Road Cycling - Looking For My First Road Bike

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Hi. I've just completed my first two Sprint Distance Triathlons on my Specialized Crossroads hybrid averaging 17mph and working my tail off. I Want to work my tail off and go faster! I'm looking to graduate to a road bike but I may want a kinder gentler road bike with less distance to lean forward. I'm 5' 3". I'm lookng at an XS Specialized Sequoia - I think mid model price/ quality wise. It's about $1,000. Any comments on the quality of this bike? Someone told me it had a poor-quality derailler.
I'm clueless when it comes to bikes, but trying to learn.
Thanks,
TRY-ATHLETE

According to Specialized's web site, there are 4 models of the Sequoia to choose from for 2004. The lowest model uses Shiano Sora and Tiagra components. For your triathlons, I would suggest at least the second model, the Sequoia Elite. It has Shimano 105 components. You will definitely be more aerodynamic on a bike with drop bars than on the Crossroads, and that should really help your times.

i noticed you're interested in a good road bike
i recently ordered a 2004 Marin San Marino road bike from the factory
the bike, unfortunately, is the wong size for me

i am 5'8"/the bike is a 56 or "large"
it has ultegra groupo
frame is chromoly-carbon
brand new!

bike is worth about $1,400
i want to get at least a 1K but i'm negotiable
respond or call me at 520-272-8702

Thanks, but I need a smaller bike!

Didn't know there wer 4 Sequoia models. I only saw three at the bike shop. I am looking at the Elite!
Thanks!
Try-Athlete MK

...damn...that's a lot of money to be dropping on 'two wheels and a frame'...

...then again I'm a poreass...

But damn! I'm outta my league.

According to Specialized's web site, there are 4 models of the Sequoia to choose from for 2004. The lowest model uses Shiano Sora and Tiagra components. For your triathlons, I would suggest at least the second model, the Sequoia Elite. It has Shimano 105 components. You will definitely be more aerodynamic on a bike with drop bars than on the Crossroads, and that should really help your times.

I got my first road bike! I ended up getting a Giant OCR1 with extra breaks at top since I'm not used to leaning over too far yet, and I traded the break/shift levers for shorter reach levers for me and got a women's saddle. The Giant had some ultegra components and seemed a good fit for me with compact geometry and, I hope, good value for the money. I rode 22 miles last night which was a sizeable ride for me at this point. I like the bike, my only problem right now is that when I'm in the drops I can't see ahead without really cranking my neck which hurts, and when I hit a bump I get headshock like crazy! Any suggestions for me? What's a begginer to do?

A beginer needs to learn. Speed will come from you hip flexors, when you can hammer low in the drops. Pain and soreness are differant.

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/beginners/index.html

Tri Bikes are a differant animal.

http://www.slowtwitch.com/mainheadings/techctr/650ctoday.html

SB and ST sites will help. Look at frame size, Top Tube length. All brands have many differant sizes. The "geometry".

Start reading.

I have my handlebars set at almost the same height as my saddle. This helps to reduce neck muscle strain. Even so, I still occasionally get sore neck muscles in the spring on the first few rides. Eventually the neck muscles will get stronger and the problem disappears.