Originally Posted by
snuboy360
Thank you guys for answering my post. After reading some of the responses on the Specialized Sequoia I did some research on it to familiarize myself with the model. The Allez was the only Specialized bike I was looking at but now it looks like Sequoia might be a better buy if I were to go with the Specialized brand. I don’t think I’m going with the Trek after some of the comments but to be honest I haven’t even going to my LBS for a fitting yet. I still want to wait till I’m closer to 250-275lbs. Plus my wife won’t let me get a new bike until I reach that weight loss goal. I do have some questions though about the Sequoia since you guy got me thinking about it…
1) I like the more upright handle bar brakes closer to the stem for city riding which I do often; but as someone pointed out earlier, how is the stopping power if I get into trouble?
2) How often do you guys use the brakes on top?
3) How aerodynamic is this bike compared to the Allez in your opinions? I still want to go fast if I get into a strong head wind. I live In Oklahoma and the wind sucks here so I’m concerned that I won’t be able to handle the wind as well with the Sequoia over the Allez
4) I know Cannondale is a great brand but is it that much better over the Specialized brand in terms of components and frame? I'm concerned with the frame most of all becuase of my weight. I need something that will hold up too my weight
5) Which components are better? Cannondale or Specialized?
I really appreciate all your opinions and taking time to answer my questions. I’m so glad I found this forum.
Another very satisfied Sequoia rider here! There is good wisdom in the previous posts but, riskng redundancy, I will offer up an opinoin or two. I would not think there would be a big difference between road bikes in wind resistance, given your size/weight... but there's a significant difference between road bikes and hybrids. Being slightly more upright the Sequoia may be a little slower than the Allez, but that is caused by the very thing that makes it comfortable, and you can adjust your stem downward as you become a better rider. It is amazing what a big difference a small breeze can make, even with a road bike. A headwind will slow you down no matter what you ride... you just gear down and push along. But when I turn for home (always ride into the wind going out) it is an absolute blast to ride my Sequoia downwind in even the slightest of breezes!
I do not use the upper brakes too much anymore but it is nice to have them there and they work just fine. As to components, all the manufacturers use pretty much the same stuff, and Tiagra or better will do just fine for a long time.
IMO, do not wait to lose weight first. Buy a bike and start riding! The benefits are amazing!