Boston-based Seven Cycles are offering a limited edition titanium commuter bike to commemorate the 39th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22.
Eco-friendly transportation doesn’t come cheap, though. For US$5,900, you can be the proud owner of a 15-pound beauty, highlighted with Chris King components, Seven’s titanium Tiberius bar, titanium stem and new titanium seatpost, Carbon Drive belt drivetrain, Crankbrothers Cobalt crankset, bamboo fenders and Mavic Open Pro/Chris King wheelset with No Tubes road kit.
“We were working on a carbon footprint reduction project, trying to see how we could reduce energy and materials usage in the fabrication and shipping processes,” marketing manager Mattison Crowe told BikeRadar. “The ‘aha!’ moment occurred when we realized that we could use what we learned to assemble a very cool bike that also impacts the way we will build bikes tomorrow.
“The timing happened to coincide with Earth Day, so we designed the bike to promote sustainability and responsible resource use on a daily basis. We’re trying to add value for the rider who seeks not only fitness and convenience, but is environmentally conscious.”
Seven start with their straight-gauge titanium Muse frame, using sandblasted graphics on the frame rather than traditional adhesive decals, in order to limit resource use. In addition to the standard graphics, each frame includes a sandblasted Earth Graphic on the front of the head tube.
According to Crowe, Seven have increased their strict standards for energy and resource reduction in the making of these bikes.
“Many processes that require significant power usage will be performed using manual labor. This creates a 25 percent reduction in energy costs,” Crowe explained. “A team of Seven artisans who commute exclusively by bike will handle all design and fabrication. When ready, the bikes will ship via FedEx Ground in a reused box and packing materials.”
“The Earth Day Bike is available immediately and if we receive an order by April 6, we guarantee the frame will ready to ship by April 22,” Crowe added. “Normal delivery timeline for these bikes is four weeks.”
According to Crowe, this offer is available outside the US through Seven’s international distributors.
Anyone who purchases a limited edition Earth Day bike will receive a free one-year membership to Earth Day Network and a subscription to their publication E-Magazine, worth US$35. Seven have also committed, as a company, to commuting 7,000 miles by bike for every Earth Day Bike sold. According to Seven, the average American commutes 7,000 miles by car annually, using 350 gallons of fuel.
On April 22, 1970, Earth Day marked the beginning of the modern environmental movement, spearheaded by then US Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin. Approximately 20 million Americans participated, with a goal of a healthy, sustainable environment.
For more information, visit www.sevencycles.com.