4ster
12-08-2006, 02:35 PM
Well, it's a few months old. Got it back in June. I am very happy with the results. The ride is smooth, but still gives good feedback. I was unsure whether to paint it or not, but I decided I wanted some color. I designed the paint job based somewhat on their Race paint scheme.
Build list:
Fork - Seven 5E
Gruppo - Campy Chorus
Wheelset - Fulcrum Racing 1s
Tires - Michelin Pro 2 Race
Pedals - Look Keo
HB - Bontrager Race Lite
HB tape - Deda carbon
Stem - FSA OS-115
Seatpost - FSA K-Force SB 2.5
Saddle - Selle Italia Flite TransAm
Cages - Tacx Tao
7rider
12-10-2006, 02:06 PM
Very nice ride.
My husband is pondering a custom ID8 (blech...hate the name - "Idiot", can I just refer to it by it's proper name...the Odonata?). I think it would be a great thing for him - all he needs is frame, fork, and headset, as he'd be swapping his DA 10 set up from a bike frame being replace by Trek under warranty (but he doesn't want the Trek). As the owner of a stock ("Signature Size") Axiom, I think it would be great to have another Seven in the family. That would shock the RBR crew - wife says "Go custom, honey" and husband is on the fence.
How did you like the whole customization process? How was dealing with Seven? How long did you have to wait?
4ster
12-11-2006, 05:31 PM
Thanks for the compliments.
You know, my wife said, "If you're gonna spend that much money, you might as well get something that's made to fit you." I'm glad she was ok with me going custom. Sounds like your husband is another lucky man! I was a little nervous at first about getting a custom frame because I wasn't sure I would get exactly what I wanted. Not because they wouldn't build it right, but I wasn't sure I could effectively communicate my wishes. Turns out, they're pretty good at asking questions that helped me think through the ride characteristics, comparing it to other bikes I've owned or ridden. After my LBS submitted the order form, I had a call with the frame designer (this is standard). I was told the call would last about 15 minutes, but it ended up lasting almost 45 minutes because I had questions (he was very patient with me) and we had some good discussions about the ride and handling characteristics I wanted. In the end, they built what I asked for and the fit is great. I'm sure it helps that my LBS has a really good fitter who spent probably 4-5 hours total over 3 fit sessions (the longest being the initial measurements). We did end up making some changes to Seven's fit recommendation in the 2nd fit session, but Seven was open to our feedback. It also helped that I've had several frames and knew what I liked and disliked about each, both in fit and ride characteristics. Overall, I would say I had a very favorable experience with Seven.
My total wait time was about 6-8 weeks, which they said was a little longer than normal because the paint shop was backed up.
tpcrider
12-13-2006, 06:17 PM
Very nice! I got my ID8 in May this year and absolutely love it. Thought about painting too but didnt want to wait for that. Might send it back some time to get it painted. I echo your comments on the build and interview process, all in all very professional and smooth. Awesome riding bike and the fit feels like putting on a pair of your favorite levis.