Hey griffster, congratulations on your new Sequoia. I was sure that you would like it if you got the chance to give it a spin and I guess it sort of reaffirms my own decision to buy the bike. I knew when I test rode it that this was the bike for me. It almost seems like when the bike is the right one, it picks you, instead of vice versa.

Since this is also my first road bike in many a year, and my most recent experience is limited to only this particular bike, I'm not able to give you any further insight about the tires or saddle simply because I don't have a basis for comparison. I stayed with the stock tires and saddle because they just felt right.

I'm sure that there are other BF members who can give you their input on those questions. Regardless, you got yourself a terrific bike and I'm sure you'll enjoy it as much as I am.