Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Specialized SEQUOIA and a Clyde

I am 5'11" and tip the scale at about 300lbs (on the way down).
I currently ride a trek 7200 hybrid and am interested in the Specialized Sequoia.
Looks like a nice bike with nice components.

I ride only on pavement and am not into a "radical" road bike seating position.

I would love to hear from other Clyde owners of the Sequoia for their experiences - good and bad.
What do you guys think of this bike?
Thanks

Have you taken one for a test ride? I like the style and geometry (http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=39270&eid=117).

I would suspect the saddle may require replacement for long haul comfort.

I have been looking at the Globe models, now not certain since the model offerings have been changed over.

Where do you plan to ride, and type of rides, length, etc.

The front Carbon forks are a concern for my needs, and the aluminum frame, allows for lighter weight, but minor with the load I am expecting to carry. (6' 4" - 275#)

Steel has my interest yet, Surly LHT is in the forefront now. Just must convert my collect of vintage steel bikes to $ if I really want the upgrade.

I have not had a test ride yet.
My rides are around town - bike paths - 10-15 miles.
I am not into real long rides and the chances of me riding a century rival the odds of winning the lotto.

I really like this bike. i am 6' 320# and will be taking delivery next friday of a 2009 Specialized Sequoia Elite. i like the up right stanz and the brakes on top make me feel more comfortable while i get used to riding in the drops.

I have over 1,000 miles on my Sequoia and love it. No problems and I haven't had to change a thing, other than gettng a new cassette with a 32 tooth bail-out gear. 6' and 265lbs.

I have one. I like it ... more comfortable than you'd think for an aluminum bike. The only think I changed was the seat post and saddle (it came with a spring loaded seatpost I didn't like)

Thanks for the replies. I am interested in what your experience is with your sitting position. It is more upright than a road bike and more laid down than a hybrid.... correct?

Do you find that you are more aerodynamic and can handle head winds easier than if you where upright (in a hybrid)?

Again thank you for your help.

Just bought a pair of Sequoias this summer.(if I bought myself one and not the wife, I'd be dead meat.) Put over 300 miles on so far. I'm 6' 280 and find it a great ride. Longest has been 30 miles. No mechanical problems to date. It's the lower cost model, but good enough for my entry level bike.

It is a road bike ... but it's not racing geometry. I had a flat bar sirus and hated it. The sequoia is a much more comfortable bike in my experience. That said, fit is critical. I tend to buy frames that are a little larger than most would think is right. I end up with a lower seat position relative to the handlebars. Suits me.

The old Sequoias came with a medium size tire. They'd take a 32c tire.The new ones won't, and I try to suggest that people look elsewhere. The larger tires really cushion the ride.

Thanks for the replies. I am interested in what your experience is with your sitting position. It is more upright than a road bike and more laid down than a hybrid.... correct?

Do you find that you are more aerodynamic and can handle head winds easier than if you where upright (in a hybrid)?

Again thank you for your help.

Yes they are less upright than a hybrid... but you will still fight headwinds quite a bit. As you adapt to the road position over time you can lower and even flip your stem to get more aerodynamic. I love my 08 Sequoia but rarely ride in the drops.

I'm roughly your size and bought a Sequoia in April this year. Have about 1300 miles on it and I'm pleased with it overall. Only complaint is the wheels. Hard to keep them true. The riding position is defintely more relaxed than a bike built for speed.

Thanks for the replies. I am interested in what your experience is with your sitting position. It is more upright than a road bike and more laid down than a hybrid.... correct?

Do you find that you are more aerodynamic and can handle head winds easier than if you where upright (in a hybrid)?

Again thank you for your help.

RE: Winds
My normal riding chum (a whippish 180 lbs) had a flat on his road bike and brought his clunker hybrid to our ride yesterday. When we turned for the seven mile stretch home it was into a gusty wind of up to maybe 20mph (not severe for here) and suddenly I could not go slow enough for him to keep up! It was amazing since he is really a slightly stronger rider than me. I could have ridden along strumming a guitar and singing and eating pizza and still dropped him! :D Only difference was my trusty Sequoia. (I have flipped the stem for a somewhat lower profile, however... and I only weigh 235ish, so your results may vary!)

I really like the Sequoia. fyi: Specialized still has many '08 models available in their warehouses on both coasts.....so....you might find some significant savings. Take a look at the difference in specs.

Either way, you will get a bike with likely the most relaxed geometry of any road bike out there.
Enjoy,
Bob (5'10" 235lbs when demoed the bike)

I really like the Sequoia. ...
Either way, you will get a bike with likely the most relaxed geometry of any road bike out there.
Enjoy,
Bob (5'10" 235lbs when demoed the bike)

Redfish et. al.:
Other than the very raised stem, can anyone explain what makes this type of "relaxed" frame so comfortable? Just curious and trying to learn...

Aesthetically I used to think the compact type frames looked pretty goofy but I guess my eye has adjusted and now I find them really pleasing.:love:

I would love to hear the answer to your question billydonn. What is different (important) about the relaxed frame that makes it more comfortable.

I certainly hope some savvy, highly knowledgable, clyde... perhaps one with a large stable of bikes and infinite riding experience.... will soon chime in on the topic of the secrets of comfort frame geometry! Anyone out there?

Well, I am NOT one of those 'highly knowledgeable clydes'....but...will give it a shot....am just getting back to a road bike after many years, so excuse ahead of time my stab at accurate frame terminology.

My belief is that the 'more comfortable' geometry is related to the rise in the longer head tube, and consequently a higher placed fork and higher options for bar placement....and a longer wheelbase. The Sequoia's riding position will be more upright. Specialized gives you two options for both directions for the stem. On my Roubaix (same options) I have chosen to keep the stem such that it points upward...and chose the stem angle to provide a higher bar reach at first. I can lower the stem, and also reverse it where I will also have two angles to choose from as well.

Specialized also notes:
-The4-position-adjustable Specialized Comp-Set stem is easily adjusted to match your bar-position needs.
-The Specialized Pro handlebar features a short-reach drop and a special ergonomic shape for long-term comfort.

Hope this helps...
Bob

Well, I am NOT one of those 'highly knowledgeable clydes'....but...will give it a shot....am just getting back to a road bike after many years, so excuse ahead of time my stab at accurate frame terminology.

My belief is that the 'more comfortable' geometry is related to the rise in the longer head tube, and consequently a higher placed fork and higher options for bar placement....and a longer wheelbase. The Sequoia's riding position will be more upright. Specialized gives you two options for both directions for the stem. On my Roubaix (same options) I have chosen to keep the stem such that it points upward...and chose the stem angle to provide a higher bar reach at first. I can lower the stem, and also reverse it where I will also have two angles to choose from as well.

Specialized also notes:
-The4-position-adjustable Specialized Comp-Set stem is easily adjusted to match your bar-position needs.
-The Specialized Pro handlebar features a short-reach drop and a special ergonomic shape for long-term comfort.

Hope this helps...
Bob

Thanks Bob,
Yeah, I see the higher stem mount being facilitated by the frame geometry for sure. But I have been lowering and then fliping my stem to the point where my hands are now even with or below my seat position. Does that mean I have given up all the "comfort" features of my Sequoia... or is there some residual comfort from the frame geometry? Perhaps the wheelbase is a factor. Just curious and any other input or museing is welcome.
Don

Good question Don......am curious too. Have an idea. Give Specialized a call. I called them about an issue and the fellow more than lived up to their reputation of GREAT customer service. Then....let us know?
Bob

Call a corporation? That's daunting!:D It would be like asking someone for directons wouldn't it?

I'm still in hopes that some experts will emerge to join our post! Here's my current stem configuration (110 Ritchey stem). As you can see, the rise is gone. I do still feel "comfortable" though. My riding chum has a non-compact frame on a road bike of about the same size and I'm going to take some measurements comparing the two bikes: wheelbase, bar height etc. Will post any revealing differences.

Yes please post.

I have an '05 sequoia. If I had it to do again I probably would not have bought the bike. I would have done more research and found a place like BF (I read, but usually do not post). I am 6'3, 320. I have never had any issues with the frame or the front fork as another poster commented on. My main issues are two:
1. I was put on the bike by a guy who, quite frankly, was not good at sizing. I did not know what I was getting into, and I have a rather small bike for my size (a 56.5).
2. The wheels are not quite up to my load. I have since built a set of 36h velocity deep v's which are truly bombproof, and I will take with me on my next bike.

Do I love riding this bike? Yeah, pretty much. Does it fit? No, not really. I keep the seatpost jacked up all the way to the "lawyer line", but I do feel kind of cramped on it. A few months after I bought it, and had dinged it up a bit, the master fitter of the store where I bought it saw me with it, asked if I had bought it from his store, and was surprised when I said yes. He put me on the bike and fit it to me as best as could be done, which definitely made the ride better, but not great.

But be forewarned- all of these people telling you to take it out for rides and get fit- make sure you really do get fit by someone who knows their business. You'll appreciate the ride much more for that. Also, really do try to get in a serious test ride of different bikes.

Anyways just my two cents.

I am 5'10 290 pounds and have a 2008 Sequoia Elite. Best bike I ever owned, I put Easton vista wheel set on it, I also upgraded the shifter to Shimano Ultegra ST-6510, and upgrade the cassett to a 105 cassett 13-25.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y89/Haku2you/Seq.jpg