Re: Which Seven do you ride?: Bikefanclub.com

2005 Seven Ti Axiom 54 cm (frame unpainted) built and built up for long-distance riding (the frame build includes rear rack mounts and fender mounts). See the photo I posted January 6, 2007 (it's the one mounted on the trainer).

Component Spec: Seven 5E fork, Chris King headset, Seven Ti spacers, 3T 80 mm stem, Easton EC-90 Equipe Pro bars, 9-speed Dura-Ace STI shifters, 9-speed triple Ultegra crankset, Ultegra pedals, Ultegra 12-25 cassette, Ultegra front derailleur, Dura-Ace rear derailleur, Ultegra hubs/Mavic Open Pro wheelset, Michelin Carbon 700 X 25 tires (Conti trainer rear tire shown in photo), Campagnolo Centaur brakes (I didn't really like mixing components, but Campy brakes have more fender clearance than Shimano), Campagnolo Chorus Ti seatpost, Specialized Alias 143-width saddle.

I normally ride it without the fenders and rack, but it's really nice to have the options, and in my opinion, the aesthetics of the bike don't suffer at all with the inclusion of the mounting options. I had the frame built with a horizontal top-tube for a more traditional look.

With the components I spec'ed, the bike is heavier than I'd ideally like (it weighs about 20 lbs), but I wanted a reliable, durable component/wheelset spec where it would be a bit easier to repair/replace components in the field (i.e. either making my own repairs, or to find parts at some bike shop along the ride) rather than being stuck out somewhere with broken exotic parts. Also, although I've been able to develop a reasonable level of long-haul endurance, I could still stand to lose 20 lbs or so, therfore, much as I'm tempted to start buying exotic and expensive lightweight components, I figure I should shed my own weight first.

I love the ride characteristics of my Axiom and I love the visible craftsmanship in the frame and welds. It was a dream bike for me, and still is. IMHO it's visually gorgeous, silky smooth to ride, and it has a lively feeling in the frame. It's also very comfortable over the long haul. I get compliments on it from other riders on a regular basis.

If I were wealthy, I would love to own several of Seven's models, including the Elium Race, the Axiom Race, their new V.II carbon model, the Vacanza, the Sola, and a Ti Tandem.

Alas, I'm still paying off my Axiom, and it will probably be a good while before I can afford another bike of this calibre, so I had to specify a model and build that would serve a wide variety of uses. The Axiom does that quite nicely.

The only tiny complaint I have with my Axiom is that I wish I had specified a bit stiffer drivetrain compliance when I ordered the frame - I'm a 185 lb rider and I do get some BB flex when putting down some power - not a big deal, however, as I don't sprint too often, and sprinting is the only time I notice it.

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