Seven ID8 vs. Axiom SG

[7rider]

Oooooo....Congratulations!!!
An Elium...how awesome.
I just got the news of your delightful dilemma today from MM_QFC.
You absolutely cannot go wrong with any Seven. And if the Elium sang to you, than by all means...that is the one to get.
As DivingBiker noted, I have a custom ID8 and a stock Axiom. My thoughts on the 2 are pretty much in line with what you felt. I often say my Axiom feels like silk on the road. Soooo smoooooth.
I built my ID8 a bit stiffer than the Axiom, so the ride is very different, but both exceedingly comfortable on the road. I know you will be so happy with your new bike. And, of course, we all will want to see pictures when it's done!
Here's mine (page 2 has the pix). http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showt...t=17897&page=2

[dachshund]

That's exciting! Congratulations!
Wow, that was fast. It took me a week just to decide on a color.

I'm about to order an Alaris frame from Robinson Wheel Works. I've been staring at pictures of Sevens, and the carbon is really nice looking. I've had moments of thinking this is a ridiculous thing to do, but my partner keeps reminding me that this hobby makes me happy, and I should get what I want. Yay!

Speaking of wheels, I can't tell from the picture above - what are those? I'm now researching wheels. Do you all recommend anything in particular? Mavic Aksium seems to be a standard, but I have to admit I haven't read much about this part of the puzzle.

[SadieKate]

Bubba's wheels are drop dead gorgeous White Industries hubs (available in silver or black) on Velocity Aerohead rims with Sapim spokes. They were built by John Ackley of BFWG and now co-owner of Paradigm Cycles in San Anselmo. He used to be the partner builder for White Industries.

I've had a couple of sets of wheels built by him, as have the Bobs, all using WI hubs. IndySteel has a pair built by somone else but using the same components.

Custom built wheels will let you get just the ride quality you want.

[Alex]

I have wheels built by John, too. They are fabulous -- fast, comfortable, beautiful, and light. My Felt came with Aksium Race wheels. The Aksiums are okay. I use them for winter riding.

As for how quickly I made the decision on the frame, well, there was really no time to waste. With the frame issue on my Felt, and the training I am doing for LOTOJA, I just can't be without a road bike for very long!

I dithered for far, far longer on the Power Tap. John is about to build me another rear wheel with a PT hub. His customer service is excellent and he has gone the extra mile to make sure that I will get the new wheel as quickly as humanly possible.

Alex

[dachshund]

Interesting... thanks for the information.

Wow, that Power Tap is something else! I had to go read about it.
Yeah, if I was serious about training, I'd want one of those. Good luck and let us know how it's coming along.

Me, I'm getting such a huge upgrade from my current bike that I'll feel like I'm in another universe. I'm considering getting a Campy compact double (mostly Centaur), but with an IRD 11-34 cassette. That cassette's huge, but I've compared the gearing to what I have on the triple and it covers the same range. We'll see.