There is some discussion about adding a suspension fork to a traditional touring frame on various forums. It appeared from the internet that a maximum of 100 mm travel may be acceptable for the Thorn Raven Tour. Back in 2009 in fact Thorn offered the Magura Odur 85 mm fork as an option. The Magura Menja is of the same solid design but is an air fork.

Forums confirmed that there were Thorn Raven Tour owners who had had few problems using the short travel 85 mm Odur fork. It was important it seemed not to affect the geometry of the bike as this can affect stability and steering. Tom of Tom’s Bike Trip has a good review. There is a great four-part video series showing the bikes in action.

So the search was on! The Magura Odur fork had, much to the dismay of many expedition tourers, been discontinued in 2009. It was a solid, German manufactured coil spring fork. Were they still available? After over an hour of ‘Googling’ I found a web site in Tallinn, Estonia that appeared to have one in stock. Being so rare, I immediately contacted the shop. After a few emails to the very helpful Rauno at VeloPlus confirming steerer length, V-brake fittings, other specifications, and checking the business out, I transferred the funds and a week later it arrived. It is indeed a solid basic fork fit for purpose. Spare parts and the service manual were found on-line so I should be covered for future maintenance.

I was now one step closer to an off-road tour. The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route was one trip at the back of my mind. The Magura Odur would be perfect for the washboard tracks that apparently feature on the route.