Readers’ Rigs: Seven Axiom SL

We love it when Readers’ Rigs alumni come back to the column years after their first appearance on Pez so when David from New York got in contact it was easy to say ‘yes’ to another Readers’ Rigs feature with him – especially when he sent us in some pics of his ride, a sweet, custom made titanium Seven Axiom SL fitted out with Sram etap.

Name: David Leibowitz
Location: Bronxville, New York, USA
Bike: Seven Axiom SL with ENVE 2.0 Road Fork
Groupset: Sram Red etap (derailleurs and shifters), Sram Force 22 crankset (52X38), Cane Creek eebrakeset
Wheels: Custom. HED C2 Belgium rims. Front is laced to a DT Swiss 180 hub, rear to a Powertap G3, both utilizing Sapim Laser spokes.
Pedals: Dura-ace 9000
Saddle: Fizik Arione with carbon rails
Other: Sram etap blips on the tops of my handlebars (each side of stem), Arundle mandible bottle cages, Arundel Gecko bar tape.
Weight: 17 lbs (7.7kgs) More or less.

When did you buy it?
July 2016, but as it is a custom-made frame, I had to wait about 6 weeks for delivery, so I’ve been riding it since late August of that year.

What made you choose this bike?
After 3.5 years and about 40,000 miles, countless litres of sweat, and little-to-no regard for maintenance, my 2012 Specialized Tarmac (02/2013 profile on Reader’s Rigs) had finally given up the ghost. The high concentration of salt in my perspiration had been gradually corroding the interior of the frame, so my LBS (Signature Cycles, in Greenwich, Connecticut), recommended a Titanium frame, as its anti corrosive properties as a metal are well known. I also wanted a frame that I wouldn’t have to worry about replacing in a few years, as I’m not an N+1 bike person.

What modifications/additions have you done?
Aside from adding the blips, nothing. Although, size-wise, this frame is radically different from my old one. After Signature provided me with a proper fit (video cameras recording my pedaling, four different measuring techniques), I discovered that my Specialized had been about one size too small for me. Even though I’m 5’7”, my inseam measures almost 32”, so my optimal riding position required a saddle height of 755 mm, which is comparable to the saddle height of someone 3-5 inches taller than me. Suffice to say, the first few rides felt very awkward, but after about a week I really noticed how much more comfortable I was when riding.

How many miles/kilometers do you do a year?
I average about 16,000 kilometers (10,000 miles) a year.

What do you love about this bike?
Too much too fully list, so I’ll stick to my three favorites: 1. The smoothness of the ride. Bumpy roads never felt so good (ok, they’re still uncomfortable, but not bad as on my old bike). 2. The way the bike tracks. I just have to point/lean into a turn, and it feels like a cable car line is pulling me along. 3. Maintenance. As the frame is Titanium, unless I’m riding in atrocious weather conditions, I just wipe down the bike with some rubbing alcohol after my ride. No muss, no fuss.

Favorite riding area?
The backcountry roads of Greenwich, Connecticut. Super smooth, picturesque, and, most importantly, devoid of heavy traffic.

Favorite riding experience on your bike?
The Lime Rock GP, on the Lime Rock Auto Racing Track in Lakeville, CT. Each field of racers has the entire racecourse to themselves, no corners, combined with a VERY steep descent on the back end, makes for an extremely fast, but also quite safe event. In fact, this year I raced through a deluge, and it felt like I was riding my bike down a waterslide (I’m aware that sounds quite dangerous, but it was not as hair-raising as one would think). It was awesome.

Future upgrades?
Maybe a set of Zipp wheels, but for the time being, I’m extremely happy with my ride, so I’ll stick with the adage of, “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it”, for the time being.

Last words?
Last time we met there was snow on the ground! I enjoyed taking pics of myself and my bike MUCH more this time around. For last words though – if you can, get a bike fit. Until you’ve been properly sized to your bike’s dimensions you’ll never experience the mental and physical comfort from proper positioning. Also, I’d like to thank Signature Cycles, especially my mechanic, Santiago Santana, as their service and support has completely redefined my perspective on cycling.

David leaving his little photo shoot down on River Road under the George Washington bridge – a very popular place for NYC cyclists to go with almost 17,000 recording a time there on Strava!

Thanks to David for sharing his ride with us. Got a bike that you’re proud of? Well how about sharing it with fellow PEZ fans and getting it featured in Readers’ Rigs so we can all stare at it! Send us a Readers’ Rigs submission direct to [email protected] and your bike could be featured in all its glory here on the pages of PEZ.