When it comes to top-end handbuilt titanium the Americans still have the cachet, and none over Seven. Revered outside The united states in a way few other US bicycle brands are, Seven's build quality and attention to detail is legendary. They also make off-the-peg models - as tested here - although even they have more custom options than some manufacturers' custom bikes...
a great all-rounder from the final titanium boutique brand.
The Axiom instills confidence on difficult, bumpy surfaces
Frame
They build anything from cyclo-crossers to tandems, and while virtually all Seven bikes are bespoke at no additional cost to the consumer, they took delivery of their Signature series frame, which makes use of a set frame geometry for a given frame size. The 12 sizes obtainable range from 49-59cm and all have well-judged top-tube lengths for their given size.
While this Axiom is designed to suit a rider less than 180lb Seven say there's lots of satisfied customers who have specified this tubing who weigh more. All their bikes, custom or off the peg, can be tuned for stiffness or comfort, indeed their Signature bikes offer a considerable number of custom options including choices of tubing and top tube length.
Seven use their own Argen double butted 3AL/2.5V grade titanium and the flawless welding and attention to detail are to the same standard as the recently tested and similarly priced Merlin Extralight and Litespeed Ghisallo. The laser-etched head-tube badge is a sight to behold and there is a distinct 'rightness' to the position of all the cable stops.
Seven was set up in 1997 by Rob Vandermark, former R&D designer at Merlin Cycleworks. Ever since, the brand has invoked a sense of quality a cut above any other titanium bicycle in the world. There's 11 road models in the range, with the Axiom in the middle ground between the out and out performance of their carbon bicycle and those expressly intended for century/sportif rides.
Ride
Earlier experience with titanium frames shows that there's often minor handling anomalies that can be highlighted by shaking the handlebars vigorously on fast, technical descents. The complete absence of flex in the top-tube and down-tube is proof of the superior refinement of the Axiom to anything we have historicallyin the past tested made from titanium tubing.
Equipment
The compact frame design means that the long seatpost soaks up high frequency vibrations before they get through to the rider and Seven deserve credit for generating what are basically the most comfortable forks that we have tested. This makes the Axiom great for both century and club rides and distance racing, where its comfortable ride would help to minimise fatigue. While the steering geometry is slower than average based on a trail figure of 7cm, the Axiom has a rare quality for titanium in being stable on fast descents and instilling confidence on difficult, bumpy surfaces.
The distributors for Seven in the United Kingdom, Sigma Sport, have selected sensibly with their finishing kit because it is well priced yet light to bring out the best in the frame. The highly polished lustre of the Shimano Ultegra equipment integrates well with the appearance of the frame and the non-series Shimano compact chainset has lovely looking but heavy solid aluminium chainrings.
A popular trick among the more astute manufacturers is to make use of a shim inside the stool tube. That way a smaller diameter seatpost can be used to give a tiny fore and aft flex to take the sting out of poor road surfaces. Seven have applied this to great effect using an Easton EC70 carbon seatpost. ITM Millennium oversized 'bars and stem err on the stiff side which is lovely, but if cost and value for money are not crucial carbon parts could bring the bicycle under the 17.9lb tested here.
Wheels
The Axiom has been specified for riders up to 180lb so it is appropriate that they are fitted with wheels that are hard for a medium-to heavyweight rider. Their choice of Mavic Ksyrium Elite is as much based on their appearance as it is of economic consideration but they feel that they are at odds with the performance of the frame and cycle parts with a light to medium weight rider on board. For most riders the DT 1450 wheels costing £450 are more appropriate, have long-lasting cartridge bearings and weigh less.
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Manufacturers description
An enduring legend, the Axiom SG boasts pure performance without compromise. Perfectly balanced for light weight, responsiveness, and durability. of the most popular bikes in our lineup, the Axiom SG excels at road racing, club riding, group rides, centuries, and everything in between. May even be custom-designed for light touring.