Thorn,

I built a custom frame this spring so I understand your concerns. I'm small and lightweight and wanted a frame that would be compliant for my weight and yet have the characteristics that my cf frame had.

I considered Seven, but wound up with Serotta. I had some experience with a Serotta fitter who had refit my cf bike and was very happy with the refit. So I was familiar with the Serotta fit process. In the end a Serotta shop had a small enough Serotta for me to demo, I liked the way it rode so I bought a Serotta. I couldn't find a Seven small enough to demo.

Sorry, I can't tell you the difference between the ID8 and the Axiom. The first thing I would do is demo both in a stock frame and see how they feel to you and compare the differences. See if the shop will let you ride 5 or 10 miles on them, differences won't necessarily stand out with a ride around the parking lot. Also, see if the shop will put the same wheels on both frames, as different wheelsets can affect the ride. Make sure each bike has the same tire pressure.

When they set the bikes up for you insist that they get the setup as close to your current bike as possible. Take it with you. Also, be able to describe what you like and don't like about your current fit.

With custom the tubing can be tuned to your weight which will give you a more compliant ride than on a stock frame.

That "stomp" you describe is called "snap" and has to do with the design of the bike. With custom it can be built into any model of frame that you select (at least, that's my understanding).

My fitter spent 3 hrs with me interviewing me about my riding, what I liked and didn't like about my old bike and finding the best fit on the size cycle. I can't speak about checks and balances with Serotta. I do know that Serotta works closely with the fitter to design a frame appropriate for the individual rider.

As far as gearing goes, even though I'm in Colorado I use a 48-34 crankset with a 12-29 cassette (I'm a Campy girl). I used this combo on week long tours of Tennessee and N. Carolina and loved it.

You have some doubts about the Seven dealer, if after talking to them, you are not comfortable go elsewhere.

My bike is definitely a keeper, I can't find a thing I'd change on it and I'm so happy that I made the decision to go custom.