Who has a Specialized Sequoia?
#1
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Who has a Specialized Sequoia?
Came home yesterday with a Specialized Sequoia (2006). This is my first road bike with drop bars and I understand it is a decent transition because of a more comfortable position and the brake levers on the upper bar as well. I have been looking for more than a year, especially since last October when I completed a 100k on a 17 year old Specialized Hardrock hybrid....everyone agreed that I deserved a new bike after that!
The problem is confusion about all the choices--so I would go and try bikes, then go away without making a decision, and more time lapsed. Yesterday, I decided it was deciding day. I would go to the LBSes (we have more than one here) & come out with something. It took all day, but I ended up feeling pretty good on this Specialized Sequoia. I wasn't looking at the prices as I tried various bikes but it turned out that the regular Sequoia is not the top in that line -- I hope that I made the right choice (for now anyway). You might detect a little buyer's remorse here...tomorrow I will take it out on a maiden spin, probably about 30 miles which is our average outing a couple times a week.
There's so much to know about all the bikes and components -- a long ways from the bikes we had long ago just to get around -- and I'm not even sure (not being mechanically inclined) if I want to know it all!
Anyway, my point in writing this is to ask if anyone else has had experience with the regular Specialized Sequoia. I'd be interested to know -- go ahead, I can handle any negatives if there are those. Thanks in advance.
The problem is confusion about all the choices--so I would go and try bikes, then go away without making a decision, and more time lapsed. Yesterday, I decided it was deciding day. I would go to the LBSes (we have more than one here) & come out with something. It took all day, but I ended up feeling pretty good on this Specialized Sequoia. I wasn't looking at the prices as I tried various bikes but it turned out that the regular Sequoia is not the top in that line -- I hope that I made the right choice (for now anyway). You might detect a little buyer's remorse here...tomorrow I will take it out on a maiden spin, probably about 30 miles which is our average outing a couple times a week.
There's so much to know about all the bikes and components -- a long ways from the bikes we had long ago just to get around -- and I'm not even sure (not being mechanically inclined) if I want to know it all!
Anyway, my point in writing this is to ask if anyone else has had experience with the regular Specialized Sequoia. I'd be interested to know -- go ahead, I can handle any negatives if there are those. Thanks in advance.
#2
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Yes. My wife and I both had "regular" Sequoias last year. They are a very good bike, and I'm betting in time, you will look back and think you made a very good choice. The components on the one you bought are certainly more than usable, and you'll get many thousands of miles out of that bike with some normal maintenance.
Congrats on your new bike, and post some pics
Steve
Congrats on your new bike, and post some pics
Steve
#3
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I have the Sequoia Elite which I think is a great entry level road bike...not quite sure what the difference is between the base model and the Elite but I'm sure that you made a good choice and will enjoy your new bike for many years and miles.
Congrats!
Congrats!
#5
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Thanks, Steve, Pinstriper and Dauphin, for the encouraging words. I will take photos to share.
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I got my wife (brand new to cycling) a sequoia, she loves it. Even does great risind trails up in oregon anyone know the larges tire with tread I can put on one? i think it has 700 x 28c on it now.
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I had a Sequoia Elite for a rental last week in New Mexico and did a 102 mile ride with it. For the money I think it's a steal. Very, very nice comfortable ride. It's the lowest priced bike I've seen with the carbon fork, seat stays and seat post.
The only thing I didn't like about it was that I'm not sure if it is a stable on really fast descents as a traditional frame. I could not put my knees against the top tube as well to hold it steady. Just my two cents for what it's worth.........
The only thing I didn't like about it was that I'm not sure if it is a stable on really fast descents as a traditional frame. I could not put my knees against the top tube as well to hold it steady. Just my two cents for what it's worth.........
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Is the Sequoia a touring bike? The marketing guys seem to stay away from that word nowadays, but I know the original was, so is it touring or "comfort?" They're very nice, regardless.
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#9
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Specialized lists their Sequoia line (there are three of them: Sequoia Expert, Sequoia Elite, and Sequoia) as road bikes. I will leaving here pretty soon for that anticipated first ride on my new Sequoia. I don't know about it's stability racing downhill -- I probably won't be going there, but it is definitely considered a road, entry level bike, "comfortable" being another adjective.
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The base Seqouia is a very nice bike. Since it was just yesterday, they might let you swap to one of the more expensive ones for the difference in price. I like the middle of the line. The top of the line competes with a bunvh of great bikes like the $2K Trek Pilot. That is a whole different ballgame.
You will like the bike you have; I wouldn't panic over this. But if financially it's not a big deal, I think it would be worth the extra $$ to go for it.
You will like the bike you have; I wouldn't panic over this. But if financially it's not a big deal, I think it would be worth the extra $$ to go for it.
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A couple of years ago I bought a beautiful Specialized Elite, to get me back into cycling after years away. While it was great, and fast, it was also more than my 54 year old body needed. This year I bought a Sequoia, and it is a wonder. Fun like my three speed Raleigh from 40 years ago, comfortable over pavement or crushed rock trails, and fast as I need.
I hope you love yours as much as I do mine! Good Luck.
I hope you love yours as much as I do mine! Good Luck.
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The wife has a regular Sequoia. It is equipped with Sora shifters. I think the the Elites are 105's. Additionally, I think the Elites have a carbon seat stay as well as the carbon fork.
I rode Cathy's about 26 miles yesterday. It is a little small for me, but very comfortable anyway. It was geared a little high for her, even with the triple. When we bought it, we put a mountain cassette on the back the first week. It made a significant difference. It does NOT shift as well, now.
I enjoyed the ride and found the bike reasonably speedy, even though I think the Soras are a pain in the **s.
If you can't find a pristine 1968 Peugot U08 like "Mimi," a Sequoia is not a bad choice for pleasure riding.
Tyson
I rode Cathy's about 26 miles yesterday. It is a little small for me, but very comfortable anyway. It was geared a little high for her, even with the triple. When we bought it, we put a mountain cassette on the back the first week. It made a significant difference. It does NOT shift as well, now.
I enjoyed the ride and found the bike reasonably speedy, even though I think the Soras are a pain in the **s.
If you can't find a pristine 1968 Peugot U08 like "Mimi," a Sequoia is not a bad choice for pleasure riding.
Tyson
#13
Road Runner
I got a standard Sequoia a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, this is my first road bike in 20+ years so I can't compare it to anything else that's current. For example, I think the Sora shifters are absolutely great compared to the downtube-mounted friction shifters on my last road bike.
The standard version has the carbon fork with a suspension seatpost. So far, the bike feels very comfortable and fast, and is certainly a better bike on the pavement than my other bike -- a Giant Sedona trail bike.
The standard version has the carbon fork with a suspension seatpost. So far, the bike feels very comfortable and fast, and is certainly a better bike on the pavement than my other bike -- a Giant Sedona trail bike.
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Shifter
TysonB,
Not to hijak the thread from the OP, but there might be a problem with the stock derallieur handling a mountain cassette. You might have to go to something like a Deore(sp) for that to work well.
You might find more specific advice in the Mechanics forum.
Not to hijak the thread from the OP, but there might be a problem with the stock derallieur handling a mountain cassette. You might have to go to something like a Deore(sp) for that to work well.
You might find more specific advice in the Mechanics forum.
#15
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Thanks to you all for your input about the Specialized Sequioa. This morning we went out for its first spin & I was comfortable with it from the get go. According to the CAT odometer, we rode 36.7 miles, averaging about 11 mph, 21 mph being the highest. Probably just about right for my comfort zone right now (& perhaps forevermore!) It was a gorgeous day here in northern California, so the air temp was pretty comfortable (good thing for the Vineman Marathon which as also taking place here today).
Someone mentioned I might consider the upgraded Sequoia Elite if the LBS would trade it for me. Actually, that was one I had tried some months ago, and would probably have gone for it the other day. However, a lot of the inventory is way down here as they await the 2007 models. I wasn't really looking at cost & when I decided on the regular Sequoia didn't know its price. It felt "right" and I didn't want to wait another day. Had the Elite been available in my size, I might have ended up with that. For now, I'm satisifed and thank everyone for the encouraging words. This bike should serve me just fine for BORP's 100k ride in October. A very large improvement, in terms of energy expended, from the 17 year old Specialized Hardrock that I used the last three years!
If I can figure out how to include the picture, I will --
Someone mentioned I might consider the upgraded Sequoia Elite if the LBS would trade it for me. Actually, that was one I had tried some months ago, and would probably have gone for it the other day. However, a lot of the inventory is way down here as they await the 2007 models. I wasn't really looking at cost & when I decided on the regular Sequoia didn't know its price. It felt "right" and I didn't want to wait another day. Had the Elite been available in my size, I might have ended up with that. For now, I'm satisifed and thank everyone for the encouraging words. This bike should serve me just fine for BORP's 100k ride in October. A very large improvement, in terms of energy expended, from the 17 year old Specialized Hardrock that I used the last three years!
If I can figure out how to include the picture, I will --
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I just spent a good deal of time talking with my lbs owner...a former Santa Rosa resident. Looks like you have some wonderfully varied areas to ride that new bike! Enjoy!
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I bought a new 2004 Sequoia Elite this spring. I have less than 10 miles on it. Instead I ride my Schwinn Cruiser Deluxe with the internal 7 speed hub, the Trek 7300 FX as well as a 1999 Trek 820 that I put Hank 2.2" slick tires on and Freddie fenders. The reason I don't ride the Elite? I am not worthy Yes,it is true. I have returned to more active riding in 2005. That is when I bought the Trek 7300 FX. Rode 2000 miles last year. Been slow going this year as arthritis in my neck and back has really slowed me down.
The Elite is a like looking at a piece of art. I have to ride 4.25 miles through a urban ghetto to get to a MUP. I am afraid someone will bikejack me on the way. Also the roads are terrible with busted booze bottles and potholes,railroad crossings and such. I don't have a car to cart the Elite to the bike path. So for now it just sits. A piece of art. An inspiration. A calling... Maybe come September I will be psyched enough to ride it. Meanwhile the other bikes will suffice. I should have ridden about 1500+ by then so maybe I can even coax a little bit of speed,say 15 MPH average,out of it.
littledog
The Elite is a like looking at a piece of art. I have to ride 4.25 miles through a urban ghetto to get to a MUP. I am afraid someone will bikejack me on the way. Also the roads are terrible with busted booze bottles and potholes,railroad crossings and such. I don't have a car to cart the Elite to the bike path. So for now it just sits. A piece of art. An inspiration. A calling... Maybe come September I will be psyched enough to ride it. Meanwhile the other bikes will suffice. I should have ridden about 1500+ by then so maybe I can even coax a little bit of speed,say 15 MPH average,out of it.
littledog
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Me Too!
I bought my Sequoia Elite the same day you bought your Sequoia--last Saturday. I too love it. I have not ridden a true road bike in years, and this one reminds me what I have been missing.
One bike shop person told me that Specialized has dropped the Sequoia from its '07 lineup. According to this person, the Sequoia is one of their shops best sellers, so they are having a hard time understanding this. Is it true??
One bike shop person told me that Specialized has dropped the Sequoia from its '07 lineup. According to this person, the Sequoia is one of their shops best sellers, so they are having a hard time understanding this. Is it true??
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That is not what the dealer in Nevada City told me. He said that the Sequoia was still in the line up and he had a 2007 catalogue.
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not to rain on your parade, but you might want to check your shoe/tire overlap clearance - see the thread in this 50+ forum 'Toe touches tire', just north of this thread. Thread is about 'overlap' problem on a small sized Sequoia.
If you;re not sure how to check for 'overlap' - clip your cycle shoe into the pedal (assuming you have 'clipless' not platform pedals), angle the front wheel so the tire edge is 'inline' with the path your shoe scribes as it pedals (means the wheel is angled, as if you were in a turn). Check to see if the shoe toe strikes the tire. usually that means the crank arm and shoe are parallel to the ground or slightly above parallel at max reach to tire. If your shoe toe strikes the tire or is really, really close (2mm), read my post in "toe touches tire' and then go back to the bike shop and have them resolve the issue.
If you;re not sure how to check for 'overlap' - clip your cycle shoe into the pedal (assuming you have 'clipless' not platform pedals), angle the front wheel so the tire edge is 'inline' with the path your shoe scribes as it pedals (means the wheel is angled, as if you were in a turn). Check to see if the shoe toe strikes the tire. usually that means the crank arm and shoe are parallel to the ground or slightly above parallel at max reach to tire. If your shoe toe strikes the tire or is really, really close (2mm), read my post in "toe touches tire' and then go back to the bike shop and have them resolve the issue.
#21
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I bought my Sequoia Elite about five weeks ago. I'm liking it more and more. Haven't owned a roadie since '78. Things have changed. I got rid of the cheesy saddle that came with it and put on a new Brooks B17. Much better. Very impressed wit the ride quality. I'm not too sure I like the front derailleur action, tho. My Trek 520 has the same 105 stuff and shifts smooth like butter. The one on the Sequoia is a little clunky by comparison. I'll be talking about that to the tune-up tech when I take it in for it's first shop tweaking. I think it's just because the brifters aren't friction-type.
All-in-all, a very good comfortable road bike that's fairly fast.
All-in-all, a very good comfortable road bike that's fairly fast.
#22
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Originally Posted by emjae
It felt "right" and I didn't want to wait another day. Had the Elite been available in my size, I might have ended up with that. For now, I'm satisifed and thank everyone for the encouraging words. This bike should serve me just fine for BORP's 100k ride in October. A very large improvement, in terms of energy expended, from the 17 year old Specialized Hardrock that I used the last three years!
If I can figure out how to include the picture, I will --
If I can figure out how to include the picture, I will --
Emjae- I have ridden Mountain bikes for 16 years and have in the past done a few century road rides on rubbish bikes. Have also done some extended Offroad rides on good equipment too but basically I am a mountain biker with Mountain bikes that do everything.
However- 2 months ago I crossed over to the dark side and bought a Road bike. Only a bottom of the range Giant SCR but it has opened up a different side to biking for me. Not saying that I will change over to road riding but If I am doing a road ride- then the Giant comes out to give me a far more enjoyable ride.
Well done on the Sequoia by the way as this is one of the most popular race/road bikes for the non racing group in the UK and its reputation is pretty high. All you have to do now is ride it to get rid of the "Newness" in the bearings and get those final little adjustments sorted and you'll be ready for your next 100K- or will it be miles this time?
personal note- Glad to see another rider going for the Compact frame. Attachment is of my Compact frame- Before the adjustments were made. So far I have only had to change the pedals and the Bar stem. Hope you have as few modifications to make.
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#23
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I've been trying to post this picture for awhile now...let's see if it worked.
Yes!
Yes!
Last edited by SemperFi; 09-24-06 at 04:52 PM.
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My wife also has this same bike (2005)...she really likes it...very comfortable and reliable...I think you made a terrific choice! Frank