geezerwheels

tested a late model Sequoia at LBS today, which felt quite comfortable. it was a new/old stock and they are asking $1250. went home to look at the specs in detail on the Specialized website, but apparently this model is not being sold now.

this made me feel uncomfortable...was the new model a lemon? (one arguably paranoid thought was that perhaps the carbon seat stays separate from the rest of the frame) Is this ZERT technology a gimmick, prone to stress cracking or failure?
and...is $1250 a good deal?

Beaker

Check out this part of the specialized website

https://www.specialized.com/us/en/support/archive

Zerts have been a part of the Roubaix line for years - I've had one for 6yrs, no liabilities with the inserts.

Edit: it looks like 2009 was the last time they made the Sequoia. $1250 sounds a bit much to me.

mje

Sequoia was replaced by the Secteur. The Secteur is essentially the same, maybe a little curvier. They are entry level aluminum road bikes.

I've put over 25,000 miles on my '08 Sequoia Elite in just under 4 years without any problem at all.

canyoneagle

Need more to go on - which model? "Elite", "comp", regular? Which year/component group? I'd definitely ask the LBS so you know what you're looking at.
- what kind of riding? Casual? Group rides / fast recreational rides? Commuting? Racing?

In all cases, the Sequoia is an entry level bike oriented more towards comfort (Maybe a precursor to the Secteur). If you're after something for casual riding, moderate group rides, centuries/fundraising rides and that sort of things, it might be a good choice. Still, it's hard to say not knowing what year/equipment level it has. I also agree that $1250 sounds a touch steep, knowing that the Elite was a 105 bike IIRC

Beaker

The sectuer is basically an aluminum version of the Roubaix. The frame is a little more aggressive than the Sequoia.

geezerwheels

<$1250 sounds a bit much to me.>

shoulda mentioned it was equipped with shimano 105

Beaker

4yr old 105, I'm still not convinced, a 2013 sectuer with Tiagra has a list price of $1200.

catonec 

the 2009 spec sequoia elite (105 group) was $1250 brand new (09 regular sequoia was 880 w/sora/tiagra). No way should you pay full retail for a 4 year old bike even if its still new. offer the lbs $1000.

https://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/B...e#.URcsNGdRq4A

99Klein 

I'd pass. Even $1000 is too much.

canyoneagle

I'd pass or see if they can drop the price. If you keep your eyes peeled, you can get a new 105 or Apex bike in that price range (cue Competitive Cyclist, et al)

willawingwong

I would pass. You can get a newer bike for that price or a better one if you buy used. Not exactly comparable but my friend bought a 2005 Sequoia equipped with sora/tiagra for $200. It was heavy as heck.

geezerwheels

got it. thanks all for the advice.

Velo Dog

Nice bike, the last one I ruled out before I went full midlife crisis and bought my Atlantis in 2008 or '09.
As others have said, though, $1250 seems pretty high.

TheRedWolf

The obvious question seems to be, why do they have a 4 year old bike in stock?

But as for the Sequoia itself, I bought my 2007 on an end of model year closeout sale. I have 21k miles on it, only major repair was a bottom bracket at ~12-15k. I'm very happy with it, it is still my daily rider, and it will become my bad weather bike when I upgrade.

terrymorse 

Average asking price for a used 2009 Specialized Sequoia is $627. I wouldn't pay much more than that for a new one. Wheel it out of the shop, and you'll be lucky to sell it for $600.

Yes, Zert is a gimmick. It's purported to reduce vibrations and increase comfort, but it's only effective at higher frequencies where it has no impact on comfort. Haven't heard of any failures, though.

No, $1250 is not a good deal for this bike.

geezerwheels

SPEAKING OF GIMMICKS, how about the Trek Domane frame, in which the top of the seat tube is connected to the rest of the frame by some resilient material, instead of being welded or directly fused, member to member...

That of course raises the question of why the base model Domane is offered with Tiagra components, whereas its anagramic mate, the Madone (without this resilient feature) is offered with 105's--at the identical list price, down to the penny.

Sidney Porter

Odd size? Large bikes seem to stick around for awhile.

geezerwheels

time to stick a fork in this one. just ordered a CrossRip. (what the??? you can read my rationale in my post in 50 Plus)

canyoneagle

Nice! Those look like alot of fun.

MetalPedaler

O-K, too late now...but just FYI- the 105 equipped Sequoia is the "Sequoia Elite" and it retailed for $1250 brand new (Which meant, even when current, it could be had even cheaper, on discount, or at end of season).

I would have offered $600-$700, tops.

I would also NEVER do business with that shop- as they're clearly trying to take advantage of customers whom they think are clueless! Full MSRP for a NOS low-end bike? RIDICULOUS!