On 30 Aug 2006 10:19:18 -0700,
[email protected] wrote:
>
>R Brickston wrote:
>> Well, I've discovered that rbt can't really agree on any piece of
>> equipment.
>
>I think you've seen a lot of agreement in this thread.
Yes, Seven Cycles product is apparently very overrated.
Note that not one advising poster wrote anything like: "I own a Seven"
or "I tested a Seven" or "I rode my friends Seven" or "I researched a
Seven, but instead bought..."
>
>> At least with component groups there are only a handful of
>> suppliers to argue about.
>
>I don't think you've seen much arguing (as in, espousing differences)
>in this thread, either. No one seems much impressed with the steel
>Seven's nuts-and-bolts value, which is where you started.
>
I'm not defending Seven Cycles, as a matter of fact, the only thing I
originally had to go on was 1. Their complete bikes range from $5,000
to $9,000 and the the web page, a/k/a "marketing hype."
>
>> I thought there were a few good custom frame
>> builders out there, but it seems to be in the dozens.
>
>Which might increase the odds of finding one nearby (another point of
>agreement).
>
>The same guy who measures you builds the frame, eliminating at least
>one source of error.
I'm not sure you understand the measuring process and they claim
13,000 succesful fittings. In any event, one premise is to have a tech
that is an expert fitter do that process and have the the frame
builder just do what he is good at. BTW, there are 100 data points
used in the measuring, according to the marketing department. To even
consider spending this kind of money, I've looked into what this
particular builder has to say. Some of it seems pretty comprehensive,
such as the fitting process:
http://sevencycles.com/order/CustomKit2006.pdf
Or there hype on frame building:
"Every Seven frame is subjected to no less than 50 alignment checks—28
in welding alone. Each is designed to guarantee the straightest, most
accurate frame possible. It’s no small effort to hold tolerances as
tight as +/- 0.002" for the most critical measurements. "
Most of the opinions given here on rbt don't seem to reflect any real
knowledge of this builder. "TIG welded frames are a ripoff," or "No,
look at this builder(s)," doesn't really inspire any confidence that
someone studied or has knowledge of this particular frame builder.
>You get to tap in directly to a knowledge base gained while providing
>customer satisfaction (aka "staying in business").
>
>Suffice to say, I know who I'd go to, well worth a few hours' drive.
>--D-y