Considering an Evergreen SL-experience with Seven Cycles?

[SteveF]

I want to get a new gravel bike, probably in a year or so-leaning strongly toward titanium. So far I like the Seven Evergreen SL best-the stock "signature," geometry works for me, and I can get it through my favorite local shop. I tried to find threads about Seven and/or Evergreen on MTBR but got too many hits or none at all. So I wondered if anyone could share their experience with working with Seven, and if someone owns an Evergreen, impressions of it would be great! (I like the idea of the SL's butted tubing, but the price of the S is closer to my budget-it has straight gauge tubing-anyone with ti/Seven experience care to weigh in on what difference I might notice between the two ride-wise?)

Other bikes I'm considering:

Ti:
Lynskey GR250
Litespeed T-5
Why Cycles R+

Gunnar Hyper X (steel)

Parlee Chewbacco (carbon)

A couple of custom builders in steel and ti.

Thanks, Steve

[DonH]

Steve,
Bought a new Seven 29er about 2 yrs ago, and it was a very positive experience.
Went the custom route. Was measured at the bike shop (Seven dealer) and received
a dimensioned sketch after a few days. I dont know much about frame geometry but was surprised the see the dimensions (compared to what my current bikes are).
We decided to change the top tube slightly and then we signed off on it.
Received it about 4 long weeks later and got it built.
I love the bike! Its definitely a keeper! and would highly recommend getting one.
Send me a pm for more details if needed.

[SteveF]

Thanks! Did you pony up for the butted-tubeset level frame or go with the straight gauge tubeset?

[DonH]

Went straight gauge. Was worried about dents. Also tried to save a few bucks because I got the eccentric bottom bracket in case I wanna go single speed.

[SteveF]

Went straight gauge. Was worried about dents. Also tried to save a few bucks because I got the eccentric bottom bracket in case I wanna go single speed.

Yeah, the butted tubing speaks to the bike snob in me, but the straight gauge option is quite a bit cheaper without much of a hit on weight. I need to reach out to Seven and get a feel for what I'd be missing, ride quality and performance wise, if anything, if I went that route. Thanks for your comments!

[DonH]

Definitely talk to the people at Seven - they have been very patient and helpful to me.
I may be ordering a road frame later this year depending on my cash situation.