Behind the Scenes with Seven’s Rob Vandermark

Posted on December 3, 2012 by signature

Seven’s CEO, Rob Vandermark

With a singular focus on custom built frames, Seven Cycles is a company founded on understanding the individual cyclist and delivering every rider the optimum fit, function and performance. Seven’s passion for custom, along with their mastery of materials, innovation and design, has helped them become the largest custom frame builders in the world. We recently talked with CEO Rob Vandermark about the company’s beginnings, his eclectic and passionate team, and new directions we might see from Seven in next few years.

Though switching careers every two years has become a norm these days, Vandermark says he’s basically had just two paths of focus in his life – sculpture and cycling – which it turns went very well together. While he was a sculpture major in college, Vandermark saw a job opening at Merlin Metalworks where he first learned to build titanium frames. Vandermark says, “Merlin was the innovator in titanium mountain bikes and it was an exciting time in the industry. I love working with my hands, problem solving in three dimensions, and exploring all kinds of engineering conundrums so it was very informative to learn in that environment. The work combined my love of sculpture and bikes.” Continue reading →

Signature’s Gift Ideas for Cyclists

Posted on November 28, 2012 by Signature

Each year around this time, cyclists, their friends, and their families ask us for gift ideas. This holiday season we decided to put together a shopping cheat sheet. Maybe somebody close to you needs a little help when shopping for the cyclist in their life. We find that this list is very effective when “accidentally” left on the kitchen table with desired items circled or highlighted.

Also, don’t forget that Signature Cycles Gift Certificates are available for fits, tune-ups, or amounts in any denomination!

We hope this list helps. Cheers!

Under $500 – Assos Zegho Glasses

Through four years of development, a company that does not make sunglasses decided to make the best cycling optics ever produced. Assos Zegho is a product like no other. The Carl Zeiss lenses with zero distortion provide the best optics you’ll ever experience. Zegho feels like you’re wearing nothing, but provides everything in protection. These glasses allow an incredible view of the road and are the ultimate choice in cycling eyewear. Prices range from $400-$470.

Under $200 – Light and Motion Urban 550 Headlight

With short winter days coming, an effective headlight is a must have to see and be seen. This self-contained rechargeable light creates more light than you would believe could come out of such a small package. Not that long ago, to get 550 lumens of output, you needed a big external battery and an expensive headlamp. Thanks to advances is LED and battery technology, you now can fit 550 lumens in your jersey pocket in case you decide to take the scenic route home! Price: $160

Continue reading →

The Bottom Line on Keeping Your Bottom Warm: Assos 607 Tights

Posted on November 28, 2012 by Signature

Review by Lori Hoefer

Dressing for cold weather riding is a fine blend between art and science. Knowing just what to wear and when to wear it is the art, and having the proper clothing with the right technical fabrics and features is the science.

Over twenty years ago, when I started riding, dressing for cold weather on the bike was more about luck and what’s in the closet. No science, no art….and surely not enough protection.

The last two winter seasons I’ve ridden through the winter using thermal leg warmers. While my knees and legs seemed to stay warm, my hips and bottom side really caught a chill at the start of each ride. But at last I have found the perfect lower body solution for cold weather riding in the Assos Lady’s 607 long tight.

Assos markets the Lady’s 607 tight as an early winter tight. Much attention was placed on comfort, fit and function in the development of this piece. Often women’s cycling products aren’t given the attention or the technical focus that men’s products receive. This is surely not the case for the Assos Lady’s 607 tight.

Continue reading →

The Jersey Project Signing and Greenwich Holiday Stroll

Posted on November 27, 2012 by Signature

Signature Cycles Greenwich
Saturday December 1st from 11am to 4pm

Make sure to stop by our Greenwich studio location this Saturday, December 1st, for a book signing with Bill Humphreys, co-author of The Jersey Project. The Jersey Project is a beautiful and colorful way to tell the story of America’s Bicycle racing renaissance alongside the European story that inspired it. You can read more about The Jersey Project here.

Also on Saturday, Signature Cycles Greenwich will be participating in the Greenwich Holiday Stroll. Stop by for some spiced apple cider and seasonal treats.

Caffery’s Take: Independent Fabrication XS

Posted on November 12, 2012 by Signature

An Independent Fabrication XS on an autumn afternoon in Central Park, NYC. Note the upside down crown decal on the fork blade.

In traditional Japanese sword-making, a special steel known as tamahagane is used to form the blade. About nine tons of satetsu, or iron sand, is smelted constantly by four or five workers over the course of three days to yield less than one ton of tamahagane. The process allows the swordsmith to produce a single mass of metal with varied densities of carbon – specifically, a softer, low-carbon shingane “core” steel, and a harder, high-carbon kawagane “skin” steel. The former is utilized for shock absorption, the latter for durability and blade sharpness. They find a home together, layered to make a single sword, each complimenting the other to the benefit of the samurai who wields it.

Continue reading →

Grand Opening RESCHEDULED!

Posted on November 5, 2012 by Signature

Due to the approach of another storm that is expected to make landfall in the middle of this week, Signature Cycles has RESCHEDULED the Grand Opening of the relocated Greenwich Studio!

We are pushing back the date one week, to Thursday, November 15th, 2012 from 5:00-8:00PM.

The occasion will be all the same as planned, with over $10,000 worth of prizes being raffled, including a Lightweight wheelset and Shimano Dura-Ace 9000 group, as well as founders, CEOs, and representatives from our manufacturers and other companies within the cycling industry in attendance. Click here to learn more.

It will be a night to remember, and we hope to see you there. Please give us a call at 212-706-0025 (NYC) or 203-485-0500 (Greenwich) if you’d like any more details or information.

Signature Cycles New Greenwich Studio Grand Opening Celebration

Posted on November 2, 2012 by Signature

Thursday, November 15th from 5-8pm

Join us to celebrate the Grand Opening of our new Greenwich studio location on November 15th from 5-8pm. We will be giving away over $10,000 in prizes including:

-Lightweight Meilenstein Wheelset
-Shimano Dura Ace 9000 Group
-Majorca Cycling Vacation
-Rapha and Assos Clothing
-And Much More

In addition to food and refreshments, manufacturers will be on hand to show off their 2013 models. You won’t want to miss this exclusive chance to win valuable prizes and experience our fantastic new studio!

Help Wanted!

Posted on October 22, 2012 by Signature

Hi All,

As some of you may have heard, Grant has recently announced his imminent departure from Signature Cycles this coming January, as he moves south to Nashville, Tennessee to take over management of a high-end vintage car restoration and fabrication shop called the Greening Auto Company (www.greeningautocompany.com). Of course, we’re very excited for him, but his absence will be felt immediately.

From Paul Levine, Signature’s Founder and CEO:

“Grant is starting a new chapter in his life and moving south to run a custom car shop. Grant is my first employee and has been with me every step of the way from working in my garage to becoming the top custom bicycle salesperson in the world. Grant will be missed, both personally and professionally.”

On that note, Paul is wasting no time in beginning the grueling process of combing through the inevitable flood of well-qualified applicants for the new position that will open up, as Blake steps into Grant’s role as head fitter, and Caffery steps away from internal operations and begins to fit and sell customers their dream bikes.

The following ad will appear in a few places, and we wanted to pass it along to our more immediate following to help get the word out:

Signature Cycles in Manhattan, NY provides a professional alternative to the traditional bike shop experience. We are seeking a multi talented professional Sales/Fitter to challenge us and make us better. This is a perfect career opportunity for the right person who wants to create exceptional customer experiences.

Qualified applicants must:

Have minimum 3 years experience successfully fitting and selling premium products
Have extensive knowledge in road and triathlon equipment
Possess superior organizational skills
Use a to-do list to achieve excellence
Have mechanical aptitude
Have excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrate effective communication
Love making dreams come true for our clients

Competitive wage and benefits based on experience, ability and negotiating skills.

Email resumes or inquires to: signaturecycles@gmail.com, or call 845-978-6933.

Doors Open at New Greenwich Studio Location

Posted on October 9, 2012 by Signature

Stop in and check out our new Greenwich Studio location! Starting today, Tuesday October 9th, we are open for business at 14 Railroad Ave Greenwich, CT. Improvements and amenities include: better parking, onsite shower, Metro North station convenience, easier access to I95, improved service and fitting facilities, and great local food. Stay tuned for more info on our Grand Opening Celebration!