nice 700c x 38mm.

https://www.compasscycle.com/product-category/components/tires/700c/

Except.

The back wheel doesn't turn :(

Not enough clearance. Doh.

They look awesome, but unless I lose the mudguards and racks (which over Winter I won't) then I can't use these tyres.

Ho hum. They really do look awesome though.

I'll need to drop down to 32mm I think.

what about the Bon Jon at 35mm?

Still too tight.

The mudguards can accommodate, but the rear mudguard is structural and holds the rack in place, and the way the mudguard is attached to the seat stays is too discreet... basically at both of those places there is a bolt on the underside of the mudguard the takes off a chunk of clearance.

I could dump the bolts and try for perfect length screws, m6 screws cut exactly to size... but then it would still be close.

The 32mm would be comfortably close I think (I just sat there with a tape measure to find out).

It was quite a jump though, 23mm to 38mm :)

You were riding on 23mm?

What mudguard was It? 40mm?

Yup :)

And there would have been clearance enough (the frame is designed for 29er tyres when the mudguards are off, so the mudguards don't hug that close)... if it were not for those bolts on the rear rack.

The front wheel spins freely and has space. The rear has space enough, but doesn't turn due to the bolts.

Shit, I haven't realised it was just normal road tyres on it!

32mm definitely fit with th3 40mm mudguard 35mm tyres will be very tight.

If the frame designed for 29ers tyres, would a 50mm mudguard fit? (GB).

I was going to jokingly suggest to convert it to 650b for 38mm tyres.

And no... I can't put the 50mm mudguards on, as whilst there is space in the racks and elsewhere... the bridge is perfectly placed for the 40mm mudguards (because I'd specified that no bolts should be visible, and it should look like the mudguard is floating there, not affixed... the same way the rear rack isn't attached to the frame at all, it just floats).

Basically... in almost every way, it is the most insane bike ever. However... that comes with catches occasionally.

On Paris Roubaix they ride wider tyres on front. So if you don't want a new bike built that what I would so.

I did think about it ;)

38mm up front, 32mm on the rear.

I think I like symmetry too much to do that.

The Flickr link no longer work, do you have any recent photos of the Mather?

Have yo made any decision on the handlebar?

Same here. My HED + on the rear make the Continental 25 rub ever so slightly with the SKS raceblade and damage the sidewall. But I shall possibly go with the pros thinking and put a 23 4Season on there when I change for winter rather then get the new wider raceblades.

If it is the volt heads that are in the way, get some flat head bolts.
If it is the other end, cut them to size with a dremel.

Here's a Google Photos link to the entire gallery: https://goo.gl/photos/1fxDWK5VxrDZYZzt9

Handlebars will stay the same for a while. I am planning to upgrade bits, but it will be an overhaul of the brakes and drivetrain in one go.

Could, but won't :)

I'll just get smaller tyres.

Constant uphill too.

What are you doing with the tyres?

Like @umop3pisdn I might be interested in the 38mms

Taking them off the bike ;)

They will be spare, for sale. New they were £120 for the pair. They were mounted once, I'd hope for £45 each, and if not I'll put them in my big box of things I hoard in case I can use them one day.

Did you import them from the States? You know VeloVitality stock them in the UK?

I bought them from Velo Vitality.

https://www.velovitality.co.uk/collections/wheels-tyres-and-tubes/products/compass-barlow-pass-tyre-700c-x-38-mm

They are the extra light, black sidewall. £59.99 each on Velo Vitality.

Very nice, neither ridden, but they feel supple and fast compared to the Conti 4 season I just removed. I like them, would keep them if I had a bike I could put them on.

OYNANBC
(obligatory you need a new bike comment)

@Velocio lovely bike that no matter what tyres fit it!