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The Bike Report, Snapshot Reviews of The Hottest Rigs Seven Cycles Duo 6.5

-Jennifer Sherry

The Duo 6.5 is Seven's longest-travel bike. Its 165mm shock employs Maverick's MonoLink suspension technology, which allows the rear wheel to move in the same direction as the impact, resulting in more effective shock absorption and a less punishing ride—exactly what we need on the steep, rock-heavy singletrack that twists up and over South Mountain near our Pennsylvania office. We even noticed a difference on a washed-out cinder-road descent. Where some bikes we've tested feel skittish and uneasy, the Duo felt stable and tracked smoothly. Like a fast car that loves to be opened upon a straightaway, the Duo begged us to move our cautious fingertips away from the brake levers and just let 'er rip.

Our bike came with Maverick's DUC 32 fork. (Seven will build your custom frame so its geometry is compatible with your fork of choice.) The DUC 32 offers 150mm of plush suspension and an easy-to-use Climbing Mode dial, at the top of the right fork leg, that lets you drop this fork's 6 inches of travel to 4. On climbs and road sections, this 30-plus-pound "freeridish" rig didn't weigh us down. Like a modest rider who doesn't show off his best tricks too early or too often, the Duo saved its travel for where we needed it most, on the descents, and kept it under wraps when we didn't need it, on climbs—never bottoming in either direction.

Seven Cycles' bikes ooze quality, an eye for detail and a passion for craftsmanship. The company's goal is to provide its customers with exactly what he or she wants, from perfect fit to tons of options to the best parts. We can't think of anything else you'd need in a bike.