Submitted by
sevenaxiom
a Road Racer
from Brooklyn, NY
Date Reviewed: March 19, 2003
Strengths: It does it all! Ridiculously light (it's a small frame). Great on climbs, stable descending, cornering, and accelerates well in sprints.
Weaknesses: Well price, but I don't see it as a weakness, you get what you pay for.
Bottom Line:
This is one of the greatest bikes on the planet! Yes, I put myself into some debt for a few months, but I have not regretted it once. It is so unbelievably smooth, sharp, and responsive (granted you get it made to your own preferences), it is hard to believe there is a better bike out there.
I've even had two good friends buy one after they rode mine, and they love theirs as much as I do.
Long rides are really a pleasure, just enought road dampening, with excellent energy transfer - titanium does it all, perfectly!
I know I wil have this frame for the rest of my life, I can't imagine ever needing anything else!
Similar Products Used: Litespeed Orion, Cannondale R1000
Bike Setup: Look HSC3 fork, full Dura Ace, Chris King headset, Icon Graphite stem, Salsa Poco bars, USE Alien post, Fizik Vitesse, Speedplay X1, Mavic Open Pro- training, Zipp 404 -racing
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Jeffrey McNeal
a Recreational Rider
from Winston-Salem, NC 27107
Date Reviewed: January 25, 2003
Strengths: This is the only titanium frame I have ever owned. I researched the material and felt for my riding style and physical makeup it would be the most advantageous. I still feel I made the right choice. The ti offers a smooth, forgiving feel similar to steel (which I believe is a great material as well) plus offers you some protection against the elements.
However, it is not just the material- it is what you build. I believe the Axiom reflects the quality of research, design and workmanship that Seven Cycles has invested into producing the best bicycle frames you can buy.
I am a Senior Product Designer for a Fortune 100 company. I deal with quality of products and customer satisfaction on a daily basis and I was probably a tougher customer to convince than most. Once I started researching Seven Cycles and their whole company and its products, work ethic and customer support- I was sold.
FYI- I have never seen finer welds anywhere- on any product.
Comfort and fit equals speed and distance. The Axiom fits perfectly in this equation.
Weaknesses: None (and barring something completely unexpected, I can probably say this bicycle will never have any weaknesses)
Bottom Line:
This is an update to an earlier posting from 2002.
Where do I start? I recently read an article in regards to bicycle frames that said, "comfort and fit equal speed and distance". That totally sums up my experience with my Seven Cycles Axiom. I listed myself as a recreational rider. I do lots of long distance rides and ride events in North Carolina and Virginia. The terrain can go from high speed, pancake flat to steep, winding mountain grades that have you chugging at 5mph for miles. Comfort and fit is where my Axiom shines. Whether I am standing, seated, in a climb, or coming down a mountain at over 40mph the Axiom has given me incredible confidence to go on rides that sometimes I can't believe I even thought about attempting. I am riding at a level that I never would have been able to do if the bicycle didn't agree with me. And, the Axiom doesn't just agree- it encourages you to another level. I can go on about the comfort and fit but you get the picture. It doesn't matter how flashy the brand name or pretty the paint- if you aren't comfortable you will not attain the level of cyclist you know you could be. Comfort and fit DOES equal speed and distance.
Now, why did I say all that? Seven Cycles could not have done a finer job in bringing the comfort/fit/speed/distance idea to fruition. I have owned my Axiom for 2 1/2 years and have never wished I had done anything different in regards to my Axiom frame. When I was going through the extremely intense and detailed procedure of spec'ing the frame with Seven Cycles I wondered would all this work still be valid as I became a better cyclist? Again, I wouldn't change a thing. Their ideas and recommendations regarding my frame, and opinions to me as a cyclist are reflected in a bicyle that is totally accomodating to any ride I do. I believe I will feel the same in years to come.
The bicyle has been a great product to own. I am completely satisfied with its quality of ride and it has not decreased in time. Titanium is the superior material I believe for my riding style and physical makeup. It does a great job of vibration damping and if lightweight, strong and durable. I have experienced no creaking or any issues related to the bicycle frame.
I keep my bike well maintained and clean, lubed and serviced. It is not purposely ridden in the rain and it kept in my garage. The quality of product it is encourages pride of ownership.
Due to riding lots more mountain events, I recently switched from a double to triple drivetrain setup. This made my Axiom an even better climber!
And lastly- talk about customer service- Seven Cycles has been the absolute best company I have ever dealt with regardless of product. I have contacted them numerous times and have been completely delighted every time. My questions get answered and the folks there treat me in a way that lets me know I am important to them. You wouldn't believe it. From the initial contact I made with them when I was interested in my Axiom they have been super.
Bottom line- I am completely satisfied with my Seven Cycles Axiom and Seven Cycles as a company.
Similar Products Used: Lemond (presently own also)
Cannondale
two Schwinns (one was a Paramount)
Mongoose Carbon RM 5.0
I also worked for a bike shop for 2 1/2 years and am an officer for a cycling club so I got to ri
Bike Setup: Seven Axiom full titanium frame utilizing following components:
Full Campagnolo Record Triple components
Look HS3 carbon fiber fork
Mavic Ksyrium wheel set
Michelin Axial Pro Race Lite tires
Speedplay X-2 pedals
Full Gore Tec Cables
Easton carbon fiber road bars
ITM Stem
Chris King headset
USE titanium seat post
Selle Italia saddle
Campagnolo Ergobrain computer
You can see a pic on my web site located at http://ns.netmcr.com/~stroker/strokin_picture_page_9.htm
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Jeffrey McNeal
a Recreational Rider
from Winston-Salem, NC 27107
Date Reviewed: January 8, 2002
Strengths: Titanium ride is very lively, similar to steel. I have owned steel, aluminum and carbon frames and for my riding style it is perfect. Titanium is forgiving and absorbs vibration extremely well. Since I do like a bit of stiffness in the curves, I went along with Seven's suggestion of a stiffer spec. Seven can build the frame to all sorts of stiffness (and other) specs catered to your personal riding style, technique, weight and etc.
The bike turns on a dime and is fast- especially out of the curves. Coupled with my wheels, the power hits the road hard and fast.
Weaknesses: None with the bike but since I am riding bunches more now, the rest of my life lacks proper attention!
Bottom Line:
I have owned several road bikes and my Axiom is fantastic. I have never ridden a finer bike. For my riding style it is a great piece of cycling machinery.
Seven Cycles was great to work with and my local shop, Paceline Bicycles, could not have treated me better.
I had several conversations with Seven before I made my final "spec" decisions. Their recomendations regarding fit AND ride techniques and improvements totally sold me.
As I said earlier, Paceline Bicycles in Winston-Salem, specifically Chris, made my whole buying experience fantastic and a lot of fun.
When the bike arrived it was almost a tear-jerker!
Yeah, my bike was expensive, but, it is what I wanted and I am more fond of it now than ever. If I had it to do over, I would still make the same choices.
