Is this a DEAL or what?
05-02-06, 07:02 PM
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Is this a DEAL or what?
For those of you who suffered through all five pages of my last thread (Bad Back...Need Advice), I'll try not to bore you with the details. For those of you who weren't interested I'll give you the Readers Digest version.
My original dilemma was whether to go with a straight bar or drop bar bike. Comfort was and is a major issue due to a chronic back condition, namely, two lower herniated discs. After many responses from Forum members and test rides on both types of bike at the LBS on three separate occasions I decided to go with a road bike with a more relaxed geometry. This past Saturday my intent was to test ride a Trek Pilot 1.2 (List Price $990...can be had for $875)). It has a mixture of Tiagra and 105 components, but mostly Tiagra. As luck would have it the LBS did not have one in stock but asked if I would be interested in a 2005 Model Specialized Sequoia Elite.
I knew this bike was out of my price range until he told me that I could have it for $800. The 2006 Model lists for $1200. Not being real bike savvy this still sounded like a pretty good price to me. I took a test ride for about 30 minutes and REALLY liked this bike. It has full Shimano 105 componentry, carbon front and rear forks, with only minor differences from the 2006 Model (including color). The only differences of note were the tires and chainring. The 2005 has Specialized All Condition Tires, 700 x 25c aramid bead while the 2006 has Specialized All Condition Tires, 700 x 25c w/Flak Jacket. For the chainring the 2005 has 52A x 42A x 32s and the 2006 has 50 x 39 x 30.
Is this deal too good to pass up? My inclination is that it is and if so do I dare ask the LBS to sweeten the pot a bit more...maybe better tires...cage and water bottle...etc?
My original dilemma was whether to go with a straight bar or drop bar bike. Comfort was and is a major issue due to a chronic back condition, namely, two lower herniated discs. After many responses from Forum members and test rides on both types of bike at the LBS on three separate occasions I decided to go with a road bike with a more relaxed geometry. This past Saturday my intent was to test ride a Trek Pilot 1.2 (List Price $990...can be had for $875)). It has a mixture of Tiagra and 105 components, but mostly Tiagra. As luck would have it the LBS did not have one in stock but asked if I would be interested in a 2005 Model Specialized Sequoia Elite.
I knew this bike was out of my price range until he told me that I could have it for $800. The 2006 Model lists for $1200. Not being real bike savvy this still sounded like a pretty good price to me. I took a test ride for about 30 minutes and REALLY liked this bike. It has full Shimano 105 componentry, carbon front and rear forks, with only minor differences from the 2006 Model (including color). The only differences of note were the tires and chainring. The 2005 has Specialized All Condition Tires, 700 x 25c aramid bead while the 2006 has Specialized All Condition Tires, 700 x 25c w/Flak Jacket. For the chainring the 2005 has 52A x 42A x 32s and the 2006 has 50 x 39 x 30.
Is this deal too good to pass up? My inclination is that it is and if so do I dare ask the LBS to sweeten the pot a bit more...maybe better tires...cage and water bottle...etc?
Last edited by SemperFi; 05-02-06 at 07:19 PM.
05-02-06, 07:12 PM
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Where is it in your price range? If 800 is a little bit of a stretch, then I'd say try to bargain a little. If it's safely within your price range, and you love the bike, I'd say get it.
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05-02-06, 07:17 PM
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I was willing to go for the $875 for the Pilot so it fits in my price range quite nicely.
05-02-06, 07:30 PM
#4
Jet Jockey
Ha!
I KNEW I'd see this thread!
Come on, Sequoia owners...cough up some opinions!
It may be difficult to get them to "throw in" much more. I don't know how badly they want to unload last year's stock, or if they feel at that price that it wouldn't take long for them to find a different buyer. If the store is super "posh", maybe being last year's model matters to their regular clientele.
Cages and bottles are cheap...you may easily get that. Better tires depends on your definition of better. Armadillos? That's probably the only "upgrade" in that tire/size, and a set could run $60. Hope you're persuasive!
Oh...don't leave the store without a good pump. Doesn't mean super expensive, (quite happy with my Serfas FP 200), just one that will get to the high pressures that road tires require without injuring yourself. Don't ask.
I KNEW I'd see this thread!
Come on, Sequoia owners...cough up some opinions!
It may be difficult to get them to "throw in" much more. I don't know how badly they want to unload last year's stock, or if they feel at that price that it wouldn't take long for them to find a different buyer. If the store is super "posh", maybe being last year's model matters to their regular clientele.
Cages and bottles are cheap...you may easily get that. Better tires depends on your definition of better. Armadillos? That's probably the only "upgrade" in that tire/size, and a set could run $60. Hope you're persuasive!
Oh...don't leave the store without a good pump. Doesn't mean super expensive, (quite happy with my Serfas FP 200), just one that will get to the high pressures that road tires require without injuring yourself. Don't ask.
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05-02-06, 07:37 PM
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Didn't want to disappoint you Banzai. I figured that you would be looking for it 
05-02-06, 07:43 PM
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Try to get a % of additional purchases when you buy (a standard perk). You then have $75 in your budget for pedals, shoes, clothes, pump or whatever other accessories you need.
05-02-06, 10:31 PM
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Yes, it's a good deal. Don't buy it because of the deal though. Buy it only if it is the RIGHT bike.
I wouldn't bargain for any more $$ off the price. Ask for a water bottle cage and if they'll give you a discount on accessories you purchase at the same time. Then, get a patch kit, tire levers, a spare tube, and pump.
I wouldn't bargain for any more $$ off the price. Ask for a water bottle cage and if they'll give you a discount on accessories you purchase at the same time. Then, get a patch kit, tire levers, a spare tube, and pump.
05-03-06, 06:40 AM
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I just bought an 05 Sequoia Elite about six weeks ago, and while I did get a lower price than list (the 05 actually listed for $1300), I didn't get a deal anything like that! If it's the right bike for you, go for it -- I think that's a fabulous price.
BTW, there is one other difference between the 05 and the 06: the 06 has a carbon seatpost with "Zertz" insert (Specialized marketing ploy), while the 05 has an alloy suspension seatpost. I didn't want a carbon seatpost, so this was okay with me, but you may feel differently.
I really love the bike so far. It's fast enough for me (I can easily keep up with my husband on his Specialized Roubaix), and because it has rack eyelets, it has a little more flexibility than most straight road bikes. And it's so comfortable!
Definitely go for it if you like the bike. It's a great deal.
BTW, there is one other difference between the 05 and the 06: the 06 has a carbon seatpost with "Zertz" insert (Specialized marketing ploy), while the 05 has an alloy suspension seatpost. I didn't want a carbon seatpost, so this was okay with me, but you may feel differently.
I really love the bike so far. It's fast enough for me (I can easily keep up with my husband on his Specialized Roubaix), and because it has rack eyelets, it has a little more flexibility than most straight road bikes. And it's so comfortable!
Definitely go for it if you like the bike. It's a great deal.
05-03-06, 07:22 AM
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Originally Posted by SemperFi
For those of you who suffered through all five pages of my last thread (Bad Back...Need Advice), I'll try not to bore you with the details. For those of you who weren't interested I'll give you the Readers Digest version.
My original dilemma was whether to go with a straight bar or drop bar bike. Comfort was and is a major issue due to a chronic back condition, namely, two lower herniated discs. After many responses from Forum members and test rides on both types of bike at the LBS on three separate occasions I decided to go with a road bike with a more relaxed geometry. This past Saturday my intent was to test ride a Trek Pilot 1.2 (List Price $990...can be had for $875)). It has a mixture of Tiagra and 105 components, but mostly Tiagra. As luck would have it the LBS did not have one in stock but asked if I would be interested in a 2005 Model Specialized Sequoia Elite.
I knew this bike was out of my price range until he told me that I could have it for $800. The 2006 Model lists for $1200. Not being real bike savvy this still sounded like a pretty good price to me. I took a test ride for about 30 minutes and REALLY liked this bike. It has full Shimano 105 componentry, carbon front and rear forks, with only minor differences from the 2006 Model (including color). The only differences of note were the tires and chainring. The 2005 has Specialized All Condition Tires, 700 x 25c aramid bead while the 2006 has Specialized All Condition Tires, 700 x 25c w/Flak Jacket. For the chainring the 2005 has 52A x 42A x 32s and the 2006 has 50 x 39 x 30.
Is this deal too good to pass up? My inclination is that it is and if so do I dare ask the LBS to sweeten the pot a bit more...maybe better tires...cage and water bottle...etc?
My original dilemma was whether to go with a straight bar or drop bar bike. Comfort was and is a major issue due to a chronic back condition, namely, two lower herniated discs. After many responses from Forum members and test rides on both types of bike at the LBS on three separate occasions I decided to go with a road bike with a more relaxed geometry. This past Saturday my intent was to test ride a Trek Pilot 1.2 (List Price $990...can be had for $875)). It has a mixture of Tiagra and 105 components, but mostly Tiagra. As luck would have it the LBS did not have one in stock but asked if I would be interested in a 2005 Model Specialized Sequoia Elite.
I knew this bike was out of my price range until he told me that I could have it for $800. The 2006 Model lists for $1200. Not being real bike savvy this still sounded like a pretty good price to me. I took a test ride for about 30 minutes and REALLY liked this bike. It has full Shimano 105 componentry, carbon front and rear forks, with only minor differences from the 2006 Model (including color). The only differences of note were the tires and chainring. The 2005 has Specialized All Condition Tires, 700 x 25c aramid bead while the 2006 has Specialized All Condition Tires, 700 x 25c w/Flak Jacket. For the chainring the 2005 has 52A x 42A x 32s and the 2006 has 50 x 39 x 30.
Is this deal too good to pass up? My inclination is that it is and if so do I dare ask the LBS to sweeten the pot a bit more...maybe better tires...cage and water bottle...etc?
05-03-06, 10:05 AM
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Originally Posted by shokhead
Easy,the Specialized,you'll love it as long as the fit is right,then the price is right.
05-04-06, 05:37 PM
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I called the LBS today and told them that I would take the deal. I will pick up my new ride on Sunday. Can't wait!
05-04-06, 06:19 PM
#12
Jet Jockey
Congratulations, my friend! Tell us how it is!
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Good night...and good luck
Good night...and good luck
05-04-06, 08:45 PM
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I sure will. And thanks to all for the comments, suggestions and encouragement, especially my friend the Jet Jockey!
05-07-06, 02:48 PM
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I just picked up my new bike today! What a really nice ride (Specialized Sequoia Elite) on a beautiful day. I just got back from a short six mile spin on my new wheels...didn't want to overdo it on my first ride and with my 55 year old bones...and I feel totally invigorated. My goal is to ride with my son in next years NYC Five Borough Bike Tour which, coincidently, was held today.
Now a plug for the LBS (Roy's Sheepshead Cycle Shop) whose owner spent about 45 minutes with me making all of the necessary adjustments, explaining the shifters, demonstrating how to get in and out of the pedals safely, etc. The reason I mention this is because I had read some disparaging remarks about this particular LBS on one of the Forums...don't remember if it was this one or not...and I just wanted to tell of my own experience. They were friendly, knowledgeable, and most accomodating. Although certainly not a big deal the owner even threw in a cage and water bottle without me having to ask for it. At least two friends of mine also go to this LBS and they have only had good things to say as well. I also had a good experience at The Verrazano Cycle Shop and, in fact, my son bought his Trek there and was very pleased with their service. I didn't go back to that LBS because they no longer carry Specialized bikes.
Anyway, after weeks of agonizing about which bike to get, I can now just enjoy it. Does anyone have any recommendations for a decent pair of half fingered gloves...gel or not? Oh no! Here we go again!!!
Now a plug for the LBS (Roy's Sheepshead Cycle Shop) whose owner spent about 45 minutes with me making all of the necessary adjustments, explaining the shifters, demonstrating how to get in and out of the pedals safely, etc. The reason I mention this is because I had read some disparaging remarks about this particular LBS on one of the Forums...don't remember if it was this one or not...and I just wanted to tell of my own experience. They were friendly, knowledgeable, and most accomodating. Although certainly not a big deal the owner even threw in a cage and water bottle without me having to ask for it. At least two friends of mine also go to this LBS and they have only had good things to say as well. I also had a good experience at The Verrazano Cycle Shop and, in fact, my son bought his Trek there and was very pleased with their service. I didn't go back to that LBS because they no longer carry Specialized bikes.
Anyway, after weeks of agonizing about which bike to get, I can now just enjoy it. Does anyone have any recommendations for a decent pair of half fingered gloves...gel or not? Oh no! Here we go again!!!
05-07-06, 03:01 PM
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The LBS had them and they felt very comfortable when I tried them on but they didn't have my size. Which BG?...Sport, Comp, Gel, Pro?
