Seven Cycles - considering ordering one

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photocycler
Posts: 108
Joined: Fri Feb 01, 2013 6:19 pm
Location: Portland, Oregon

by photocycler

Considering a custom Seven Cycles frameset, deciding between the Axiom S and Resolute SLX (this is my price range).

I took an Axiom S today for a long test ride through some rough streets and was amazed how well the titanium rode (never rode titanium bike). Wasn't able to test a resolute since the dealer did not have one.

Originally, I really wanted a painted bike and enjoy my current steel (columbus zona) frame so was leaning toward the resolute (price and painted bike were the positives. Now after riding the titanium Axiom S I am considering leaning that way as everything I read says the titanium is a better riding bike and of course will hold up better with the weather here in the pacific northwest.

The ordering and interview process seems great, would love to hear some +/- on your ordering experience or riding/owning experience with Seven Cycles.

airwise
Posts: 1018
Joined: Tue Jul 27, 2010 8:31 pm

by airwise

I've owned an Axiom S (nee Alaris) for about 10 years. Also have a Sola. Great bikes. Great company. Loads of boutique alternatives but Sevens just make great all rounders.

by Weenie


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TopQuark
Posts: 8
Joined: Tue Sep 11, 2012 12:03 am

by TopQuark

I am a Seven freak. Got 4 for the whole family - 2 Axiom SL's, 1 Axiom S, and 1 Elium SLX. Seven provides all the options I want - be it stiff, noodley, straight TT, sloping TT, weight weenie... name it. At the same time, precision and quality are top tier. Can't get any better. Just like sculpture art. That's the reason I got stucked with them.

You can also have the Axiom S painted. That should not be a problem.

Ordering experience is excellent. They'll make recommendations but final tweaks are yours.

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jrobart
Posts: 201
Joined: Wed Sep 29, 2010 4:25 pm
Location: Vermont

by jrobart

I have an Axiom SL and a Diamas SL. Absolutely love Seven. Process was excellent, as is the customer service after the fact (I haven't had any frame problems, but I've had a few questions here and there and they've been quite responsive). I also love the fact that the CEO of Seven works in the Ride Studio Cafe in Lexington on Sunday mornings!
Current: Seven 622 SLX | Seven OVRLND XX | Fondriest Carbon Magister | Yeti SB100 |
Retired: Litespeed T5G | Seven Axiom SL| Seven Mudhoney SL|S Works Crux |Fat CAAD 1 |

photocycler
Posts: 108
Joined: Fri Feb 01, 2013 6:19 pm
Location: Portland, Oregon

by photocycler

Would I be crazy to consider a local powdercoater for the frame? Seven wants 700 to paint a frame, Im sure they do a great job but that price is a little overboard

TopQuark
Posts: 8
Joined: Tue Sep 11, 2012 12:03 am

by TopQuark

Not sure about powdercoating a Ti frame. Seven uses etch primer + primer + base coat + main coat + clear.

dgran
Posts: 61
Joined: Mon Dec 03, 2012 10:04 pm

by dgran

I'm in the process currently. I'm getting an Axiom SLX and my wife has an Axiom SL that the has ridden for the past 10 years. They make great bikes and I haven't met anyone yet who is unhappy with what they build. I will say that if you ride an aggressive position on the bike you need to stand your ground a little with them. They are prone to advise toward more relaxed positioning. I think this serves the broad populace well (and may serve you fine) but I was a little surprised by their recommendations. In the end they collaborate on the final product well though.

As for steel or Ti, I would go with the Ti Axiom S instead.

vtrich
Posts: 7
Joined: Thu Jun 09, 2011 9:36 pm

by vtrich

Like others, I bought a Seven Alta about 10 years ago. It varies from the Axiom only slightly in that is has
triple butted tubes, making it a bit lighter and a bit, ummm, less stiff. They are great bikes and although
I have a newer, much lighter Guru, I still ride the Seven regularly and really appreciate the wonderfully
comfortable ride. I highly recommend the bikes and the company.

Oh,...and mine is only partially painted. I had them paint the fork and rear triangle the same color.
People seem to like it,...I definately do. I think that was around $300 extra and after lots of miles and
quite a few trips later, it still looks nearly brand new!

photocycler
Posts: 108
Joined: Fri Feb 01, 2013 6:19 pm
Location: Portland, Oregon

by photocycler

I'm really torn, I was hoping for a painted frame - would love to get some real world comparison between the steel resolute and the ti axiom s

photocycler
Posts: 108
Joined: Fri Feb 01, 2013 6:19 pm
Location: Portland, Oregon

by photocycler

After owning a few carbon bikes and some lower end steel bikes I'm ready to go custom. I have decided to go with Seven cycles and am now debating between models.

I am told that they can design a frame that will fit all of my requirements in terms of fit and ride quality. I keep hearing on the web and from people it won't matter between choosing Ti and steel other than weight that they design around the qualities im looking for.

When spend so much on a frame, I want to make sure i make the right choice and get the ride, fit and look bike I want exactly. I added a couple pros between both materials from what I have seen in my research. Would love to hear anyone who was in a similar situation or has experience with both type material s Ti and High end steel custom bikes.

Steel Pros:
- I like the idea of a painted frame
- Cost is significantly more for the Ti

Ti Pros:
- Durability in wet weather
- Weight

deermatt
Posts: 100
Joined: Tue Aug 09, 2011 11:46 pm

by deermatt

I had a custom steel frame made about 2 years ago. Although I ended up selling it, there are new steel tubes that are stiff, yet very light.

mattr
Posts: 4671
Joined: Fri May 25, 2007 6:43 pm
Location: The Grim North.

by mattr

In real terms, a well finished/specced/looked after steel frame will be just as durable as a Ti.
Just heavier.

(You'd have to be riding serious miles to see a difference, several hundred thousand......... Or regularly leaving it soaking in salt water)

My 15 year old steel race bike, but for the stone chips, could probably pass for new.

dgran
Posts: 61
Joined: Mon Dec 03, 2012 10:04 pm

by dgran

I don't think you will regret it, but Titanium does have a sort of luster to it that is hard to deny. I'm in the process now of building up a custom Ti bike with Seven. I love the finishing work they do and like the aesthetics of the naked Titanium. The ride is very similar from what I'm told so it comes down to what you like but the only people I've met who regret anything about their Seven is if they didn't ride it enough to justify the project expense. They don't make a bad bike.

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Zen Cyclery
Shop Owner
Posts: 1244
Joined: Tue Mar 10, 2009 5:27 am
Location: McCall, ID
Contact:

by Zen Cyclery

I got a custom frame from Strong Frames out Bozeman, and I will never ride steel or carbon again. The ride quality is absolutely exceptional. Super supple and predictable.

Ti is in a league of its own.

by Weenie


Visit starbike.com Online Retailer for HighEnd cycling components
Great Prices ✓    Broad Selection ✓    Worldwide Delivery ✓

www.starbike.com




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