Originally Posted by jacquisun
My riding expectations (but remember, I'm currently on an old steel mt. bike of the 90s) is to ride 3x/week 1-3 hour rides, trying to go from a typical 20-25 mile ride to hitting 50 more often (or ever?). Don't plan to compete/race, but would like to find myself riding the Blue Ridge Parkway without fearing the hills! I live in Asheville NC, where flat really means less hilly--and hilly means impossible for me right now! So weight is very important. I'm female, early 40's, in decent but not perfect biking condition.
Anyone have a Sequoia that can also comment on all this? Are there any women on this forum? If so, can you comment on Women Specific Bikes such as those mentioned. My price range currently is $900-$1300 with hopes to stay nearer to $1000 to leave $ for pedals, new helmet, shoes, gel gloves . . .
I'm at the point of "too much info"!
I purchased a Sequoia Elite in late March, and have put 600 miles on it so far. When it comes to climbing hills, the Sequoia, or any road bike with a triple chainring is going to make a huge difference in that respect. As far as comfort goes, it is comfortable for a road bike, and reasonably quick. I definitely noticed a performance boost over my mid '80s Schwinn. There are some here who think the Sequoia is a prettied up hybrid, but that just ain't so. I've ridden a hybrid, and the Sequoia is no hybrid(Thank God!). You get that feeling of efficient speed you can only get from a road bike on a Sequoia.
As far as touring is concerned, I think the Sequoia would make a better than average tourer for riders of average weight. I'm 300 lbs and my wheels have held up rather well. For average riders under 220 should have no problem loading panniers and touring, provided they stay on the road.