Ti vs. Steel for Commuting

[kfergos]

My LBS loaned me an amazing bike to test-ride the feel of titanium: the Seven Elium SG (which frame starts at $4,000; the entire bike I'm considering would cost ~$4,200) with Dura-Ace components, perfectly adjusted to my size based on my fit specs.

Wow.

I spent the whole time trying to think of superlatives grand enough to cover the experience, but although I'm a writer for a living, I still failed. The bike practically climbed hills for me, smoothed out bumps, cornered tightly, and ate up the miles seamlessly. *Swoon* I practically cried when I returned it to the shop. Now to convince the dh that I need a similar (albeit significantly cheaper) steed myself...

Question for those of you with custom bikes: Did you find the price tended to increment up as you designed the bike, or was the estimate close to your ultimate price? Also, what should I ask the bike shop before actually committing?

[Ana]

Is it common for Seven dealers to let you test ride a bicycle? Just curious. I was thinking about wandering over to my local Seven authorized dealer.... I've had intense post-ride headaches and I'm wondering whether it's from the rough ride on my aluminum Lemond Tourmalet or not I'm so sad because I love my bike and I love cycling but my last headache was so bad, I cringe when I think about riding

[kfergos]

Is it common for Seven dealers to let you test ride a bicycle? Just curious. (

I don't know about in general, but when I asked "Do you have one I could test ride?" my LBS was able to get me one within a day. My LBS (Landry's) is a chain of 4 stores, and they apparently have bought some stock Sevens for people to test ride. It can't hurt to ask!

[IFjane]

Question for those of you with custom bikes: Did you find the price tended to increment up as you designed the bike, or was the estimate close to your ultimate price?

I have a custom IndyFab Ti Crown Jewel (complete with sterling silver headbadge) and love every inch of her! I love her so much I did not even get her painted (saved $$); accordingly, her name is Godiva 'cause she is naked, except for some strategically placed decals....

Before, I had a steel bike & the ride was great though the bike did not fit me. When I got the new bike, the ride was so amazing I could not believe it. Twitchy? Yes, if I want her to be. Like butter? You bet! I don't have to worry about rust; I don't have to worry about scratching the paint; I only have to worry about her leaving me unexpectedly. Fortunately, that hasn't happened so far. I travel with this bike and I ride at home with this bike. As of now, it is the only bike in my stable and I see no reason to have another. In contrast, my DH has four.... And he's not even here to ride them!

I commute on my bike, though not regularly for a variety of reasons (mainly because I seldom can stay at my office all day but must travel to schools throughout our district), I ride centuries on her and I ride short, fast rides. She is great and I could not ask any more of a bike.

To answer your original question, no, the price of the bike did not inch up because of the design. There were add-ons (the headbadge, for one) that added to the price but they were like options when ordering a car. I found that IF (because of my LBS) was a fabulous place to have a custom bike built. And Ti is the way to go! The $4200 price tag does not sound out of line to me. But then, if you knew what I spent on mine (not just from IF, but on upgrades to the wheels, drivetrain, etc.) you wouldn't believe it.

[7rider]

Oooo...the Elium is a swoon-inducing bike! I don't think I'd be brave enough (or rich enough) to have one built as my commuter, but it is a glorious road bike. DH actually pushed lightly for me to get an Elium when I got my custom Seven...but I "settled" for the ID8!

Question for those of you with custom bikes: Did you find the price tended to increment up as you designed the bike, or was the estimate close to your ultimate price? Also, what should I ask the bike shop before actually committing?

I had a good idea of what I wanted on my bike, component wise, before I ordered. So my LBS quoted me an "out the door" price for the built up bike. I guess if I varied from that list, we'd discuss changes in the price, but there was no change in the ultimate price when I picked it up.

From Ana: Is it common for Seven dealers to let you test ride a bicycle? Just curious.

Some shops carry a few stock Sevens on hand for demo purposes. Sizes are limited, of course. Best to check with your shop. Of course..post-ride headaches could be a function of how hard you push yourself compared to how you are eating and drinking on the bike (or not). Check the nutrition forum, and search on "headaches".

[Blueberry]

On the test ride front - I just figured out that when you pull up a dealer on Seven's website, you have the option of looking to see what bikes they have available to test. I'm sure there will be changes - but it might give you an idea...

I've been drooling at the Indy Fab Club Racer in ti - but it seems to be significantly more expensive. Maybe one day....

CA

[kfergos]

I'm taking the plunge -- I'm going to order the titanium commuter. And lots of bike locks.

[gnat23]

-- gnat!

[smilingcat]

must be in a really bad neighborhood?

must really love his or her bike?

or perhaps bit paranoid about theft?

or could it be static art with message?

beats me. Looks like a good bike for a workout. Can you imagine trying to climb some of the hills in SF with that thing oui!! and coming down on a coaster brake.

back to Ti/steel. I'm still biased to Ti. (cause it sounds more exotic )

smilingcat

[Blueberry]

I'm taking the plunge -- I'm going to order the titanium commuter. And lots of bike locks.

Which one are you ordering?? Inquiring minds want to know

Get good locks - and get insurance on it. That way, you'll have some peace of mind

CA

[kfergos]

Which one are you ordering?? Inquiring minds want to know

Get good locks - and get insurance on it. That way, you'll have some peace of mind

CA

It'll either be the Seven Alaris or the Axiom.

Is insurance worth it? Over time wouldn't you end up paying way more than the bike is worth? Also where do you get bike insurance? Any lock recommendations?

[7rider]

It'll either be the Seven Alaris or the Axiom.

Is insurance worth it? Over time wouldn't you end up paying way more than the bike is worth? Also where do you get bike insurance? Any lock recommendations?

Ooooooo...Yay! Congrats!
RE: insurance. Do you own a home? Talk to your insurance company about a rider on your homeowners policy and whether it would be covered there. Locks will depend on where you park it, really. Talk to your LBS about some recommendations, given your area. I have a friend who likes StreetCuffs. Chain locks would be good too.

[ilima]

I vote for the Alaris!

But I like classic/traditional geometry. The Axiom SG has double-butted tubing, which is lighter but is probably overkill for a commuter (costs more than straight-gauge). I love the matte-finished Seven forks!