During my 2025 Cycling Everywhere bike tour across Europe, I rode a Thorn Nomad MK II, which was bought new in 2013. Due to various circumstances, I think it had been used no more than 10,000 kms before the tour.
Thorn Raven Nomad MK2 – Bicycle Purchase Invoice
I bought this bicycle from SJS Cycles /Thorn back in 2013 for a price of £2,705.99. At the time of purchase, I wanted a heavy duty expedition bicycle that would last for years. I’d say that 13 years later, we can say that is accomplished!
It’s a classic steel, 26 inch touring bike basically built like a tank. And it’s very yellow.
The only alterations since new have been a cable swap for brakes, brake pads a few times, a few chains, the front chain ring, and rear sprocket. Oh, and I swapped the old Brooks B17 saddle for a new one.
After completing 13,000 kms on the Cycling Everywhere bicycle tour (Athens to Nordkapp To Lisbon), I have to say the bike performed excellently. Not all was perfect though, and if I ever get around to it, I will write down some of my thoughts on the bike, pros and cons and such.
In the mean time, if you want to chart about the bike, just leave a comment at the bottom of this blog post! In the mean time, let’s take a look at the specs.
The below details were scanned in from my original invoice. Inflation has probably made this seem a bargain today!
Invoice Summary
- Subtotal: £2,670.99
- Postage & Packaging: £35.00
- Total Amount: £2,705.99
Main Bicycle
- Thorn Raven Nomad Mk2 bike build – £2,199.00
- Frame: Thorn Nomad MK2 Frame & Fork Set – Yellow – 590L
Components & Accessories
Drivetrain & Gearing
- Rohloff Speedhub 500/14 CC 14 speed gear hub 32h Silver with EX box inc. 17T Sprocket & Tandem Axle Plate
- Shimano Deore FC-M590 9 Spd HollowTech II Triple Chainset – Black – 44/32/22T – 175mm – £46.00
- Thorn 104 PCD 4 Arm Reversible Single Chainring 3/32 Inch – Black – 40T
- SRAM PC830 Chain 114 Links 7/8 Speed HG Compatible – Grey
- Shimano PD-M424 SPD Pedals – £37.99
Braking System
- Shimano XT Black V Brakes, with XT levers – £35.00
- Shimano Deore XT BL-T780 Trekking V Brake Levers
- Shimano Deore XT BR-T780 V Brake – Silver (x2)
- Swisstop Blue Brake Pads for Deore / LX / XT / XTR Brakes
Wheels & Tyres
- Rigida Andra 30 26″ MTB CSS Rim – Black – 32 Hole Rohloff Drilling (Front & Rear) – £85.00
- Shimano Deore HB-M590 Front Hub – Silver – 32 Hole
- Schwalbe Marathon Plus HS348 Rigid Tyre – 26 x 1.75 Inch (x2)
- Schwalbe SV13 Presta Tube – 26″ Tyres (x2)
- SJSC Reinforce Nylon Rim Tape – 26″ x 22 mm – Red (x2)
- 6 Spare Spokes – Silver – £5.00
- Wheel Reflectors – Orange
Handlebars & Controls
- Thorn Flat Track Bars & Bell – 25.4mm – Black
- Kalloy AS-009 UNO 1 1/8 Inch Ahead Stem +17 Deg – 25.4mm Clamp – Black – 120mm
- OEM Ergon GP1-L Anatomic Grips – Large – Black – £20.00
- SJSC Ergo Control Bar End Grip – Black – £16.00
- Zefal Ping Bell – Black
Racks & Accessories
- Thorn Expedition Steel Rear Cycle Pannier Rack – Black – £90.00
- Thorn MKV Cro Mo Steel Low Loader – Black Powder Coat
- Profile Design bottle cages x 3 Kit – £21.00
Tools & Maintenance
- Rohloff Full Oil Change Kit – 8410 – £17.00
- Teng Tools TS/TX20 Torx T key for Rohloff hubs – £4.00
- Rohloff Sprocket Removal Tool for Rohloff Speedhub 500/14 – 8501 – £26.00
- Thorn For Rohloff Cast End 2 x M5 to 1 x M6 Stainless Dropout Adaptors
- CroMo Rear Quick Release Alloy Skewer for 135mm OLN Hubs – Silver
Documentation
- Thorn Bicycle & Tandem Owners Guide
This Thorn Raven Nomad MK2 touring bicycle was purchased in April 2013 and has been on several shorter tours, including 6 weeks around Iceland. The Rohloff 14-speed hub gear system and robust steel frame make it perfect for long-distance bicycle touring. With the Cycling Everywhere bike tour complete, it has completed about 23,000 kms. Possibly a little bit more.
