Thorn Mercury review

Thorn Mercury
Cycling Weekly Verdict

The Thorn Mercury is the most expensive bike in this test by some margin, but what you're paying for is everything that I've mentioned above. A bike built from real experience to the highest standards possible. It's a real gem to ride, and always a pleasurable experience. It's not cheap, but this bike is worth every penny. What we're talking about here is a bike that can handle anything you throw at it, and corners shouldn't be cut when it comes to this type of touring.Don't just take my word for it, though. Thorn is so confident that you'll love any of its Rohloff-equipped bikes that if you ride one for 100 days and aren't, "totally satisfied", then the firm will give you your money back. That's true confidence in an outstanding bike.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Smooth ride

  • +

    Top class frame finish

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Wheels not light, but they are strong

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Welcome to a very special bicycle. Thorn has been designing touring bikes from its Somerset headquarters for 25 years, and its experience really shows. The firm's range is diverse, offering 700c road wheels and 26in mtb-style wheels with Rohloff or derailleur gears. There's something for everyone.

The most intriguing for me was Thorn's flagship big-wheeled tourer, the Mercury, a Rohloff-equipped machine with drop bars. Quite an uncommon sight in the touring world, the brand new alloy shifter from Gilles Berthoud is the first of its kind to fit a drop handlebar which works with a Rohloff hub. To make it even more special, Thorn has designed the handlebar itself, making sure this bespoke item fits perfectly.

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Michelle Arthurs-Brennan

Michelle Arthurs-Brennan the Editor of Cycling Weekly website. An NCTJ qualified traditional journalist by trade, Michelle began her career working for local newspapers. She's worked within the cycling industry since 2012, and joined the Cycling Weekly team in 2017, having previously been Editor at Total Women's Cycling. Prior to welcoming her daughter in 2022, Michelle raced on the road, track, and in time trials, and still rides as much as she can - albeit a fair proportion indoors, for now.