Anyone here ride a Seven titanium bike?

[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

[redrhodie]

How perfect is that! Kind of seems like it might be destiny.