The Bike: Pics and Specs

My Thorn Audax will be the bike for this ride. After a period of indecision I've decided I won't need to take the folder. The new red bike will be given a tour tryout. I've been using it for commuting to work for the last few months and it is comfortable but light, quick and nippy. It also very RED.

I imported it as a frame and fork kit, then bought components online. My bike mechanic friend Alex McNee did an excellent assembly job.

The details:
Frame - Thorn Audax Mk 3 Cro-Mo 858 Thorn steel Size: 570 medium/large
Forks - Thorn (Reynolds) 853c steel 46mm offset
Wheels: Swiss DT rims, Hope hubs, 32 spoke
Handlebar -Ritchey 44cm Road 31.8mm
Top cap and bolt - token pyro alloy, 1.1/8"
Spacers - Hope Space Doctor - 1.1-8", 1.1/8"
Front dérailleur - Shimano 105 FD-5703 Triple Front Derailleur - Multi-Fit 28.6/31.8 mm
Rear dérailleur - Shimano 105 RD-5701 Rear Derailleur - GS / Medium Cage
Front brake -Shimano R-650 Dual Pivot Calipers 47-57mm Deep Drop Allen Key Fitting
Rear brake - Shimano R650 Dual Pivot 57mm Drop Brake Caliper
Brake levers - Shimano Ultegra BL-R600 SLR Aero Road Brake Levers
Shifters - Shimano Dura Ace SL-7900 9 spd braze-on downtube
Pedals - Shimano A530 Road Pedals (will swap these for Crank Brothers for the tour)
Chainset Shimano Ultegra 6703 Triple 130mm, 52.39.30
Cranks Shimano Ultegra 6703 175mm
Cassette - Shimano Ultegra 9 speed 12-27
Stem -Ritchey WCS 4-Axis 31.8 Stem 110mm
Headset - FSA Orbit 1 1/8"
Chain - Shimano 9 speed HG
Bottom bracket cups - Ultegra SM-BB6700
Seat-post - Thomson Elite Inline Black 27.2 x 250mm
Saddle - Brooks
Rear rack - Ti Tubus Carry
Zefal mirror

For the ride I've fitted a 25mm Conti 4 season tyre to the front. A Schwalbe 28mm Marathon Supreme to the rear. Both are folding tyres.

I'll also carry a spare tyre. A 25mm Compass Boise folding tyre.

Fully assembled and ready to load the Thorn Audax weighs 11.2 kg including two water bottles, pump, rear rack, mirror, lights and small saddlebag with spare tube and levers.

The bits before Alex McNee assembled them

I opted for the lightest of the two types of steel forks available. These do not have fittings or the strength for front racks and panniers. The other, slightly heavier from forks available from Thorn can carry front panniers.There are also carbon forks available.

It is almost as red as I can make it. Fully assembled and ready to load the Thorn Audax weighs 11.2 kg including two empty water bottles, pump, rear rack, mirror, lights and small saddlebag with spare tube and tyre levers.It's missing a water bottle and lights in this pic.

The Thorn Audax loaded and ready to head out the door.Loaded panniers weigh 10 kg excluding food.As pictured, the total weight of the loaded bike is about 21.2 kg.

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