Ti vs. Steel for Commuting

[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.

[Blueberry]

Re: Locks - I use the Kryptonite Mini U. And a cable lock. From what I hear (not sure how much truth there is to it), thieves rarely carry the tools for both (and at that point, why bother?).

Re: Insurance - You may be able to get a rider on your homeowners' policy. Otherwise, just make sure you have coverage (less your deductible). I doubt a separate inland marine policy would make sense - unless you were racing.

They're both beautiful!! I'm still drooling at the Muse - but I would build it up lighter. Wish they had something between the Alaris and the Muse....

CA

[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!

[kfergos]

I got my new titanium commuter bike on Friday. Her name is Artemis. I posted pictures on the open topic thread (here) but I wanted to thank you all for your input and let you know how beautifully she turned out. She started off as a Seven Alaris, but they gave me 'cross stays to toughen her up for pulling a trailer or a rack withloaded panniers, and then of course it's got clearance for fenders and all. I like how she doesn't fit into any specific category: That's the beauty of customizing. It's exactly what I need. Perfect.

Today I took her for her first real long ride, a 90-mile loop on a ride called the Tour de Landry's. Artemis performed excellently, of course; fit perfectly and worked great and kept up with those carbon frames just fine. The titanium ride really is phenomenal. It's not her fault I was in the slowest-paced group... She did get lots of compliments, including from one of the owners of the Landry's stores, who praised her as the ultimate commuter, and said he'd want one link that. *blushing*

So yay! And thank you all for your input. I haven't bought any locks yet -- at work right now I have a whole locked room just for my bike stuff, and she stays in the apartment with us -- but my work situation will be changing soon, I hope, so any other lock recommendations would certainly be appreciated.