Seven – Page 92 – Seven Cycles

Mike and Mary at MTB Nationals

Great pictures and stories from Mike and Mary’s recent exploits at MTB Nationals, where they made us all really proud, Mary with a podium finish and Mike with a top 10, as well as the full catch up on their RV-based, race-chasing exploits.

Just a sample:

I got a great start from my front row call up and settled into a 3rd place position that I was able to maintain for the entirety of the race. I really had to measure my output in the heat but actually felt kind of great a few times while taking a few calculated but extreme lines and really enjoying the challenge of this “real” mountain bike course – something that is less and less typical in this newer era of XC racing.

– Mary McConneloug

In Season

The bike industry does not circle the sun and measure its progress in years, but rather plants its fields, like a farmer, and thinks of time in seasons. And we are in the thick of that season now, building bikes with a drive and focus similar to our riders, out in the world, making use of the summer sunlight to get more time on the bike.

In season, we have to be very careful not to work too much (we always fail at this) and to make sure we are taking the time to ride our own bikes and to stay in touch with why we do what we do (we always succeed at this).

But now a month has passed since our last post…here are just a few of the things we’ve been working on.

A 622 SLX with SRAM’s new Red integrated hydraulic brakes for our good friend Matt Roy. This one left the shop floor and headed straight for the Green Mountain Double Century, where Matt rode it to victory, along with his Ride Studio Cafe Endurance Team, in a time just over 17 hours. For an encore, Matt took it on a post-grad (Ph.D.!!) trip from Portland, OR to Boulder, CO. Just a quick spin then…

And, this is John Bayley’s Axiom SL super randonneur, also with SRAM Red hydro and a very special paint job. John rode it to a third place finish at Dirty Kanza. This bike will also feature in an upcoming ad in Rouleur. Keep an eye out for it.

Jay L’s Steel Resolute SLX

This is Jay’s new steel, Resolute SLX in Electric Blueberry. This is a collaboration with our good friend Tony at Velosmith Bicycle Studio in Wilmette, IL, north of Chicago. We love the classic lines and subtle style of this one.

Where Eagles Dare

Here is the man himself, at the top of the morning shop ride’s first climb, taking his road bike where it was (n)ever meant to go. Axiom SL, wide tires, handling skills, can-do attitude. Categories stop meaning what we think they mean.

Wayne S’s Elium SL

This is Wayne’s Elium SL with Half & Half paint scheme in Amber Ale and bare titanium. We built this for Wayne with our good friends at Get-a-Grip in Chicago.

Wayne says:

I wanted to let know that I picked up my new Elium SL last Wednesday (6/5) and have since put about 180 miles on it. First, let me say the bike is stunning!! Second, the fit, ride and performance of the bike is incredible!! The bike has exceeded any expectations I had.

Thanks to you and the Seven team for making me a Seven customer for life.