Seven V�II

How a custom dream bike evolves over time

Bicycling Magazine
by Stephen Madden

At First

When we received the custom-made all-carbon Seven V�II in our 2008 Buyer�s guide (April �08), we praised Seven�s ability to render in fiber a bike that precisely met our requirements: fast, responsible, comfortable and stable. The bike was such a hit after only six weeks of riding that that we used the word �stunning� not once but twice in our 250-word review. That same year, it also earned an honorable mention in our annual Editor�s Choice Dream Bike category (June).

But how did that opinion hold up over more than 1,000 miles of riding, in a variety of conditions and with different wheel and component setups? Would we be able to find other words to describe the bike? And would the bike�s stiff price tag—$5,040 for frame and fork alone, upwards of $14,000 for a fully tricked-out model—seem like a good investment over the long haul?

In one word, hellyeah. In the same way that minor imperfections—with people, appliances, bikes—can become major annoyances over time, major perfections can become a deeply worn groove of comfort and pleasure. Such is what 1,200 miles on the V�II taught us.

Back Story

The V�II is the slightly more sedate stablemate to Seven�s Diamas, which features an integrated seatpost as well as a beefier down tube. Not ready for such a commitment, I opted for the V�II; both bikes are built from Seven�s proprietary A6 carbon, which Seven says allows it to maximize bond strength while providing greater joint integrity.

It also allows for fully customizable frames, which lie at the heart of the V•II�s existence. After a thorough fitting and interview about my riding style and preferences at Seven�s Watertown, Massachusetts, factory, my red and white V�II arrived in eight weeks; the average wait time for a V�II is four to six weeks, Seven says.

On the Road

The V�II had the hand-in-glove fit I�d been expecting. My quirky build—long reach, low standover height, strong bottom—was perfectly accommodated. Seven says the V�II is for racers and club riders, a description I agree with. The bike has the stability and predictability of the best of the new age of race bikes, especially in a sprint, but also offers the comfort club riders like me seek, especially on long rides or difficult, hilly efforts. I found the frame to have the best combination of comfort without flex. Every watt I produced sent the V�II forward, thanks to its almost square chainstays, and yet I never took a beating. Cornering and control were easy, and road chatter was limited to helpful but never harsh-hand feel. The V�II descended with the surety of a shaped ski, and climbed� well, any bike I�m on doesn�t climb well. But at least my back never ached.

All of the sublime qualities of the V�II came into focus on a group ride in June in which a crazed squirrel ran into my front wheel, jamming itself against the fork and causing the bike to slow suddenly. I was at the front and could�ve easily crashed the pack, but the V�II responded brilliantly to my efforts to slow and control it. I didn�t fall, and nobody behind me went down and the squirrel, minus half its fur, lived to attack another rider. I�ve been on several other bikes this year that I�m sure would have not have handled such an event so assuredly.

The Verdict

You don�t get used to a V�II as much as it gets used to you. If you are fortunate enough to be able to afford one, consider yourself twice blessed. A V�II will make your time on the road all the more enjoyable for the blissful feel it delivers.