When your Boss loves his new bike!
We have built the Boss (ROBIN THORN) a new Mercury 40 ...
When your Boss comes to you and asks you to build him a very special bike - he goes through the same process as everyone of our highly valued customers - except he knows exactly what he wants to add to the specifications! This page is all about why we built his new bike with these special components...
Inside the build: The All-Road Mercury 40
Every Thorn bike begins with a conversation about where you ride, how you ride, and what matters most to you. This particular build was born for riders who value independence, efficiency, and quiet confidence. It’s an all-road machine built to handle everything from fast tarmac to forgotten lanes, with the simplicity and reliability Thorn is known for.
Wheels & tyres: comfort meets speed
We’ve chosen 650B wheels paired with Schwalbe G-One Speed 2” tyres in the elegant Bronze Wall finish. The 650B format allows for wider tyres, bringing more comfort and stability without slowing you down. Schwalbe’s G-One Speed tread rolls effortlessly on the road but still grips when the surface turns to dust or gravel. It’s a setup that makes every mile smoother, faster, and more enjoyable.
These components are also available from our sister company SJS Cycles
The heart of the Build: Rohloff Speedhub 14-Speed
At the core of this bike lies the Rohloff Speedhub, a 14-speed internal gear hub renowned for its reliability, strength and precision. Each gear change is instant and seamless - whether you’re coasting, climbing, or carrying panniers. With an enclosed mechanism and annual oil change, maintenance is almost non-existent.
Paired with a 45 × 19 T ratio, this drivetrain offers a perfectly balanced range: responsive on the flats, reassuring on the climbs. The chainline stays straight, wear is minimal, and every turn of the pedals feels efficient and solid.
Rohloff components and service kits are available through SJS Cycles
Balanced braking: V-brake front, TRP disc rear
Touring often means variety - smooth descents one moment, muddy lanes the next. This build uses a front V-brake for comfort, simplicity, and ease of service, paired with a TRP mechanical disc brake at the rear for extra control and power under load. It’s a practical blend that offers reliable stopping performance in any conditions, without adding unnecessary complexity.
Power on the move: SON dynamo system
Reliability is nothing without self-sufficiency. A SON 28 dynamo hub powers the latest SON Ladelux Headlight with high beam and USB charging function.
SON Ladelux Headlight: The system also includes a USB-C/ or apple lightning charging cable, keeping your phone or GPS powered on long rides and a SON rear light to complete the setup. It’s a lighting system built to last decades, crafted in Germany and trusted by Thorn riders around the world.
Explore SON lighting and dynamo components at SJS Cycles
Finishing touches that matter
- Brooks Cambium Saddle - weatherproof comfort that flexes naturally with your movement.
- Shimano GR500 Pedals - secure, grippy platforms that inspire confidence on any terrain.
- Tubus Vega Rear Rack - elegant, lightweight, and strong enough to carry your world.
Every part chosen here represents Thorn’s approach: quality first, simplicity second, and longevity always. All finishing kit available via SJS Cycles
The Result: A quietly brilliant touring companion
This Thorn build isn’t loud or flashy but it’s built to do something very special: ride anywhere, carry light weight kit and keep you moving without fuss for years to come. With its Rohloff hub, SON dynamo, and 650B comfort, it’s the kind of bike you grow into - not out of.
Final comment from Robin:
"It’s a beauty to ride, it handles really well, is lively and fast, responsive and stable."