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Submitted by
Joe
a Cross Country Rider
from KL, Malaysia
Date Reviewed: July 20, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Bukit Kiara | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Soon Watt, Singapore | | Strengths: | Light, durable, comfy | | Weaknesses: | expensive | | Similar Products Used: | Litespeed Obed | | Bike Setup: | S&S couplings, SID, XTR brakes, derailleurs and cassette, Crossmax wheels, Avid Ultimate levers, Syncros seatpost and cranks, Suntour XC Pro thumbshifters (!), CT2 bar, Ti Frogs. | | Bottom Line: | This is a further update to my earlier review on 10 September 1998. I've finally completed a long term product review of this frame. Check it out here:
http://www.bikehash.freeservers.com/seven.html
The S&S bike torque couplings are also a marvel to behold. Best bike I've owned. Best bike I'll ever own.
The bike is good value for a custom Ti frame, but probably not great value in the greater scheme of things in Life. Hey, it's only a pushbike. What!? 3 THOUSAND bucks? For JUST a FRAME??!
That's the usual reaction I get, so I stop telling people how much it is when asked.... | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
G. I. Joe
a Cross Country Rider
from Lyon, France
Date Reviewed: February 16, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Unbelievable efficiency mixed with trail noise dampening.
Very durable.
Hose it off finish. | | Weaknesses: | $ is the only drawback- costs as much as a good old Saab down the street (hmmm...which is more fun? stabbing the turbo or stroking the earth?) | | Similar Products Used: | I tried them all | | Bike Setup: | I forget, mostly hardworking (emphasize-WORKING) Shimano- the stuff works, stop b*tching the S | | Bottom Line: | I just rode it the first time in a few weeks (too busy with work) and realize that even with my flabby legs, this frame makes me feel like superman. My frame has very tight handling and with my 23inch bar, it can handle anything. I have a very stiff RaceFace front end which enhances the nice, stiff front triangle. It was pouring rain, but the bike never felt unstable- just felt bulletproof. I swear, the bike frame is so comfortable and tracks so well (sweet ride) that I couldn't stop riding. This is truly the end-all frame- I just saw a Cannondale Lefty and it was cool, but I know it all comes and goes, because my Sun/Sola is gonna outlast everything out there. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Charles Lai
a Cross-Country Rider
from Mountain View, CA
Date Reviewed: October 11, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Alpine to Russian Ridge down Crazy Pete's back down to Alpine | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Custom Fit
Light Weight
Springiness on climbs
Precision handling on descents
Non-corrosive Ti finish
Long term overall durability | | Weaknesses: |
Cost | | Similar Products Used: |
1986 Supergo Sintesi
1989 Diamondback Apex
1991 Bianchi Grizzly
1995 Stumpjumper M2 Pro | | Bike Setup: |
14.5 frame
RaceFace SYStem, 15/110mm flipped
Seven Ti handlebar 20.5 width
Ritchey TrueGrip 5
Titec Carbon 100s
Bontrager Race Lite seat
Thomson seatpost
Manitou Carbon fork
XTR gruppo with Flight Deck
Chris King hubs and headset.
Mavic 517 Rims
Bontrager
26 X 49mm/48mm front. 26 X 47mm/46mm rear. | | Bottom Line: | If you've saved up your dollars and really know what you want, find a dealer who can fit you for a Seven Sola. I was happy with my M2 Pro, but I've been lusting for a Ti frame for almost ten years. The Merlin XLM intrigued me, but if I was going to spend the money for a Ti frame I wanted to make sure that it would fit. Seven the company and Seven Sola the bike fit the bill. In addition to a dream frame, the bike was built with components that I felt combined the best of durability and weight. I commute regularly with the Sola and ride it through the NorCal fireroads and singletrack. The lightness of the bike is great for torquing through rough rocks and roots on an uphill. On downhills, the bike is so very smooth and precise. Maybe I'll buy a full-suspension bike in the future, but right now, the compliance of the frame is perfect. I attended the Seven Cycles Open House from Oct 9-10 and I found the people there to be bike racers, bike geeks and most importantly, bike artisans. I'm glad to be back in Northern California, but I'll truly miss riding and hanging out with the Seven crew. But everytime I ride my Sola, I'll be reminded of the great time and camaraderie I experienced at Watertown, the Blue Hills and the Fells | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben Schuler
a Racer
from Issaquah, Washington
Date Reviewed: September 27, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
I, too, have gotten a dent - on my chainstay- from snaking awesome singletrack slickrock (Porcupine) in Moab- that redrock does try to bite you.
super frame- no complaints
Comfort and performance
The frame hasn't gotten softer over time like other frames I had- 'still a tight all day riderer or a race day superbike in a snap- A Porsche and a cruiser.
This frame has a greeeeeaaaat range! - Primo! | | Weaknesses: |
people don't understand why you like to ride so much- think that you are on drugs or something | | Similar Products Used: |
Nothing else can survive a MINDF*** as well as a Seven- you know it-'gives you confiddence | | Bike Setup: |
no stupidlight parts- watch what clydes break- no offense, but that is the litmustest | | Bottom Line: | A frame that misses no marks in every way a frame is measured. This frame never gets old and survives frame fads like the old news fads are. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Charlie America
a Cross-Country Rider
from Casrto Valley, CA
Date Reviewed: September 20, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
They're all good | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
This thing fits like a glove. Grerat dynamics and ride quality. | | Weaknesses: |
You pay for quality. | | Similar Products Used: |
Voodoo Bizango, Fisher HKEK, Fisher Zigurat | | Bike Setup: |
Z-2BAM; RaceFace Cranks,outer ring (inner is a 30 tooth Vuelta), BB, and low riser bar; Seven stem; ESP 9.0sl shifters adn rear Der; King HS and Hubs, Magura Louise up front, HS-33 in the rear. | | Bottom Line: | I was looking for the perfect (for me) trail bike: one that would fit (I'm a little on the tall side), be durable (I'm hard on stuff) and last me a lifetime.
After several failed attempts to buy off-the-shelf, I decided to get a frame custom built. I looked at a number of builders adn the level of customer service wasn't there... until Seven.
I had a great time in the design process and made sure that everything was settled to my satisfaction before I gave the go-ahead to build the frame.
What did I get for me money? Exactly what I wanted.. and it has made a better rider of me.
I didn't go for the stupid-light components for the all out racer, but they never would have held up to the kind of abuse I can put a bike through. Finally, I did crash the bike HARD while riding in Jim Thorpe, PA and dented the toptube... now the bike has a little character. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hans Grueller
a Racer
from Grenoble
Date Reviewed: August 22, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
you decide what it is | | Weaknesses: |
you must be critical-know what you are doing | | Similar Products Used: |
merlin mountain, xlm, taiga, voodo, litespeed owl hollow, serotta, bontrager | | Bike Setup: |
xtr, manitou sx carbon, ibis ti stem, mavic | | Bottom Line: | I've been waiting for someone to make a comparison of a seven to a merlin mountain for awhile and I have my own two bits to add. This is relevant because you have to realize that both frames are designed by Rob Vandermark and both have flawless construction and use supreme materials.
The merlin mountain (1995) as I have ridden for thousands of kms is a unique, non butted frameset, that is very durable and very comfortable. It is even more comfortable than a 3 compliance seven, mostly because both triangles have great vertical compliance- the mountain bends equally front and rear, creating a very long plane that absorbs shock quite well. I have taken a mountain to the rockiest terrain and must say that it is more comfortable than my seven, letting me bomb rockbeds quite fearlessly. There is some lateral twisting, bending in the middle of the frame, right in the middle of the toptube/downtube, causing both a lack of directional stability(climbing and descending) and some inefficiency in pedalling. A smooth, spinning stroke is best on a mountain. Also, I have noticed, from riding, that there is a certain cadence/pedal force that the frame seems to work best-which counteracts the lateral bending. I will ride and then settle on that cadence, no matter what speed it is- usually at a slower, spinning speed. Too much pedal force will cause inefficiency.
The mountain is comfortable, though, in an all day riding sense. I wouldn't race it, though, the whole frame compliance does take the pedal jolt out of hard climbing efforts up rough terrain, but possibly giving me more traction as the frame bends to the terrain. I consider the mountain a great solution (albeit Rob's earlier solution) for the all day adventurer/tourer rider that needs a comfortable and dependable frameset.
Onto the seven: the sola is butted and uses oversized tubing, making it both stiffer, more tuned, and lighter. It, even in stock form, is a more performance oriented frameset. My compliance at 3 is quite good for med-mid high speed riding, but the main improvements are the stiffer front triangle and much tighter pedal stroke via the larger diameter stays. Those qualities add a tremendous amount of performance to the sola over the mountain. I truly believe that these three qualities were never before present on a titanium frame or any rigid frame if you also add in the durability factor. Even the XLM is missing at least one of these qualities.
The merlin frames are complete solutions, that work very well for their intended use- with a seven, you decide the recipe or you can go with a stock seven, a very good starting solution that is already head and shoulders above the rest. These are serious frames that deserve the same serious involvement from you before, during, and after the purchase. What seven offers will satisfy your frame needs because nothing else I have ever seen or ridden comes as close to perfection. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Raymond
a Cross-Country Rider
from Toronto, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 28, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Durham Forest | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
custom frame ride characteristics and Seven's customer service | | Weaknesses: |
not all information submitted with custom kit was used to build frame, i.e. Seven built my frame around a SID fork rather than a White Brothers SC 70 fork as I had requested. | | Similar Products Used: |
Merlin Mountain | | Bike Setup: |
XTR, White Brothers SC 70 | | Bottom Line: | Prior to building my frame, I spoke to Rob V at Seven in regards to my frames sizing and ride characterisitcs. It was during these conversations that I realized my frame dimensions were conceived around a Rock Shox SID fork and not a White Brothers SC70 fork, as I had indicated in my Custom Kit.Nonetheless, in the past year the frame has performed as I had wanted it to. Specifically, the rear end of the bike is stiff, tracks well and doesn't incorporate the flexy characteristics other titanium frames have; namely the Merlin mountain.Apart from the possible fork dimension error which affects overall goemetry, the frame has delivered on all the other specified ride characteristics I requested. Overall, I've become a better rider with this frame. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doc Ti
a Cross-Country Rider
from Malaysia
Date Reviewed: July 19, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
singletrack of any kind | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Agile, fast, light, forgiving and at the same time stiff. | | Weaknesses: |
None, except that the standover height is not as much as other models/brands that have a radically sloping toptube. | | Similar Products Used: |
Litespeed, Marin | | Bike Setup: |
XTR, A-Bomb, Raceface, Crossmax | | Bottom Line: | Have had the bike for much longer and just came back from a long trip to UK and trashed the trails there. The Seven was at home there as well as in Malaysia. Still feel that it is the best hardtail in the world. The front triangle is as precise as a surgeon's knife. The BB area is stiff giving rise to snappy acceleration. Steering is fast yet not twitchy especially eversince I dumped the Syncros for a Raceface stem. Curious and odd that the only poor review comes from a person that has not ridden the bike and chosen to belittle all the other hardcore and experienced riders that have made Seven their custom choice. You need to ride one to know one. Nuff said. Five flamin stars from all of us. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bikewmn
a Cross-Country Rider
from Boston
Date Reviewed: July 15, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
beautiful, perfect fit, agile, light and fast, responsive, feels great | | Weaknesses: |
addictive....made me go out and order an Axiom frame (seven's ti road bike)i can't let it out of my sight | | Similar Products Used: |
Merlin, ibis, IF (all great bikes, esp. the IF) | | Bike Setup: |
13.5 inch frame
Marz. Z2 Atombomb
XTR/XT
RaceFace
ATAC
King headset/hubs
mavic
Syncros
Ibis Rosies barends | | Bottom Line: | I adore this bike. It is worth every cent to me, even though purchasing it meant not having any furniture in my bedroom, or not getting groceries for awhile. when i test rode the Sola, it outperformed all the other high end bikes i tried, and i had to have it. i decided to wait awhile after getting it (i got it Oct 98) before rating it. what can i say.....this bike does everything...it reads my mind...all i have to do is point it where i want to go and it responds perfectly...very agile and responsive, without being at all unstable.It's so light and quick...accelerating and climbing are(almost) effortless. It is not at all noodly on descents; I can really weave my way quickly between rocks and roots without thinking too much about them. It's a very comfortable ride....i used to have problems with my Aluminum frame..it would beat me to death....the sola i can ride hard for hours and be completely pain free.
Riding a Seven is like driving a Ferrari...what else can I say. Makes my previous bike seem like a stripped down escort. though it may seem like a huge sum of money to build one up, i believe it will save me $$ in the long run, as this will be the last HT i ever have to buy.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Geoffrey
a Cross-Country Rider
from SF
Date Reviewed: July 2, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
HKEKoo | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
longlasting strength with resilence to save my tissues.
Custom fit.
Outstanding customer service- Seven will work with you to make the bike of your dreams, BUT are you ready for it? | | Weaknesses: |
Are you ready for what you want? | | Similar Products Used: |
Merlin,Specialized,Schwinn,Bridgestone,Trek...others | | Bike Setup: |
Shimano works, Manitou works, Specialized tires work. | | Bottom Line: | Even though my Sola Ti fits like a glove, I know that all the measurements are 'interpeted' by Rob, Matt and others. They have the experience to know what works with Ti and it shows up on a single ride. If you just scrutinize the numbers (to fractions of a mm), you cannot understand the way Seven works the tubes- this is why some people will never understand why a Seven handles/rides the way it does. The folks at Seven will make a bike from your input and account for the type of riding you prefer and adjust the tubing thickness/diameter/angle and length according to this. This process cannot be measured by a nitpicking ruler or protractor. My Sola, by far, has the best ride coupled with the exact handling I specified.
To be sarcastic:
Did you know that when your rear knobby wears (faster than your front), your head angle increases?
When a Sid leaks air after riding a rockbed, sag increases, increasing your head angle.
After severe downhills, the rim heats up and increases tire pressure.
A very stiff stem will increase steering sensitivity.
A Ti seatpost on the trail feels goods, but on the road, it wastes energy.
17 guage spokes on your front wheel steer slower than thicker spokes.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon Simmons
a Cross-Country Rider
from Seattle, WA
Date Reviewed: July 1, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Boulder Trail in Dogtown | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Perfect Fit
Fabulous Handling
Lightweight
Gorgeous | | Weaknesses: |
Nada, not a thing. | | Similar Products Used: |
Merlin | | Bike Setup: |
Full XTR
Judy SL | | Bottom Line: | This bike rides itself. Sometimes I feel like a spectator just sitting there for the show. The bike downhills sweeter than dual suspension and climbs easier than any bike I've ever ridden. During the process of being fitted for the bike, Seven asked for exact measurements of my legs, etc., and consequently the bike fits like a glove. The bike is so subtle in its look, that it's almost a stealth ride. Also, building the bike was a blast. It was the easiest bike I've ever put together. All of the parts fit perfectly, with no problems. Rob and his crew were totally responsive to any inquiries I had, and even contacted me to clarify certain details that I had missed. I received the bike on schedule and it's been great ever since. When I ride my Seven, I feel at one with it and the trail.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
K.S. NA
a Cross Country Rider
from NA
Date Reviewed: June 24, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: | NA | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Bottom Line: | I originally made the decision to purchase a Sola because I liked the idea of a custom frame. The company was fairly good about answering questions. However, there were three problems with the frame, which made the frame unacceptable.
When the frame first came in, my shop called to inform me that it had arrived, but that there was a problem that I had better come and take a look at. It turned out that the frame had been shipped without being surface finished. There were four marks on the bottom bracket probably from the jig, numerous other nicks and scratches, and swirl patterns along the down tube (probably from a mechanical buffer) where it appeared someone had started the finish process, but had only done a part of one side. My dealer said that he had never seen a ti. frame come in looking that badly (and he manages one of the largest bike shops in California). The frame went back, and upon return appeared acceptable, though not as good as one typically sees from bikes in this class.
During this time, I had cause to check into the uncompressed crown top to axle length (cal) for several forks. I had specified that the frame be built around the short-travel SID and I asked Seven what the cal was for that fork. Simultaneously, I had made the same inquiry to Rock Shox (RS), looking for the fastest response. Seven came back with a length of 427 mm, while RS came back with 434 mm. RS of course was right. This translates into about a one third inch increase in bar height and approximately one-half degree slacker head and seat angles. Rob acknowledged the error, but recommended the shorter assumed length for the SID anyway, since he felt that the SID was an outlying data point in the spectrum of fork lengths. (I have since looked into the matter and discovered that this is incorrect, even for short-travel. 434 mm is near the distribution median for high-quality, short-travel forks from major manufacturers. Also see Knute Aberhansen’s review of the SID). Given the frame’s price and Seven’s lofty claims to precision, a request for a new frame would certainly have been in order. However, Rob’s assessment seemed reasonable at the time, so I agreed to continue with the current frame.
Unfortunately, yet a more serious error surfaced when I discovered that Rob had given me an incorrect assumption for assumed fork compression in cad drawings made for the frame. He originally told me that an uncompressed length was assumed since rider weight and setup were indeterminate. My dealer recalls my discussing this fact with him and a whole series of events took place as a result of Rob’s specification of this standard, so my recollections are verified. It turned out that Rob was mistaken, and that there was a 12mm assumed sag in the cad drawing.
The combination of the last two errors created an approximately one-inch error in bar height, a more then one-degree error in the head and seat angles, as well as errors in standover and bbht, etc. The head angle, in particular, would have been about 70 deg., as opposed to the 71.3 deg. specified. Obviously this was totally unacceptable. However, when I spoke to Rob about this, he said that he was unwilling to build a new frame. Thus the deal was terminated. Everyone was very upset about this as a lot of work was done, by me most of all.
Anyone considering either of these errors to be insignificant, even individually, is certainly not in need of a custom frame. Most cross-country hardtails of this size on the market have geometries that fall within the smallest error margin I cited (with all assumptions taken into account). If the errors were not significant, then one would not be able to feel the difference in the geometry of almost any cross-country bike on the market and all of the glowing reviews on this page about how the bikes handle would be nonsense.
A few comments regarding criticisms of this review:
A company that charges $ 2,500 for a frame and claims a precision of a thousandth of an inch was making errors on the order of an inch. ONE DOES NOT NEED TO RIDE A FRAME WITH SUCH ERRORS TO KNOW THAT IT WILL NOT HANDLE PROPERLY.
This is not a matter of philosophy. THESE ERRORS EXIST WITH RESPECT TO SEVEN’S OWN STANDARDS AND IN THE MOST IMPORTANT CASE, HAS BEEN ACKNOWLEDGED BY ROB VANDERMARK HIMSELF. I ordered a frame with a 71.3 deg. head angle with respect to Seven’s own standards for the specified fork. I received a frame with a head angle of about 70 deg., again with respect to Seven’s own standards for the specified fork. This is why I rejected the frame and is the subject of the review below.
In addition, there is no way to test ride a full custom frame before it is built up. The bike shop would not have allowed me to build the bike, take it out, and then return to say that I did not want it. The reply would have been, “Not likely!” There is not only the frame to consider, but also all of the associated components, which would no longer be new.
I agree that a test ride is the best way to evaluate a bike and should certainly be done before publishing an opinion on how the bike performs in an absolute sense. In this case, however, a test ride was obviously neither possible nor applicable. Again, a frame with errors will not perform like a frame without errors. No test ride is needed to establish this relative difference.
Seven customers should know that Seven sent over two hundred frames out the door specified for the short-travel SID before I discovered their cal error and brought it to their attention. Rob told me this himself after verifying that he had indeed made the error. To my knowledge, Seven never bothered to inform those customers of the situation. It is also of note that this error is not simply a matter of “interpretation” or “philosophy”. Rob acknowledged the error, so the bikes really did not have the geometry that Rob and his customers thought.
That over 200 frames went out the door before anyone thought to ask about “cal” is also testimony to the fact that few people have the combination of biking experience, technical sophistication, and inclination to fully verify whether or not things have been done right. And it may explain why so many people have been so upset with this review. Sevens owners who do not have the ability to verify that their bikes have been done right are bound to become very nervous after reading the information here.
Lastly, there have been additional reports of Seven fork-length errors. There is another review in the “Sun” page, where the error amounted to about a half-inch in the fork, creating errors of about .7 deg. in the angles etc. (I have the numbers on the forks in question). Though the owner seems happy with the results. There is also the following from the tech-talk General section, posted by Tai on July 06, 1999 at 13:32:52:
“I had a friend who recently bought a very expensive Seven softtail. The bike is a bit twitchy on descents in its final form. For all the care in fitting, it somehow was not communicated to Seven that he intended to use a Manitou SX Ti Carbon which has 70mm of travel. I believe Seven built the frame with an 80mm fork in mind.”
There is a form that Seven has each customer fill out with a box to write the name of the fork. So Seven had probably been given the name of the fork. I leave it to the reader to draw further conclusions.
If one is considering a Seven frame, one would do well to verify and double check the assumptions going into the frame geometry as Seven itself has made a number of verified errors. In this case, Seven did not have the integrity to live up to their lofty claims and price and I doubt that they bothered to inform their other customers of the errors in their frames. The bottom line is that when Seven’s claims to precision were put to the test, Seven came up short.
K.S.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Porcupine
a Racer
from Adajjio, Corsica
Date Reviewed: June 11, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Adajjio to Bastia | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
The perfect frame in construction and performance.
Never having to concentrate on the handling-you are there | | Weaknesses: |
forgetting about the frame and just riding | | Similar Products Used: |
all ti
all U.S.A. cromo
kinesis type Al | | Bike Setup: |
TPC
Shimano works,other stuff breaks
Spec. tires rock | | Bottom Line: | this is the best frame out there, no denying it. Just rode this morning and the front triangle felt supremely stiff and accurate, but the rear end was nice and absorbing. The best rigid frame-acts like a soft tail, but with much better efficiency. Telepathic handling and can handle gentle drift with good terrain feel- no whippiness at all. Superb, no comprimising frame. Rob is a master builder who understands a mountain frame like old european road frame builders once did (before Al). | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bikethis
a Cross-Country Rider
from Orinda, California
Date Reviewed: April 26, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
every trail with this bike | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Rock solid feel
super light weight
bulletproof finish
supple rear without lateral flex
makes you forget about the rest | | Weaknesses: |
forever bike
can't be stealth with this eyecandy
never have enough time to bike
wife/girlfriend will kill you
make sure you know what you want- it will be set in stone or Ti
it will outlive you | | Similar Products Used: |
ibis ti-excellent handler, but not custom fit
all kinds of 853-snappy, but paint will chip-beautiful in another way
merlin-Rob V. is THE source
moots-fine craftsmen checkout them welds | | Bike Setup: |
xtr
manitou
whatever, it almost doesn't matter because the frame is the key thing
(hey, I am not a snob) | | Bottom Line: | Rock solid feel with suppleness- is that for real? Seven owners know it. I am not a snob or (or at least I am) not some rich bastard, but a guy who loves to ride. Almost as a natural progression for anyone who loves bikes, this is the ultimate form of love (okay, my girlfirend is #1) for biking that is. I've progressed from a univega rover sport, specialized rockhopper, bridgestone mb-2, trek 8000, specialized m2, merlin, and finally the seven. I love all my bikes-no one less than the rest. (of course this includes numerous project bikes) Eventually, you will evolve to this end of the spectrum- is this commitment?Yeah, you better believe it is... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike T.
a Cross-Country Rider
from Ontario Canada
Date Reviewed: April 23, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Totally custom tailored. The people who build them are fanatics committed to excellence. | | Weaknesses: |
I can't find any nor am I expecting to. | | Bike Setup: |
See my Seven site at:
http://www.execulink.com/~dtierney/wmc/Seven/index.htm | | Bottom Line: | Oh baby. I've had many custom frames but the experience of dealing with Seven Cycles is like no other. They will go to any length and trouble to satisfy you. All you have to do is ask.
My previous frame is a custom 853 steel and the difference was noticable immediately. My Seven Sola is sooo responsive and precise it's incredible. I've only ridden it three times since it arrived last week but this is a good time to give an opinion as the differences are fresh in my mind.I opted for a 72 degree head angle (as I did with my old frame) and because of it this bike just slices through the single track. It is so precise.I had it built with stiff responsiveness and fairly soft vertical compliance (I said they'd do anything!) and as such it accelerates wonderfully both in and out of the saddle while removing the sharp edges from all the bumps.My Seven Sola is everything I'd hoped it would be. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doc Ti
a cross-country rider
from Malaysia
Date Reviewed: February 24, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I have been riding my customised seven sola for the last 1 month and have put in substantial mileage on it before writing this. Firstly kudos to Rob V and the guys and girls at seven for taking the extra effort when customizing the geometry and characteristic of the frame. Although I ordered the bike at a very busy time (pre-Xmas) Rob V would e-mail almost daily before finalising the specs. No question was too simple or mundane to answer. The frame arrived 2-3 weeks after signing on the dotted line. It was indeed a marvellously sculpted frame with immaculate welds, butting and finish. If the appearance was upper crust the ride did not dissapoint. It was a singletrack fiend as well as fireroad steady. Gnarly descents were handled with aplomb. There was a distinctive lack of flex coming from the back end and this gave rise to snappy acceleration and yet it was compliant at the same time taking the edge of hits. Climbs were that much easier due to the light weight. I believe Seven has created the best hardtail in the world. It wins the The last bike you'll ever own award hands down. Five super flamin' chillies for sure. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Henry Gomez
a cross-country rider
from Belvedere, Ca
Date Reviewed: February 21, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
These are rock stable frames, man. Hey, how many of you Seven owners have crashed your bike? I've only crashed a handfull of times in 1+ years and that's good because on other frames I crashed at least that every month. There's proof that a well designed, well fitted bike just plain works better. It never feels out of control and how could you improve on this design- I cannot outgrow this thing. Every pounding, every thrashing- it can take it. The frame is comfortable, but the amazing thing is how stout it feels- it's way strong especially knowing that it weighs around three pounds. I've ridden other Ti frames and some quite good steel frames, but this one has the stiffness and smooth tracking that none of those have. The 853s have great snap, but slinging around a corner feels hairy. Some Tis are either too stiff(up the backside), most are fairly noodly all over. You can spend less, but then you get less- there's proof in the pudding! These frames are the pinnacle of construction, detail, and design. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay Jones
a cross-country rider
from SF, CA
Date Reviewed: February 11, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Good frame design is never a fad because it works. My Seven Sola is still the best overall hardtail frame I've ever ridden. Forget about the new soft-tails- if you want, the nice Seven folks can design a Sola so smooth and comfortable, you wonder why you'd need it(edge?, what edge?). I specified a '3' for vertical compliance and it is so smooth that stutterbumps (combined with a plush fork) feel like butter wedges. This vertical smoothness doesn't affect lateral stiffness- the pedal stroke is very taut/tight. I wouldn't say rock stiff (because it's not like large diam. Al), but very efficient. This is the magic that Seven does- there are NO compromises, you can have it all. I can safely say that my front triangle is very stiff and makes for accurate steering/bombing. The stiffness makes my aluminum stem/bar feel almost noodly when I'm cranking it uphill/flats-maybe it's time for a Seven stem. It works, baby. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ti_Guy
a cross-country rider
from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: February 1, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
First, I would like to address the comments made below by Craig: I don't completely trust the word of the magazines, Ti-Guy or anybody else doing regular reviews of mountain bike products. I would like to clearly state two things. First, I have no affiliation with Seven Cycles or any mountain bike magazine and secondly, I am just a rider like each of you. I am not paid to ride and I do not receive sponsorship. Unlike the magazines who are handed free frames, bikes and components to demo, I am a rider who has spent his own hard-earned money on my Sola Ti frameset. As such, I think that adds credibility to my unbiased reviews below and makes them worth something (as many of you already think since you have decided to e-mail me your questions). Secondly, I would like to further comment on my Seven Cycles Ti Sola since I've had a few more months of riding time in the saddle. I've raced several local races, the 12 Hours of Adrenaline (2 man) and the 24 Hours of Adrenaline (5 man) on my Sola, as well as a lot of wicked singletrack riding, all of which have taken their toll on my components, shock and frameset. Not much has changed in my overall opinion of my Sola since the first few days and months of riding. I am still very impressed with the look, craftsmanship, durability, ride quality and characteristics of my custom Ti Sola. Matt O'Toole and Rob Vandermark spec'd my Sola perfectly for my riding style - tight, compact, light and efficient. I spec'd a very stiff BB (10 out of 10 for drivetrain rigidity) and agile handling (8 out of 10). This equates to a frame that is right at home in the tight and twisty singletrack that I live to ride. My Sola is very stiff and efficient without sacrificing any comfort. I am using a Syncros Ti seatpost and a Flite Selle Italia Ti railed seat. Together with the natural vertical compliance of the rear stays, my Sola has just enough cush to take the edge off hard hits without sacrificing any efficiency. This frame definitely delivers 100% power to the pedals! Ride Hard,
Mike Bennett (Ti_Guy)
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a cross-country rider
from Malaysia
Date Reviewed: January 14, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
This is an update on my previous reveiw on 10 Sept 98. Well, since then I have put many many more miles into the bike and it still exactly as I had specified. I asked for a top tube that was about 1 longer than stock. Also, to bring me closer to KOPS, the seat tube is slightly steeper. Consequently, the bike climbs really well, especially in technical climbs at the edge of traction. The rear triangle is slightly stiffer that the Litespeed that it replaced, probably due to the large diameter stays.I had Seven install S&S Machine bike torque couplings to the frame. These couplings unscrew to allow the frame to split into 2 at the top- and down tubes. They add about half a pound to the frame weight (my frame is 3.8lbs). I have not been able to detect any flex from the couplings; in fact in all respects the bike feels as a regular bike should (well maybe even better than that). And I have by no means been handling the bike with kid gloves.Anyway, sir, I would like to affirm the five flaming chillies if its all the same to you, sir! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Craig
a cross-country rider
from Orange Co., California
Date Reviewed: January 12, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I don't completely trust the word of the magazines,Ti-Guy or anybody else doing regular reviews of mountain bike products. I do however LOVE this frame! I've been riding and racing MTB's for over ten years and this Sola Ti is the best bike I have ever riden, BY-FAR. Compairing times to my Manitou Full Suspension (25.8lbs vs. 22.3lbs Sola Ti), I average six minutes faster on my daily 9.7 mile acsent and less than one minute slower on the rocky decsent. I have never in my life been this satisfied with any purchase. I rode a Merlin Ti road bike back in the days when Rob V. was there. I put 31,000 miles on that frame before it was stolen (or my jealous wife tossed it in the sea, as the police said there was no sign of forced entry) When I found out Rob was responsible for Seven, I assumed this was a no brainer. I was right. Talk about custom frame, these guys took into account a dozen body measurements, my riding style, riding terrain, desired drive train rigidity, and shock absorbsion. Matt consulted with me through the whole design process. They even have a Internet page to check the daily status of the frame. The 6-8 week completion estimate took less than three. Thank you Rob, Matt, Edwin, and everybody else at Seven. I would give this bike 10 chili's if they would let me. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a cross-country rider
from San Francisco, Ca
Date Reviewed: December 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
What else can you say when a bike frame is designed the way you want it to ride? The front triangle is stiff for accurate steering. The pedal stroke is precisely stiff without being too stiff and never soft(my personal taste). Even for the stock frames, stiffness in the pedal stroke (efficiency) and vertical compliance (for comfort and traction)are something that other makers don't even believe in, like a concept that does not exist (yet). Listen to the other makers only stake their reputations on just stiffness and only in a certain factor of their frames. Seven frames are entirely well thought out and it shows. The only setback is the price and that shouldn't be a factor if you understand that a regular high end frame will be thrashed (frame, rust, aluminum fatigue) easily after a year. If you ever wonder who makes, designs, ships, machines, answers email, answers the phone, all you have to do is ask. These frames aren't marketing slogans or this year's models, they're your frame. My Sola is fast, stable, an excellent handler, and yours will be, too. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick
a cross-country rider
from Denver, CO
Date Reviewed: December 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The fit, alignment, welds and finish on my frame is perfect. This is something you just don't get on the bargain basement Ti frames. More importantly, the ride is excellent. It doesn't thrash you to death nor does it flex or sway when you stand up and hammer. Dealing with Seven Cycles is an excellent experience. This bike will take you out of the buyer's market and make you wish for nothing except more time to ride. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
lebaron loy
a weekend warrior
from san francisco,ca
Date Reviewed: November 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
well, what can I say? after making the decision to plunk down the bucks on a seven ti sola, i went to get fit for my custom frame. after riding this bike any mass produced frame is gonna feel strange. they fit the bike to you just like a glove. overall it translates into comfort that you would not believe. I cant believe how sweet this bike is. it is at home in all conditions but just eats up the singletrack. it makes all aspects easier just from the fit alone. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kent
a racer
from Bloomington, MN
Date Reviewed: November 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Well,
I've been riding/racing the Steel Seven Sola since April of 98' and here's a report.After deciding to treat myself to a custom frame I am glad that I did.
Made the switch, was formerly riding a 94' Breezer Jet Stream which is a fine bike in it's own right. But the Seven is in a world of it's own.The frame is made from a blend of tubes, all different depending on rider,style of riding and how you want it to handle.
The mainframe on mine is True Termper OX Gold and the rear triangle is a mix called their Origin Tubeset.
They butt all their own tubes for a great custom feel. When you place the order you fill out a lengthy info sheet about how you want it to ride, stiffness, angles, vertical compliance, where you want cables routed, how many water botle braze ons, rack mounts, ...you get the idea ...totally custom.
That is what you should expect and receive when you order a Seven.
The price is high, but the quality is second to none.The ride?....mmmmm deleghtful.
I set it up with the atom bomb fork, full xtr, (98 rapid rise) thomson post, flite saddle, xtr/mavic 217 wheelset, salsa stem/bar and this thing rips!
It slices through the singletrack like none before, better than the Breezer.
Can definetly feel the stiffer rear end and with the s-bend seatstays and chainstays it is comfy yet descends with confidence. Still a HT but holds a line well on fast rocky downhills.
It climbs great too, I wold guess due to the seat stays/chain stays again.
(sorry about the lack of real technical description)As far as the company goes, the customer service is first rate.
Matt called several times to go over details before any work was started, and I was fortunate enough to get set up with team gear for '98 racing season.
(many thanx for that Rob and Jennifer!)
I broke the seat clamp 3 days before the Chequamegon 40 and Jennifer overnited a new and improved 99 model to me,Very cool.
It was a pleasure to meet Rob,Edwin,Jennifer and the rest of the crew this past summer.
Stopped by on way home from the Widowmaker Challenge in Maine, dropped off a couple of homebrews and got a quick tour.
It's all about attention to detail baby, they finish 4 frames a day and when we were there in August they had a 6 week wait.
Business is getting better it seems.So, to conclude, those are my thoughts and opinions of my steel wonder bike.
If you are serious about a custom steel or titanium bike, be it mtn, road, 'cross, tandem, track... you should consider a Seven. their customer service will impress you, and the ride will do the rest.five chilis of course!!!more info at www.sevencycles.com
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a cross-country rider
from Malaysia
Date Reviewed: September 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just received my Seven Solas equipped with bike torque couplings which allow the frame to come apart at the top and down tubes. Just one off-road ride so far, and one pootle around the neighbourhood. Frame feels stiffer in the rear than the 1994 Obed now lives in the bedroom (can't sell that; not with its serial number being 12345!)Handling is good, did not take much time (5 minutes?) before I was quite comfortable on it. More complete review when I have spent more time on it.Joe | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JJ
a cross-country rider
from Marin, CA
Date Reviewed: July 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Every year=new stuff. This one's a keeper-worthy of hanging the goods on after you break the rest. My Sola seems so normal on paper and even measures a longish wheelbase, but carves curves and slices uphill switchbacks without having hesitation. With the green stickers and a little bit of borrowed trail, the bike becomes stealthlike, leaving only me and the trail. No more concentrating on the bike, but at the trail, pure trail. I could've gone with some full suspension- and maybe I would be just ride without looking/caring, but with the right specs, my Sola is smooth and clean riding. It's almost supple in the rear- no need for a YBB-type (I've seen that thing move even on the road). I don't know how Rob, Matt, Lisa + others do it, but the tubes are butted very interestingly- some I didn't see at first. My top tube looks bat like from above and curves down from the side (I think). My down tube flares out at the bb. Or so I think. This is one piece of art- one that I can ride as hard as I want and then it still looks good. Don't be swayed with some $999 Ti wonder- you'll still be wondering about a Seven- you just don't know it 'till you've tried it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob Crowley
a racer
from Birmingham MI USA
Date Reviewed: July 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
My Seven-Axiom is without peer! Like riding on a cloud, this custom made bike is extremetly efficent: it amplifies the slightest effort on my part, making my ride extremely relaxed and markedly more efficient. The gorgeous good looks are just frosting on the cake. To wit, on an early spring training ride, several riders, all of whom had Lite
Speeds, said Vandermark is the Man, and if they had to do it all over again . . . Well you get the point! I consider myself truly one of the lucky ones. Luckily, I had a guy like
Barry at Metro Bike Shop, who told me all about Seven. Now every shop in the area wants to be on the bandwagen.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ti_Guy
a cross-country rider
from Ottawa, CANADA
Date Reviewed: May 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This is a follow-up to my first review. I thought I would post an early review since some have emailed me to do so. Now that I have finally had the opportunity to see, hold and ride the Sola, I can honestly say that this is the most beautiful frameset I have ever seen - and I have the Merlin XLM, Litespeed Tellico and Owl Hollow, and GT Xizang. The welds are immaculate and the attention to detail is incredible. You can definitely see the pain-staking effort and the blood, sweat and tears that went into making a single frameset. Rob Vandermark and his crew are titanium (and steel) artists. They transformed the specs I had on paper into a racing machine.As soon as I sat on it for my first ride, I knew I was in for something different. My first impression was at how fast this bike felt. It was almost as if the bike wanted to ride itself. This was a little scary at first, but once I got used to it, all was well. At just over 21 lbs, this thing climbs like a goat! I specifically asked for a solid BB and got just that. Sprints are solid since there is no flex in the BB. There is an ever so slight hint of vertical seat-stay flex that takes the edge of hard hits. Since most of my riding is done in tight singletrack, I wanted something nibble and flickable. And again, I got just that. Slicing and dicing through the trees, over rocks and roots has never been so fun and easy. This bike is definitely a point and shoot ride.As I get more time on the saddle, I'll post further reviews. Until then,Ride Hard,
Mike Bennett (aka Ti_guy)
ti_guy@geocities.comPS, feel free to email me if you have any questions about my Seven Cycles Sola, Seven Cycles or titanium. I've done a lot of research and don't mind sharing what I've learned. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay Jones
a cross-country rider
from Marin, California
Date Reviewed: April 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This is my first review of a two part review. This review will on the customer service, customization, etc. that Seven Cycles offers. The following review will be on the frameset looks, welding, butting, and ride characteristics of the Seven Sola once I get my frame and have a chance to ride it.A brief background into my decision for a Seven Cycles Sola... A couple months back I was torn between Litespeed's Owl Hollow and Tellico, Merlin's XLM and Seven Cycles Sola. I got scared off the Litespeeds after talking with several dissatisfied owners. They complained of poor craftsmanship, workmanship, quality control and customer service - not something I wanted to hear when I was about to spends $2500 on a frameset. Then, I focused my attention to Merlin. Every Merlin owner I talked to loved their XLMs. The only complaint was about Merlin's customer service. It seems Merlin comes off as being snobbish to their customers. Some other minor complaints from some XLM riders was the Merlin whip. Seems the XLM has some flex in the rear end that takes some getting used to. Flex is something I definitely didn't want. I want 100% of my power delivered to the pedals to be transferred into forward motion. Also, there were rumours of a Merlin buy-out by Hyde Athletics (well, they were rumours at that time). Also, I remembered hearing that seven of Merlin's top employees left the company to form their own company...Seven Cycles. I was not about to spend $2500 on a frameset from a company who's future was uncertain. What good is a lifetime warranty if there won't be a Merlin in 5 years?Then, I started to seriously consider Seven Cycles. I was a little reluctant at first since they were a relatively new company - as Seven Cycles, anyway. But, I remembered that each one of their employees had extensive background in the bicycle industry and the company was headed by Rob Vandermark - brainchild behind the XLM. So, I started emailing Seven (Lisa) to ask them 101 questions about everything from their customization process, to butting, to their new jerseys. Each question (no matter how anal) was answered quickly and professionally by Lisa.Once I finally decided on Seven, I had to fill out their Custom Kit. The Kit is fairly extensive as you would expect. They have you measure up your current bike, take several body measurements, and then ask you questions about your current bike's handling characteristics and how you want your Seven to ride. With the initial numbers completed, Matt O'Keefe called me to have a chat about what I wanted from this bike. He wanted to know what kind of rider I was, the terrain I ride, how often I ride, any complaints I had about other framesets I've owned, history of backpain, etc. He also asked about drivetrain stiffness, vertical compliance, etc. After that, Matt and I corresponded at least once I week to try and confirm the final specs for my custom 3/2.5 titanium frameset. This process was NOT quick, but considering the amount of money being invested, I didn't want it to be. A couple weeks later, I signed on the dotted line and confirmed my frames final specs. The frame is due in 2 weeks.If you are looking for a top-of-the-line in steel or titanium framesets, Seven Cycles is your company. Whether you choose one of their numerous stock framesets or a custom, you'll be getting the best workmanship, craftsmanship, tubing and customer service. Unlike other companies that only make 5 or so stock framesets, Seven makes 14 ranging in sizes from 10 to 23. And it costs nothing extra to customize, whether it be an extra water bottle mount, hydraulic cable guides (in my case) or a completely customized frameset. Even the stock frames aren't really stock since each is hand made.Stay tuned for my second review.Ride Hard,
Mike Bennett
Date: March 2, 1998
Seven Sola- Make sure you don't want anything else because this frame is it. It is so specific to your body/riding style that you won't be able to sell it without surgically removing it. It costs enough that you wouldn't/your wife-girlfriend would kill you first, get another one. It is enviornmentally bulletproof. This frame is extremely humbling; the fit is perfect- the handling- the way you want- Rob has a way of translating what you want into art; Matt,Lisa, others, too. I will never be as good as this frame has potential for. You will only be vain to want something else. This is not a review, but a warning to those who are serious about biking- 'doesn't mean that you race or weigh the required 150 lbs., but that you love biking for life. 5 stars, of course. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Apple
a cross-country rider
from
Date Reviewed: January 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
ive owned some garbage (canondale broke frame in 5 mos still refuse to forgive them) and ive
owned some great machines (indepedent fabrications sold to build my seven good idea but it still
hurts a little sometimes) but this may be the last bike i build. i wont suggest it for a first time purchase
you have to have a good idea of what you want to take advantage of what seven has to offer but
once you do they will make your dreams come true. if you want to know how i speced it look under
mc bike in dream bikes. if you can afford to get exactly what you want give them a call you wont be
disapointed, of that i am sure. if this review sounds like a raving lunatic whos seen the light good
because i have and im now a believer, nothing compares. the only down side is you have to pay for
perfection. | | Overall Rating: |
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