TheKnack

I'd like to get a road bike for commuting, training, and maybe group rides in the future. I'm 6'1" 220#, and I have very tight hamstrings that sometimes lead to back issues. It looks like the Sequoia has a slightly less aggressive riding posture.

Is this a decent road bike? Or should I just get something like the Roubaix Triple?

TheKnack

anybody?

rickson

I bought this exact bike for commuting. Have about 200 miles on and can say that i'm really content with my purchase. The ride is very smooth and responsive. I'm no expert though.

icyclist 

I can't write about the Sequoia, although I know people that have them and like them. Yes, it's a decent bike. Group rides? If you're going out for casual group rides, where you stop for lunch on Sunday, yeah. If you're going to join a group of racers, the Sequoia is at the low end - cost and weight-wise - of what a lot of people will probably be riding (not that it matters).

You get what you pay for. Or maybe it's better to say you get less when you pay more, because the Roubaix - I ride the Expert - is, among other things, a lighter bike than the Sequoia. And, like the Sequoia, it's not designed to put you into a pretzel position.

I'd get the best bike I could afford, without making my family skip a few meals each month. But remember, it's gonna be like a dog chasing its tail - there's always another "better" bike out there, and either of those bikes - and so many others - would more than fit the bill for you.

late

Hi,
one of the things that gives a bike a sweet ride is a decently large tire.
The Seqouia used to accept mid-size tires. But for 2009 that changed and I no longer recommend them to people.

There are similar bikes from other brands that will take a medium sized tire.

You didn't mention a budget.

Tight hamstrings are common among cyclists. I have them more often than not.
I should stretch every day (sigh). But one thing I do that is good is strengthen
the backs of my legs and butt. That will often help a lot.

I don't think the Sequoia has rack mounts. That means it won't take a typical
rack. This is a strike against it as a commuter.

The Surly LHT is a touring bike. It's a terrific commuter. Not so much a go fast bike...

I have a Gunnar Sport. Depending on the wheels it can commute, or hang with
a pretty fast pack. It's a very nice bike, unfortunately the price has gone up a bit in recent years. Mine is set up so that I can even do lite touring. I have it because I made the mistake of test riding it. It put a smile on my face.

There are a bunch of other bikes, like the Salsa Casseroll, but it would help if we knew the budget.

NeezyDeezy

The sequoia is an amazing commuting and distance bike (maybe one of the best), and my all around favorite bike, but it sucks for speed. (I also own a tarmac.) Basically, it comes down to whether or not you need a rack. If you do, go sequoia, if not, go roubaix.

BillyD

It's definitely a decent bike. Good ride, no complaints. Rode mine for a year.

I got rid of it because I hate sloped top tubes. I think big tall guys like me look doofus on compact frames, like I'm riding a kid's bike . . . . and BillyD does not like to look doofus.

Zauber

I have a 2006 Sequoia Elite (mostly 105 components) that I have put 7000 miles on in the last 28 months. I have a rear rack on it and occasionally ride with some small panniers. I have a 28c tire on the back and a 25c on the front. The crank is a 52/42/30 triple ( a waste, I literally never use the 30 tooth ring). The bike rides very comfortably and is fast enough, I average 20+ mph on solo rides. The very tall head tube makes it difficult to get into an aero position in a headwind tho, that is what makes the bike slower on average than more conventional road frames i think.

The fitter at my shop mentioned that he often had trouble fitting people to this frame because the effective top tube is relatively short. Apparently this is not a problem for me i have long legs for my height. If you have short legs and a long torso it might not work for you.

TheKnack

Thanks for the replies.

I'd like to stick to $1000, but I'd go up to $1500 for the "right bike".

I've also been thinking about the Salsa La Cruz and Trek Portland.

bent eagle

I just bought an '08 Sequoia Elite for about $1100. It is the model with the carbon seat stays. Rides great, and DOES have rack mounts.