Tag: Press

Team Type 1 Breaks Record at 2009 Race Across America

In one of the toughest feats of endurance cycling, Seven owner Jeff Bannink not only succeeded in completing the 3,021 mile nonstop cross-country race, but his eight-person team set a new record, finishing in first place with a time of 5 days, 9 hours and 5 minutes.

Jeff, the tallest rider on his professional squad at six feet, six inches, and 225 pounds found that none of the team’s time trial bikes properly fit him, which led to contacting Zac Daab at Cascade Bicycle Studio in Seattle, Washington. Zac and Seven Cycles were able to design a custom titanium Aero Alaris (now known as Axiom S) that provided all the aerodynamics, drivetrain stiffness, handling and ergonomics that Jeff would need during such an extended time trial.

“I wanted a TT bike that allowed me to take advantage of all the training I had done in preparation, but not have to make drastic adaptations when I switched between my road bike (also a Seven) and my TT bike during the course of the race,” said Jeff. “Seven and Cascade Bicycle Studio got it perfect.”

“It’s always rewarding to work with a client and help them achieve their riding objectives,” remarked Daab. But when that rider is an athlete of Jeff’s caliber and they go on achieve something monumental, it’s really inspiring. As for the bike, its performance speaks volumes. There really are no limits to what Seven can do with titanium or any other material.”

Jeff and his teammates, all of whom have type one diabetes, had to overcome a series of early setbacks in addition to the already grueling race conditions. Despite early problems with the support vehicles and some minor delays in the first 36 hours, the team continued to execute their race strategy in the face of adversity. Congratulations to Jeff from Zac and Seven. We’re all impressed by your achievement.

Bike Magazine, May 2009 issue [excerpt]

The Case for Made in the USA

First, there’s the environmental consideration. Bikes built in the U.S. aren’t inherently “greener”, but some of our manufacturing processes, especially painting, are more sustainable. America’s regulations tend to be stricter than those in Taiwan and China. Theoretically, there’s less of a carbon footprint as well, since a domestically built bike should travel a shorter distance from the builder to your home. There are excellent bikes being built overseas—particularly mainstream models. But when it comes to finding more unique, niche bikes, domestic builders are often your best bet: if we have an interesting idea, we can fabricate it right now. Companies that must import big production runs generally don’t respond to new ideas with that kind of speed and flexibility. Finally, without getting too nationalistic, there’s something to be said for keeping dollars in America, and for maintaining a group of artisans here in our country who can design and actually build tomorrow’s great innovations.

—Rob Vandermark,

founder and president, Seven Cycles

Volume Three Includes IMX Cross, Interview with Mo Bruno-Roy

The latest edition of Embrocation Cycling Journal features two feature articles on Seven Cycles. The first, entitled “IMX” by Jeremy Dunn, is a photo essay on Maureen Bruno Roy’s IMX Cross race bikes. It showcases her bike inside our factory, as well as interviews with Matt Roy, her husband and mechanic, and short biographies on the employees who designed and fabricated her new bikes.

The second article, “Finding The Balance” by Jackson Weber, is an in-depth interview with Bruno-Roy. She discusses her athletic background, her evolution as a professional cyclist, and how she strives to balance racing with her other pursuits.

Both stories feature a mix of black and white and color photography by Chris Milliman.

Volume Three Includes IMX Cross, Interview with Mo Bruno-Roy

The latest edition of Embrocation Cycling Journal features two feature articles on Seven Cycles. The first, entitled “IMX” by Jeremy Dunn, is a photo essay on Maureen Bruno Roy’s IMX Cross race bikes. It showcases her bike inside our factory, as well as interviews with Matt Roy, her husband and mechanic, and short biographies on the employees who designed and fabricated her new bikes.

The second article, “Finding The Balance” by Jackson Weber, is an in-depth interview with Bruno-Roy. She discusses her athletic background, her evolution as a professional cyclist, and how she strives to balance racing with her other pursuits.

Both stories feature a mix of black and white and color photography by Chris Milliman.