Seven vs. Habanero

[dachshund]

Hello all,

I'm getting back into riding, and decided to get a new bike to celebrate. My current one turns out to be too small, according to a the bike fitters I went to, people who were recommended here.

I had an appointment already with Chris at Robinson Wheelworks. What a nice guy! He was very careful not to tell me outright that I need a new bike, which I appreciated. When I pressed him more, his assessment was that my Bianchi can't be modified further to fit me. And I'd just as soon get on with it, I can afford it, so I'm considering a custom bike. And now to start with my many questions.

I've read BikerZ's story about the Seven - thanks for all that information! They can also order a frame from Habanero. Does anyone know the difference between the two? I think this is what Chris said: that Seven frames are US-made while Habanero frames are made in China. Seven makes their own tubes, and the extra degree of customization available from Seven is built into the price of their frames in general. Is that it, or are there style differences that I just can't see? The Habanero site doesn't exactly inspire me, and I haven't found much about them online. Obviously Habanero is cheaper.

Regarding custom vs. stock, if we can plot out my frame geometry based on body measurements, couldn't we find one of the stock bikes based on that same geometry? Or do you get stuck in-between the steps between the different stock sizes?

I'll search around here for more about buying custom, which I see as a bit of a project.
More later. Thanks!

[jobob]

Hey, welcome back!

Chris is a good guy and knows his stuff, and is great to talk to. He won't lead you astray.

[dachshund]

Hey, welcome back!

Chris is a good guy and knows his stuff, and is great to talk to. He won't lead you astray.

Thank you, ma'am! Nice to see all the familiar names here again.

[Velobambina]

I love my Seven Alaris. Can't comment on the other brand, but I tend to avoid buying anything made in China so I'm biased!

[bikerz]

Welcome back!

I love my Seven! I considered the Habanero, primarily because of the lower price (people who have them really like them), but once I decided to go custom, I really only considered the Seven. I just love how they look.

Chris did an excellent job on the fit and my bike felt (and still feels) very comfortable. In fact the whole process went really well.

I'd recommend a lot of test-riding - Chris had a a pretty good selection of smaller-framed bikes there that I tested: Seven Ti, Seven steel, a carbon something (Calfee?), and the Habanero, and that was very helpful.

Have fun!

[Trek420]

Hey, another TE Chis build. Yes, he's a great guy!

Habenero is a good bike or he would not stock them yet I got the impression he carries them for the cyclists who just haaaaaaas to have Ti with fancy stuff hung on it but can't afford the Seven. It's an affordable option.

Before this turns into another debate about imports/made in USA etc ..... I'm not saying don't get the Habanero but do look at his Sevens, Torelli/Mondonico & Calfee bikes he carries.

Torelli now has full carbon or check any of their steel, steel/carbon bikes

http://www.torelli.com/torelli/selvino.html

I love the Mondonico Futura Legero he built me. I'm 5' nuthin' and it fits like a glove. Just as important: no toe overlap, standard wheels and diamond frame. On most frames my size I'd have 650 wheels, toe overlap and/or slanting top tube. Even Antonio said I'd have a slanting top tube but full size wheels. It's as if he made it a personal challenge to build one my size and none a' that.

I happened into Chris's shop the day Antonio Mondonico was there. I met him and his son who now builds Torelli & Mondonico bikes. They went back to Italy and built mine. It's surprisingly light, zippy, peppy, and looks like an Italian work of art because ... it is.

I had a chance to briefly test-ride Bikerz's Seven and I like mine better but there's no comparison. My bike is well....my bike so of course it rides best for me.

I have a feeling if I tried a Seven, my Seven, I'd love it.

This is shallow really but I like the Monconico decal/typeface better which is of course the most important thing about a bike.

[7rider]

Another very happy Seven owner here. Actually, we have 3 in the house....my stock ti Axiom, my custom ID8, and my DH's custom ID8.
You absolutely cannot go wrong with a Seven.
The workmanship. The customization. The ride. Oh, swoooon.....

I actually know someone who got into a "discussion" - I won't call it debate - about the ride of Seven's titanium vs. a "stock" ti bike. The person I know was on the Seven, the other was on a Litespeed, I think. The Litespeed guy thought there was no way any bike was worth what a Seven is and that "ti is ti". They swapped bikes. They rode for a bit. The Litespeed rider came away a believer.

If you can go custom Seven (no more expensive than stock), I'd definitely do it. You won't be disappointed.

[mimitabby]

so trek420 when are we going to see a nicer photo of that Mondonico??

[Trek420]

Sometime soon. Right now I'm off work today, have an errand to run and plan to do this on my bike. So I have to get ready to go.

[dachshund]

Thanks everybody!

Aw gee, I actually have to ride them??? Just kidding. This should be a fun project.

Trek420, don't rush on that picture for my benefit. But I'll be happy to ooh and ah over it if you do!

[Trek420]

I think you've met my bike in person? Just in case you need a reminder here's what she looks like. If I knew I'd be taking portraits I'd have cleaned 'er first, and fixed the camera.

[dachshund]

Trek420 - yes, if you had it in 2006, then I have met your bike. I took a picture of the shifting index thingy on your handlebars, if this is the same bike. But, you know, sometimes we don't pay that much attention until we're shopping. Thanks for the picture.

Now I'm reading about Campy components. Geez this stuff changes a lot in 2 years. I'm trying to figure out if I have to have Chorus.

[Trek420]

Now I'm reading about Campy components. Geez this stuff changes a lot in 2 years. I'm trying to figure out if I have to have Chorus.

Yes! It's the same bike.

I have Record with Chorus seat post. Depending on when you buy and what groupo you get there's some "trickle down" of technology. Chris explained at the time I bought "this years Chorus is last years Record"

Are you getting Campy? I love mine.

[dachshund]

Yep, Chris mentioned the the trickle-down concept! Veloce is what's on my Bianchi. It's fine, but I'll check out the other groupsets for fun. I've always used Campy, have tried Shimano, and still prefer Campy. I'd like to get a triple chainring, which may rule out one or another of the sets. I'm still reading & reading...

[Trek420]

I have a Campy triple Reading? Reading? We want test ride reports