Seven Cycles - since 1997/USA
He was the first employee of the titanium forge Merlin and is considered a pioneer of the titanium cult: Rob Vandermark customised frames for stars like John Tomac and developed them for well-known companies. When a group of investors took over the company in 1996, Vandermark quit. He founded Seven Cycles and produces over 2000 customised frames a year with 35 employees. Stef Adams (lady in the photo above) takes care of the welding work with the utmost dedication. www.sevencycles.com
Bike: Seven IMX 29
Let's start with the first of the possible uses: caressing. It is marvellous how the finger glides over the cool, slightly rough titanium, on whose matt surface the light shyly refracts. The transition to the marbled, shimmering carbon skin is wonderfully defined. And then there are the caterpillars of the weld seams, which bead along the transitions as if they were runny tube honey. The hormones are in overdrive! This frame looks like something out of a blacksmith's guild textbook. For many examples of the IMX, its fate as a cuddly bike is probably sealed. Which is a shame, because the Seven literally cries out to be ridden. And that brings us to purpose number two: heating. Like every Seven, this IMX is unique. The titanium tubes used are the lightest in the range and extremely butted. The carbon fibre spacers are woven from threads and adapted to the riding style and type of rider. This enormous effort also means no compromises for the rest of the equipment. The bike shown here is the most expensive that has ever rolled through a BIKE test. No matter, passion should not be the result of economic considerations. Mount up and head off-road. The riding position is reasonably sporty, but leaves the back extensor completely in peace. The 29-inch tyres roll confidently over the ground. Even rough patches of road don't force the rider out of the saddle. The IMX is a light-footed tourer, but liveliness is not its strong point despite its athletic shell. The emaciated tubes give way noticeably under hard pedalling, especially when pedalling out of the saddle. It is better to choose heavier and stiffer tubes.
Test summary: The IMX from Seven Cycles is pure aesthetics with weaknesses in stiffness. A dream: the workmanship.
Price: 11500 Euro /frame from 4795 Euro
Weight: 10.2 kilos */frame 1470 grams
Material: Carbon/titanium
Delivery time: about 2 months
Geometry: as desired
Equipment: Rock Shox Reba, Sram XX
* Complete weight without pedals
