Seven Cycles

[Long Live Long Rides]

I'm looking at Seven and dreaming about one of their ti or ti/carbon bikes. Is there anyone here that rides one who can attest to the quality of the frame and its riding characteristics?

[PsyDoc]

...Seven Axiom Ti that I purchased back in Aug/Sept. 2001. The quality is there (welds are very nice and attention to detail very good) and the frame is solid...just like any high-end frame should be. In the past year, Seven purchased a machine so they do not have to face and chase the BB by hand anymore. I sent my Seven back to them as one of the 7800 DA BB cups was not sitting flush. There was a slight gap (.009) at the 6 o'clock position and it tapered to flush at the 5 and 7 o'clock position. They faced and chased the BB to be well within their new tolerances. They got the frame, did the work, and shipped it out the same day. The frame rides well and handles better and is stiffer than the Merlin Extra-light it replaced. Seven was very easy to work with when ordering the frame, which I did through Excel Sports even though I am in Georgia, and they did not balk when I asked to leave the headtube badge off.

[Coolhand]

There is a Seven forum here- you should post there as well. I am sure you will get some good feedback. FWIW: I bought a Seven several years ago- no issues with the process or the bike.

[biknben]

I'm looking at Seven and dreaming about one of their ti or ti/carbon bikes. Is there anyone here that rides one who can attest to the quality of the frame and its riding characteristics?

Take a look at the Reviews portion of this site. http://roadbikereview.com/Frames/Sev...5_2493crx.aspx

I was fondling an Elium yesterday at the bike shop. My bud was in the process of building it up for a customer. With Seven's commitment to fitting and craftsmanship, I can't imagine you would be disappointed.

[vonteity]

I'm looking at Seven and dreaming about one of their ti or ti/carbon bikes. Is there anyone here that rides one who can attest to the quality of the frame and its riding characteristics?

I just got my Alta almost 3 weeks ago. I love it! Since it's custom, it fits perfectly. I'm between a 54 and 56. I had both sizes in road bikes, one was a bit too small and the other too big, so the custom Alta is a nice change.

The quality of the frame and especially the welds is amazing. I had mine partially painted and I'm very happy with the paint job (done in house) as well. It's a very sweet bike. I get compliments on it wherever I go.

As for riding characteristics, they can make your bike ride however you want it to ride. You fill out a questionnaire about riding habits, tell them what you like and hate about your current bike and they craft the perfect bike for you. It's completely custom, no two ways about it.

My only complaint is that they no longer offer 26.0 mm stem and bars. I had ordered mine with 26 and ended up with 31.8 oversized. They are trying to accomodate me, though... so the customer service is excellent.

[7eap4a]

OK, I'll say it & take the heat. I have a Seven Axiom (Ti). It is a great bike. No complaints. The quality is first rate, the buying experience was excellent and the bike is a dream to ride. But I wouldn't do it again. Unless your body geometry dictates you need a custom frame, you can buy bikes that ride as nice for far less $$. If you do need custom you have lots of options that equal Seven. And dare I say Sevens carry a bit of snob appeal, if I went custom I'd get a bike that was a little more obscure.

[rjcamsr]

I've been riding an Alta since last July. The workmanship is first rate. I also love the ride. Stiff, but smooth over the bumps. Nice and light - 15 1/2 lb. Expensive, but I would do it again. Very happy.

[team_sheepshead]

I partially agree with 7eap4a. Even if you are a "standard" size, and you want a custom bike, go for it. Sizing is only one reason to go custom. The way a bike rides, feels and handles has as much to do with the geometry as with the material (carbon, ti, alu, steel). A custom builder can design the bike to give you a certain feel to match your desired style of riding.

Sure you can try to get that in a stock bike, but do you want to spend the time driving around to different shops test riding all these bikes?? Keeping in mind most shops only carry limited sizes of high-end bikes.

I have a Seven MTB and I love it. The fit and finish are perfect, and their customer service is excellent. But I would not do it again. Too impersonal. I was measured by my LBS, he sent the specs to Seven (with his recommendations). Seven called me twice during the building process. Great bike, but I haven't heard from them since.

Last winter I got a custom steel road bike. I drove directly to the builder's shop. He measured me up, showed me frames he was building plus all his equipment, let me pick the lugs, etc. We talked for two hours, then communicated maybe 10 times during the two-month building process. I also got to meet the guy who painted my frame.

When the bike was done, I drove up to get it and helped him build it up. He also got me great deals on components. Now the builder is a friend of mine. I have one of only about 100 bikes he's ever built. People stop me on rides and ask me what, "What the heck is a Zanconato?" Around here, a Seven or a Serotta sort of screams, "I just paid $6,000 for a bike!"

[lyleseven]

and not only do I love my Ti Axiom which is not only beautiful, but indestructible..I went out and got a steel Axiom. The new 5E fork is fabulous. It really makes the bike even better than the older models. I have a hard time making up my mind which one to ride on any given day. When my wife isn't looking, next on my list is an Elium....