This one will be red

[Vintagetourer]

After much soul and bank account searching I have decided to retire my purple 1979 Ernie Clements Falcon Olympic 27" wheeled tourer.

It has not actually toured with a load for a long time but I've used it continuously for commuting for decades.
Alas, the time has come and soon it will be hung on a wall for a well deserved rest. It is longer up to commuting.

It's replacement has been ordered. A Thorn Audax frame from St John St Cycles is on its way in the post.
I've scoured the various 'Sale' bins for parts, and will soon have enough bits to hang on the frame (when it arrives) to make it go. A mechanic friend will do the assembly.

The answer to the most important question?
It will be red.

[Mike Ayling]

Are you going for a Rohloff hub this time, Graham?

Mike

[Vintagetourer]

Not this time Mike. It'll be a fairly conventional set-up, and even slightly retro with downtube shifters like my old Falcon has and I am so used to.
The frame arrived today .... surprisingly fast delivery from the gang in Somerset. The red is really red!

Almost all of the bike's use with be commuting with rear panniers. It might get an occasional, lightly loaded tour on good surfaces, but nothing too ambitious.

I'll try to keep the finished weight low without going overboard. It'll have a mix of 105 and Ultegra bits, and anything else I can find in Special bins.

[WarrenH]

Graham G'day. I just read several pages on Crazyguy about a rider who was in Nu Zild. Well, the good guys always bounce back (it's traditional) ... so welcome back.

Champion is the only word, that I can think of that's totally appropriate.

My best wishes.

Warren.

[Vintagetourer]

Thanks Warren, but 'Lucky' I think is the word more fitting than 'champion'.
Part of my half-baked logic for getting a bright red Thorn replacement for the faded, creaking old Falcon is being more visible to motorists. Someone else who knew about the NZ incident joked that being visible would make me an even better target.
Being back at work has given me the opportunity to commute about 120km week. This combined with 80-100km weekend rides has motivated this indulgent N+1 project. I want a nippy bike which can also carry panniers. My other touring bikes are a bit heavy for this type of riding.
I now have the Thorn Audax frame and most of the parts. It should be assembled and rideable in about 3 weeks.

[Vintagetourer]

The red Thorn is together and ready to ride. It'll take a light load.
I'm pleased with the end result.
Pic at:

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/forum/bo ... id=1897154

[Baalzamon]

Now SJS have middleburn chainrings that are red, but the Q is do they have ones that match your BCD of your current chainrings.

[il padrone]

How did you get a red Tubus rack?

[Vintagetourer]

Rattle can spray job.
I did a couple of light coats which went on very evenly.

[rifraf]

Looks fantastic Graham!
Enjoy

[Vintagetourer]

Thanks. And thankfully it rides very nicely as well. Nippy but comfortable and stable.