BikeBiz
by Mark Sutton
‘Largest US custom bike maker’ looks to expand dealer base via Cyclevox
Seven Cycles is to expand its UK operation, having already appointed a number of new dealers alongside UK partner Cyclevox.
Claiming to be the USA’s largest manufacturer of custom bicycles, founder Rob Vandermark now believes that 40 per cent of the brand’s customers reside outside the US.
Vandermark said: “We’ve been travelling to the UK to meet friends and customers more or less from the first day we started building bikes, so there is a natural affinity for us. The roads and weather are a lot like the area we live and work in too, so when we’re building a bike for a customer in the UK we have an intuitive understanding of their needs that we might not have in other parts of the globe.â€
A strong resurgence of interest in titanium bikes has Seven planning for growth, but the veteran frame builder recognizes the need to manage those increased sales carefully. “More isn’t necessarily better, “says Vandermark, “if we can’t continue to deliver on the promise of the custom experience.â€
London retailer and bike fitter Cyclefit is one of the UK stores now on Seven’s books.
Director Phil Cavell said: “Cyclefit has admired Seven from afar for nearly ten years – ever since I wrote the first ever European review on the Seven Axiom in 2002 for Cycle Sport Magazine. We share the same ethic that anything short of perfection is a real shame and an opportunity lost.
“Moreover we commend Seven for their unswerving commitment to craftsmanship and provenance. They, like us, think that where something is made, and the lives of the people that make the products, is crucial to the quality of the relationship the customer enjoys with their bike over time. Cyclefit is excited and proud to be working with Seven Cycles – it has been well worth the long waitâ€.