Seven Cycles Does it Right

There is a reason we offer the brands we do. Each company we work with stands out for several reasons. There are plenty of custom frame builders out there but very few can even claim to make a frame at the level of the few we offer here at Bespoke. It's in the details.

Let's take Seven for example. Seven CNC machines and threads their bottom bracket shells after welding. Why is this important? It's all about exact frame alignment. Here is Seven's description of the process:

Every piece of machinery in our factory is dedicated to performing a single, specific task in the fabrication process. The bottom bracket CNC machine is no exception. Unlike many other frames, our bottom bracket shells are not pre-threaded. Each frame undergoes this process after welding is completed. The frame is locked into place, drive-side up, using special electro-magnetic pods that can be adjusted to fit the exact dimensions of any frame we make. Even tandem frames fit inside this massive machine.

The frame remains stationary while the machine performs a six-step procedure. First, the machine bores a true round hole in the BB shell. This eliminates any possible distortion created from welding. Next the frame is counter-bored to remove any material to prepare the shell for threading. Third, the shell is threaded to an English thread standard. Fourth, the non-drive side of the shell is faced. Fifth, the drive side of the shell is faced. Finally, the BB shell is chamfered. We only use non-petroleum based cutting fluids to lessen our environmental impact and all the fluids are captured and reused within the machine to maintain a closed system. The result is a bottom bracket whose threads are precisely oriented to the face of the BB shell, making bottom bracket installation easier.

These days we here a lot about ceramic bottom brackets and low friction bearings. This is all pointless if your bottom bracket shell is not in alignment or if the tolerances are off in general. Basically, if your bearing cartridges are not exactly parallel, you will have excessive drag and your bearings will wear out prematurely no matter what they are made of.We have seen a number of "high end" frames with terribley constructed bottom brackets. Without naming names, we'll call them "Cervecondale" or how about "Trecialized". Some frames are better than others but a lot of frames we've seen are off. These are not bad bikes, they are just not made with the same level of care and quality. The same can be said for some custom builders out there. It's awesome when a bike looks great but what really matters is what's inside, what's going on behind the pretty paint job.


It all adds up and this is only one of the many reasons we love Seven. More to come on the finer details.