Anyone here ride a Seven titanium bike?

[nscrbug]

I may be considering a custom bike in my future, and was looking at the offerings from Seven. I'm sort of leaning towards the Axiom SL, which is their flagship build in titanium. Never rode a titanium bike before, so I have no idea what to expect as far as comfort goes. How would it compare to my current full carbon bike? Basically I'm looking for some feedback on titanium bikes in general, but if anyone has any specific experience with the Seven Axiom SL...I'd be really interested in hearing your thoughts. Thanks!

Linda

[redrhodie]

Have you seen this? She test rode one all summer.

http://lovelybike.blogspot.com/search/label/Seven

I think custom is a good idea for you. I know how many miles you ride, and that you have fit issues. I only test rode a Moots for a few minutes, but the ride was very nice. It was pretty buttery.

[Crankin]

This is based on my meager 2 ride experience with my new custom titanium Guru.
I have a carbon road bike, also, and I had a different carbon road bike before that. The titanium just feels smooth as butter. The bike does not feel heavier, although it weighs about 1.5 lbs more. It's just a different feeling. And while my carbon bike fits me OK, after much tweaking and research, the custom bike is made for me. I am a descending weenie and I feel more stable on the titanium, going downhill.
I know this doesn't help much, but I'd say go for it.

[Blueberry]

Oh 7rider.....

I have a Lynskey ProCross set up more or less as a road bike and love it. Buttery, but stiff.

[zoom-zoom]

Several people I know have the Axiom in steel or titanium, my MIL being one of them...as well as our LBS owner and another friend/customer of the same LBS. I must say, when the day comes to hand my entry-level Redline CX bike down to my DS, there's a part of me that would really like to look into a custom titanium or steel CX frame from Seven. That will likely be in 3 years, so I have more time to figure out exactly what I want/need and if I can get those things on a cheaper stock frame (my next CX bike will likely have disc brakes, for instance, but they're not available on a lot of lower/mid-level models...yet).

[salsabike]

I have a custom Axiom SL in titanium with SRAM Rival XX (mountain bike gearing/compact double). It is an absolutely wonderful and delightful bike.

I did a lot of test riding before I chose this route, including carbon, steel, and titanium stock. I have never much liked the feel of carbon but find steel and titanium both to be very nice. And it's double nice to have a bike that fits me very, very well. Plus I got a nice custom paint job that I invented, a copper/pine green fade.

[indysteel]

Out of curiosity, Linda, have you definitively figured out what isn't working fit-wise with your current and past bikes? That would be my biggest concern with you as, if memory serves, you hadn't quite nailed down why you're so uncomfortable even after multiple fittings.

[7rider]

Oh 7rider.....

You rang??

Well, Linda...as you can see by my username, I ride a Seven. Actually...I have three. And my DH has one. I think I have Ti addiction!

The beauty of a custom Seven (and maybe other custom builders, but I have no experience with them), is that you can dial in the ride of the bike to be what YOU want. If you like the feel of your carbon, through selection of tubing diameters, butting, and other selections that I have no clue about, Seven can custom design not only the fit of the bike, but the ride characteristics themselves. My DH and I both have the same "model" Seven - the ID8 (now called the Elium SL in their model line). DH likes a stiff, tight and fast frame. I like a more compliant ride that may lose a bit jumping off the start line, but won't beat me up after 50 miles. I never expected to race on it, and it has a fairly upright ride. So DH and I both have the same bike...but there is nothing similar about the ride (I actually don't like to ride his bike...it is too stiff).

My older Seven - an old stock Axiom - is very compliant. I often say it's like silk on the road. It rides like really nice steel. Such a sweet ride that I couldn't bear to part with it when I went custom. It's a fairly flexy flame. While not a wet noodle, it's certainly not a race bike (although I have raced it). It excels at centuries and weekend club rides.

Last year, I had a Seven Cafe Racer built up as a commuter. It's a do-everything hauler. Utilitarian to the hilt. As a friend one time told me (completely out of the blue) "Your bike is f---in' awesome!" Blush. What can I say?

Summary: Ti rules. But not all ti is the same. Seven works magic with their ti. Find a dealer that has some stock frames available for test rides. You can't ever go wrong with a Seven custom. It's a frame that will last you a lifetime.

If you want any more info, let me know.

Happy shopping!

[MM_QFC!]

++++1 to what Salsabike and 7rider said...I had an Seven Elium before a ditwad driver ran me down several years ago and killed it; there wasn't any question where I was going to get my replacement dream bike - Seven again! This time I'm riding an Axiom SL and it's as sweet as ever

[nscrbug]

Out of curiosity, Linda, have you definitively figured out what isn't working fit-wise with your current and past bikes? That would be my biggest concern with you as, if memory serves, you hadn't quite nailed down why you're so uncomfortable even after multiple fittings.

Ahhh yes, me and myriad of fit issues that I've had and (for the most part) are still currently dealing with...I wish I could say that I've sorted all of that out, but sadly I have not. Multiple fittings, multiple bikes, and still not a happy camper yet. I'm still dealing with numb fingers/hands and neck & shoulder pain (which sometimes brings on headaches)...those are the 2 biggies. The other one is low back pain (I have spondylolisthesis - a spinal condition) but it doesn't bother me quite as much as the other 2 issues.

I just think that I'm finally ready to try custom...and I figured if I'm ready to do that, then I might as well try custom Ti. Ever since I bought a full carbon bike, I've never really thought it was "all that". I just never felt a HUGE difference between full carbon and my aluminum Trek. Could be the roads that I ride in my area...I don't know. But I just never got all warm & fuzzy about carbon. Infact, I would go as far to say that I've been quite disappointed with it. Which to me, indicates that I'm ready to move on to something different and hopefully better (read: smoother).

I'm not sure when I will actually be able to pull the trigger on a custom Ti bike, but at least I have some direction of where I want to go. Now I just need to locate a dealer for a test ride on a Ti bike in my size (51/52?)...which will likely be difficult, if not impossible. There are a few Seven dealers within 30-40 miles of me, so that should keep me busy for a while.

Thank you all for the feedback...just what I was looking for!

Linda

[indysteel]

My point in bringing up your fit issues is that it might prove challenging for you and a builder to design a bike that addresses your fit issues if you haven't quite figured out what those fit issues are. I have a custom ti Moots that doesn't quite fit so I know firsthand that while custom should fit like a glove, it doesn't always work out that way.

If I were in your shoes, I might go out of my way to work one on one with a builder like Tom Kellogg at Spectrum Cycles in Pennsylvania, i.e., somebody who really knows bike fit and design.

ETA: I wanted to clarify that I have absolutely nothing again Seven or their custom program. I know several people who love theirs. I mentioned Tom by name because he invites his customers (at least he once did) to visit his workshop in Pennsylvania for a personal fitting. Interestingly, Seven actually works with Tom in building the bike itself. Whether you go with Seven or another builder, I would want to work closely with a builder/fitter who takes the time to understand your fit issues.

[Dogmama]

Ahhh yes, me and myriad of fit issues that I've had and (for the most part) are still currently dealing with...I wish I could say that I've sorted all of that out, but sadly I have not. Multiple fittings, multiple bikes, and still not a happy camper yet. I'm still dealing with numb fingers/hands and neck & shoulder pain (which sometimes brings on headaches)...those are the 2 biggies. The other one is low back pain (I have spondylolisthesis - a spinal condition) but it doesn't bother me quite as much as the other 2 issues.
Linda

I with ya, sister. I have arthritis in my spine, had a cervical fusion 5+ years ago, degenerating disks in my low back, arthritis in my hands (the numb finger/hands/shoulder pain could be caused by arthritis in your neck - my doc says low back & neck problems go together.)

I had a custom built for me 17 years ago, steel, and I'm still riding it. The first time I got on it, it was like putting on a really comfortable pair of shoes. I honestly don't know if I could go back to a regular bike because of my health issues - I jokingly say that the infrastructure is crumbling.

It's not just the slightly more upright ride, although that helps, but the bars are exactly the right width, the brake & shift levers are exactly the right distance, etc. etc. If you plan to ride awhile longer, I would absolutely recommend custom.

I'm also looking at having a custom Ti frame done, so I'm glad to see this thread.

[7rider]

Seven's dealer locate site has links that indicate what each shop has in their "demo" fleet. Not sure how accurate it is as sometimes demo bikes are sold. You may use that as a starting point and give the shops a call. There is also a person's name who is their Seven specialist - ask to speak to that person.
http://www.sevencycles.com/retailer_...h_links.php#IL

Now I just need to locate a dealer for a test ride on a Ti bike in my size (51/52?)...which will likely be difficult, if not impossible. There are a few Seven dealers within 30-40 miles of me, so that should keep me busy for a while.

[Selkie]

I have a ti Alaris (not custom, though). I bought a demo bike---it fit me so it was fated! Seven makes a solid, high quality bike.

Loved the feel of ti so much that I bought a ti Terry Isis. :-)

[nscrbug]

One of the Seven dealers here in Chicago, is having a Seven "event" on Dec. 3rd that will be showcasing Seven bikes and framesets. The founder of the company will be on hand for a presentation and Q&A afterwards. They are also offering 10% off Seven orders placed on or before Dec. 10th. I can hardly wait! Granted, this will be a "just looking" type of thing for me and DH. But who knows, perhaps he will be persuaded enough after actually SEEING the bikes, to get on board with the idea of me buying one.

Linda