Wow. Wow. And wow. Andrea Smith and her Ladies First Racing team are cleaning up the New England cross series this season. Ladies First swept the podium at this past weekend’s Down East Cyclocross Race in Maine. We couldn’t be more proud of Andrea and honored that she chooses to race on a custom Seven Mudhoney.
Meanwhile just back from the Czech Republic, Seven Cycles sponsored rider and close friend Mo Bruno Roy has been sampling the mud on the World Cup circuit. 20th in Plzen last weekend, she inched up to 18th in Tabor this weekend: both solid results walking off the plane from her tune-up here in New England and into a field jam-packed with pros. Mo is riding her brand new prototype Seven cross bike on this European tour, and we can’t wait to get her feedback. Stay tuned.
We were thrilled, but not surprised, to see three of our retailers named to the “Top Ten Best Bike Shops in America,†by Complex website.
Cascade Bicycle Studio
Cascade Bicycle Studio in Seattle was lauded for its ability to custom build a bicycle for any customer. CBS aims to create a rider-centric atmosphere, as evidenced by their dedication to working with each cyclist on a one-on-one, appointment-only basis. This level of customer service creates a shop that the Seattle cycling community has come to trust as one of the most reliable and highest quality bike studios in the city.
Boulder Cycle Sport in Boulder, Colorado had a podium finish!Complex.com gave BCS high marks for its “dedication to finding the perfect ‘body-to-bike’ connection†and excellent repair service that the shop offers. Their efforts are paying off, as they have sold more Seven’s this year than ever before.
How did Bespoke Cycles in San Francisco improve the customer experience when they already had forty-eight years of combined fitting experience, customer first mentality, and an incredible selection of custom bikes, apparel, and gear? By moving into a beautiful new studio on Clay Street! We had a chance to check out the new digs a few weeks back and thoroughly impressed with the lay out and charm. We suspect Bespoke will be part of the top ten for many years to come.
Each of these Seven retailers shares a common trait: focus on the customer experience. A trait that, when embraced, has some profound effects. Making a top ten list is great press, but the real benefit is more happy customers, more evangelism, and of course, more sales. We’re privileged to work with retailers that set the bar so high.
A Seven Cycles Photo Essay by Jeremy Jo, Embrocation Cycling Journal
Embrocation Cycling Journal’s Jeremy Jo recently published a behind-the-scenes photo editorial of Seven.With a friendly demeanor and disarming grin Jeremy captured images of many aspects of our factory: he dug into every corner of Seven and took photos of things we didn’t even know we had. It was great to talk with him about Seven and what we’re up to. His photos and prose provide a wonderful illustration of what we do and how we do it.
“The idea of American manufacturing often conjures up images of assembly line production, where parts by the thousands pass from worker to worker as they are transformed into uninspired, mass-produced goods. This type of manufacturing once defined American industry, and it’s hard to imagine that there are still companies out there who define themselves by giving individual attention to everything they make. Enter: Seven Cycles.”
“Starting out as raw tubing, the pieces of each bicycle go through the bending, machining, welding and paint process entirely within the confines of Seven’s 9,000 square foot manufacturing floor. Each frame is often in the hands of the same person through the entire process, bringing an unparalleled sense of ownership and pride to the final product. This type of work flow is only fitting for a company whose motto is, ‘One bike. Yours.'”
The Berliner Bike
We’d like to thank Jeremy for visiting our shop and documenting what we do. You’re welcome anytime!
Photo Courtesy of Natalia Boltukhova Pedal Power Photography 2011
It was sunny and hot at the Providence Festival of Cyclocross this weekend, which everyone found disorienting and dusty.We managed to see several of our favorite riders do well despite the trying conditions.
On Saturday, Mary McConneloug of Team Kenda/Seven/No Tubes finished second in the elite women’s field, and then outsprinted the Day 1 winner, Laura van Gilder, for top spot on Day 2.
These were extra impressive results for McConneloug who is only just back from racing the World Cup circuit in Europe for the summer. Making that transition from mountain to cross can be difficult, but it’s a testament to Mary’s sheer class that she can hit home soil, swap bikes and come up with a big win and a second place. Laura van Gilder, who topped Mary on Saturday, said of McConneloug after Sunday’s race, “the ideal cross racer is a mix of mountain biker and roadie. Mary has those both, she’s incredible.â€
Bob’s Red Mill and Seven racer Mo Bruno Roy took 10th on Saturday and 7th on Sunday, a pair of results that bring her to 5th on points with two weeks break before Downeast Cross in Maine.
Andrea Smith of Ladies First Racing rode her Seven Mudhoney SLX to 7th on Saturday and an impressive 4th on Sunday. Smith won the Verge Series last season and stands 3rd on the New England points list for 2011, just behind van Gilder.Since winning at Monson in her opening race of the season, and finishing 11th in a super tough field at Cross Vegas, she’s been solid and consistent, big keys to winning any series.
With Mary, Andrea and Mo doing so well, that’s three Sevens in the top ten in Providence, BOTH DAYS!!!!!
“I lined up both days, I got stuck behind a bad start line crash on Saturday, fought my way up to the front half of the field, then lost all my spark. Back slid all the way back to the tail of the field. Sunday was better. I managed to advance pretty well in the first two laps, but I’m still lacking the fitness I need after knee surgery early this year. I hope to be back to full strength in 3-4 weeks. Still it was fun racing and a great venue…(it) was great to see Mary McConneloug line up. I noticed that Andrea Smith and a few of the other Ladies First riders are also on Seven’s now. Looking forward to seeing you at the Maine VergeSeries races.”
