Seven Heaven

[Velobambina]

Just had to provide a review of my new Seven Alaris. In a word, FAST. The bike is incredibly light and responsive. It flies up hills, too. Titanium definitely feels different from my beloved steel. It's not bad---just different. Everything this bike pleases me. I admit that I had a bit of buy's remorse after I bought her because I already have a couple (ahem) bikes. Now that I've taken Agnes the Alaris for a longer ride, it's clear that this bike has it's unique place in the stable. I'm even satisfied with the Shimano 105 gruppo, although I definitely will upgrade her to campy chorus (compact crankset) sometime in the future. I might end up switching out the saddle, though. It's a Specialized Jett 143. The bike was well worth the $$$.

[indysteel]

Congratulations on Agnes. Do you have pics?

I'm interested in how you feel like Ti compares to steel. I have a steel Bianchi now and would like my next bike to be custom, either steel or Ti, but I don't know which material to choose. Having not ridden Ti before, I'm just curious as to how specifically you would describe the difference.

[Starfish]

Wow, neat! I demand pictures!

And, I would also like to hear about the specific differences, both between ti and steel, and between 105 and Chorus.

I would also be curious to know what else is in your stable, and where the Alaris fits in...what does it do that the others don't...what do the others do better than the Alaris.

Enquiring minds need to know!

[Blueberry]

Enquiring minds need to know!

Or, perhaps, justification to buy another bike

Sounds like a SWEET ride!!

[Velobambina]

I guess the best way to describe the difference is the ti bike feels a bit stiffer. It's not a negative, just different. The bike is incredibly light, which means fast. It's also very responsive. The fork is a Seven carbon, so that probably factors into the smoothness of the ride.

Re the gruppo: 105 cannot compare to Campy Chorus. The shifting isn't as smooth or easy. People are right: Campy gets better over time. My Seven has a triple, which is a waste since I don't use the puppy gears. My 'cross bike has the Chorus gruppo with the compact crank and that is my "dream" set up. I definitely will upgrade Agnes to Campy Chorus, when the 105 needs to be replaced.

Interestingly, the handlebar on the Seven (Salsa short 'n shallow) is wider than the ITM Elle handlebars on my Lunas. I noticed that my bum left shoulder didn't bother me at all when riding the Seven, despite being in a slightly more aggressive position on the Seven than I am on the Lunas.

My other rides are a Luna Eclipse (steel frame w/carbon fork); Luna Orbit (steel frame w/custom steel fork); Bianchi Eros Donna (steel frame w/carbon fork); and Specialized Dolce Comp (aluminum frame w/carbon fork--this is the rain/bad weather "beater" bike). I have a Dolce Elite, but it's been relegated to trainer duty since I sold my Terry.

Sorry, ladies, I can't post photos because I don't have a scanner! It's light blue.

[Zen]

Psst...
over here
(you don't need a scanner to post photos)
Do you have a film camera? when you have the film developed, have it put on a disk. You still get you negs just like old times but you also get a kodak disk with it's own little built in photo editing program.

[Velobambina]

I admit to being a luddite. I was born in the early 60s and we didn't have a color TV until "All in the Family" came out (we used to skip out of Saturday evening mass--after communion--so Dad wouldn't miss Archie Bunker!).

I think we get the disk when the pictures are developed. LOL.

[7rider]

Wow. Great to see your review on the Alaris.
Glad to see "fast" in it!
I totally understand "buyer's remorse". I'm freaking out right now about my own. I have a message I need to respond to from the LBS about the build for mine, and I'm sweating buckets. What if I don't like it? What if I made a mistake?
I also fully support the compact over the triple. The 105 is a perfectly serviceable group, but I once read a review - okay, a tongue in cheek review - that said it was "against the law" to put anything lower than Ultegra on a Seven!
You have quite a stable of bikes. The Seven is a great addition. Happy riding!

[Velobambina]

Regina---One reassuring thing is that Seven guarantees the frame for life. Not sure about the fork, stem, seatpost, spacers, etc. I registered my bike's serial number w/the company and now I'm good to go.
Once you get delivery of your custom bike and ride it, you won't regret it.
If you don't like the fit, can't they tweak it for you without charging you more?