Has anyone had experience of a Thorn Nomad with S & S couplers??

[tonupgilly]

Just to let you all know - I have made my decision.  I am ordering a Thorn today - without couplers.  Having taken into consideration everyones' points and experiences, I can't justify the cost of the S & S couplers, and in my case "money" wins out against "practicality" in an equation - I wouldn't recoup it in savings.

Many thanks to you all for your comments.

Kind regards
Tonupgilly 

[Pat Lamb]

All the airline baggage policies I've read have specific exemptions for S&S coupled bikes or Bike Fridays, as long as they're packed in a 62" case.

Having said that, "Bike parts" is accurate and deflects the person behind the counter.

Could I trouble you for a link to an airline policy that exempts S&S coupled bikes packed within 62 linear inches from treatment as a chargeable "special baggage item"?  Also, I think "bike parts" would deflect no one.  It would prompt the direct question of whether it is a bicycle.  "Camping gear" is better because then you'll have a conversation about whether you've packed fuel or bear spray.

American's policy, for example, is at http://www.aa.com/i18n/travelInformation/baggage/baggageAllowance.jsp?anchorEvent=false&from=Nav#SportsEquipment (you may have to do some cut and paste on the location).  Note the Exception: If bicycle and container are less than 62 dimensional inches and under 50 lbs., the bike is charged the applicable baggage charge for the 1st checked bag.

I don't really think you're lying when you say "bike parts."  If they object, open the case up and show the ticket agent or baggage handler, and ask them, "Does this look like a bike?"  It's not a bicycle, obviously, and it fits within a standard size piece of luggage (see http://sandsmachine.com/regs.htm for details).  I've never had to pay the bicycle surcharge.

[CyclesafeSr]

Thank you for the link.  But United and Delta seem to have no such exception.

Anyway, I've not been charged either, but I've once been asked what's in the bag.  I think I replied clothes and stuff, which didn't encourage a follow up.  I' ve also not been charged when I've checked in a full sized bike box.  What happens at the counter stays at the counter and a pleasant demeanor goes a long way to getting what you want.

I agree that "bike parts" isn't lying.  But perhaps trying to argue that "bike parts" isn't actually a disassembled bicycle is disingenuous.

[Tourista829]

Tonupgilly, good for you! My girlfriend has a Thorn Audax MK3 and loves it. We loved dealing with Andy Blance and crew. He and Fiona have Thorn Nomads with the Rohloff 14 speed internal hub. They romp around South America with them. Great expedition bike. We considered S&S couplers from SJS but it was a mixed bag. The bike would have to be stripped, the couplers put on and the bike repainted. I think their stock paint job, from Taiwan holds up better. However a moot point, since you already purchased the bike. We do not have couplers, but try to find airlines that are a little cheaper and box the bikes. Then we don't have to break them down and reassemble the bikes and take off the racks etc. To each his own.

[tonupgilly]

Thanks Tourista.  I phoned up and ordered it yesterday, without the couplers.  Can't wait for it to arrive.  Might be able to get some mini-tours in before the bad weather sets in.  I live on the English Channel, so France is only a one and a half hour boat ride away - and it's easy to take a bike.  Its nice to hear that someone else has and loves a Thorn.  I agree,  they are very helpful at SJS - and their 100 day money back guarantee is a good persuader.

Happy pedalling

Tonupgilly

[Tourista829]

Lucky you, living close to the English Channel. You have an outstanding bike. Andy Blance knows how to design a bike and they take their Nomads where only 4 legged animals tread. (goats and llamas) One thought, SJS has a very good package, when it comes to lighting. Living in the UK, may I make a suggestion. Before SJS builds your Thorn Nomad, if you haven't already done this, please consider. (This was the one thing my girlfriend regretted not doing when she purchased her Audax MK3) They offer the Schmidt Naben Dyno Hub and the Schmidt Edel Lux (80 lumens) front light. If you are going to consider a dyno hub, choose it before they build your front wheel. You will save money, E80. The Schmidt Edel Lux front light is amazing for a dyno hub light. Robenne, put a Schmidt on his Comotion and likes it. (I believe he used a BM lights) He also uses a Busch Muller E-Werke for running his gps, phone, and other accessories off the Dyno hub. I like the BM rear lights because, some of them have a stand light feature. (Maybe he would give you a small discount on the hub upgrade) I would also see if they would give you a break on the price of a saddle, if you want to upgrade. Go as low as you can go in gearing. They offered Dottye a 22 tooth "granny gear" on the front crank giving her a 625% gearing. Although we don't need it in Florida, it works well in the Rockies. Speaking of Florida, if you ever come to Florida, in the winter, you can stay with us and ride to Key West. Let us know how you like your new bike and say hello to Robin, Andy, and Lisa.