Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Anyone have experience with a Specialized Sequoia?

I did a search and I didn"t see much feedback on the Specialized Sequoia. I would think it would be a ood entry-level ride for a clyde. It seems a perfect fit for a slightly large person doing a slightly relaxed ride. How does it measure up to the Trek Pilot 2.1? Has the Roubaix line rendered the Sequoia obsolete? If anyone has any real world pics, I'd love to see them. The website pics don't really show it off too well

If you can find a 2007, it's a great bike. The 2008 Seqouias won't let you use
a mid-sized tire. If the Pilot will let you use a 28c tire, go for it. Just looked at a pic of the Pilot, and it looks the same.

If you can find a 2007, it's a great bike. The 2008 Seqouias won't let you use
a mid-sized tire. If the Pilot will let you use a 28c tire, go for it. Just looked at a pic of the Pilot, and it looks the same.

Is the difference between 25c and 28c that big a deal?

Just bought a new 2006 model and have Specialized Infinity Armadillo 32c's put on. Love the bike, it's a smooth ride! Very happy with my purchase.

I purchased a 07 Sequoia off eBay a few weeks ago and will, hopefully, take it out for a first ride this weekend. I selected this model because I'm coming off lower back surgery and needed a more upright riding position. The tires are 700/23 but I hope to install 25cm Ultra Gatorskins in the near future. Assuming my Doctor clears me to ride I'll post some riding impressions soon. BTW I'm 6' 5" and 275lbs.

Not an especially big person myself, but I love my 2007 Sequoia. Light, pretty responsive, comfortable. Still running the stock tires (700/23) with very few problems.

Is the difference between 25c and 28c that big a deal?

For some people, definitely. If you're not used to the bumps, and especially if the
roads are crappy where you are. it can make a big difference. But the difference is not just between 25 and 28, I ride 32c, it's a good size of a clydesdale.

I have a 2003 Sequoia. I bought the basic and the lbs swapped out the rear and front derailer, and brifters to Ultegra for not much more because they were clearing them out. I've also replaced the adjustable stem. This is my gravel trail bike. We have these crushed limestone trails in the western suburbs of Chicago. It is very comfortable to ride. It is very stable. I'm going to guess that the new ones are lighter.

If i was just wanting a road bike, I'd really compare everything out there. There are probably quicker bikes with a comfortable fit.

For road riding I prefer my '72 Fuji Finest(which I outfitted to be more comfortable) or my Litespeed Classic.

My lbs said you could run 32 tires on the sequoia, anyone try it?

If clearance is tight, 28mm Gatorskins still might fit. Mine measure 25 wide, but 28 tall mounted on the rim. Runnning them at 80 or 90 psi makes for a smooth ride.

I have one and I like it.

The more upright position is better to long distances.

I do not like the Sora brifters. but that is all that is there in the price range. I would have preferred Tiagra or 105's but that was the next model up.

My buddy bought a Sequoia in May and has to date:
1. Replaced the middle chain ring in front.
2. Replaced the chain.
3. Had the wheels in twice for loose spokes and a *tink tink tink* noise the wheels made.

He's a big guy over 300lbs when he bought it. He's pretty tough on bikes too - went through a couple bottom brackets on a Specialized MTB in the course of a year.

I'm not making a judgment/recommendation in either direction and this is simply anecdotal evidence to assist you in search.

Good luck!

I have a Sequoia, a 62 cm, 2007 model. It's a nice bike. Not racy by any means.

I have a 2004 base model Sequoia (8spd Sora/Tiagra) and a 2005 elite (9spd 105). I keep one at home and one at work. I love them. I'm 49 and was about to give up road biking (sore neck) until the LBS owner showed me this model. OEM 25s work well (me 220 lbs) for pavement and I have a second set of wheels with 32s for gravel. People bash Sora, but that is the most reliable set of shifters I have ever owned (also own Ultegra). No adjusting for temperature change, shifts smoothly and crisply. Rarely needs adjustments for any reason! I get a new chain about every two years (1500 miles). The 9 speed, I replace the chain a bit more frequently (1000 miles or so). I think that my weight is a factor in chain stretch.

I looked at Trek Pilots also, and would recommend that you thoroughly test ride both and buy based on comfort/fit etc. I just happened to like the Sequoia better. If the desire for 32s is important, and 2008 Sequoias wont take them, look for an older one.