The Cafe Racer offers commuters a lean, clean ride to the office
by Constance Winters
New commuters who are crossing over from a road cycling background tend to have certain preferences regarding a bike’s weight, speed, and handling characteristics. In this respect they can find typical city bikes to be too pokey. Enter the Cafe Racer—a titanium commuter from Seven Cycles that can give any road bike a ride for its money.
Founded in 1997, Seven Cycles manufactures custom bicycles in Watertown, Massachusetts, specializing in titanium frames. Built with Seven’s Integrity 325 ti tubing and 5E carbon-fiber fork, the lightweight Cafe Racer possesses the genes of the performance bikes the manufacturer is known for. At the same time, durable titanium is a logical material for sloppy roads in inclement weather. The upright Tiberius Commuter Bars and the low-maintenance belt drive are ideal for year-round urban conditions. Custom geometry accommodates a wide range of fit, wheel, and tire-size possibilities. Optional couplers offer the additional possibility of taking the bike along on business trips.
The Gates Carbon Drive is a polyurethane belt that replaces a traditional bicycle chain. Unlike a chain, the belt does not need to be oiled or otherwise maintained, which also means it will not get the cyclist’s clothing dirty. It also runs quieter and lasts longer—all of which makes the belt drive an increasingly desirable feature on transportation bicycles.
The carbon belt’s unique groove structure also calls for specific front and rear pulleys instead of traditional chainrings and rear cogs. This version of the Cafe Racer incorporates this seamlessly into its design.
Picking up the bike is always a shock at first. I am simply not used to an upright city bike—flat pedals and all—weighing in at not quite 15 pounds. With my posture moderately leaned forward and my wrists in a position consistent with classic, swept-back handlebars, the Tiberius Commuter Bar allowed for steering control and ergonomic comfort. The dramatically sloping top tube provided a low step-over—convenient for mounting and dismounting in the skirt suit I was wearing. Although the bike was not equipped with commuting accessories such as fenders, lights, or a rear rack, these options are available and optimized to keep the bike light.
The Cafe Racer took off unhesitatingly and handled like a road bike on which I happened to be more upright than usual. The ride quality has that “am I in still contact with the ground?” feel to it that I have experienced on other titanium bikes. The belt drive was eerily silent. My lapels fluttering in the wind, I flew up and down hills I would hesitate to brave on most upright commuters. It was tempting to forget myself and give in to the bike’s potential. Only the desire to look presentable for my next meeting made me hold back.
When it comes to commuter bikes, not everyone feels the need for speed, a freakishly lightweight frame, or a belt drive. But for those who do, there is the Seven Cafe Racer.
| Seven Cafe Racer Belt Drive Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Sizes: | custom |
| Color: | brushed titanium |
| Frame: | Seven Integrity 325 titanium tubing |
| Fork: | Seven 5E carbon fiber |
| Wheels: | 700C lightweight alloy, or to customer spec |
| Drivetrain: | Gates Belt Drive |
| Brakes: | medium-reach caliper, or to customer spec |
| Handlebar: | Tiberius Commuter Bar |
| Extras Included: | full custom geometry, choice of wheel and tire size, choice of component group, choice of decals |
| Options: | fenders, couplers, custom racks, integrated lighting, kickstand, custom color, cantilever and disc brake options |
| Weight: | 14.6 pounds (complete bike) |
Bicycle courtesy of Ride Studio Cafe, Lexington MA