DougG

I had pretty much decided on a Specialized Sequoia for casual pavement riding, but checking with another LBS that sells both Specialized and Giant, they claimed that they had not sold all that many Sequoias since the Giant OCR3 was pretty much equivalent and about $120 less. I took a ride on one that they had and it seemed to ride pretty smoothly. It doesn't have the suspension seat post of the Sequoia, but then again some claim that those are not the best idea on a road bike.

Does anyone have any opinions on this comparison? I had not considered the OCR3 before, but it might suit my needs. I'll have to go back and look over the specs again, but should probably get my mind made up by next week.

-- Doug

Lion Steve

I've been having the same issues with the decision between the Trek Pilot 1.0 and the Sequoia. I may have to look closer at the Giant OCR3. I'm still not sure about my decision not to go for a flat bar road bike. Too many choices to ponder.

Monoborracho

I wrestled these same issues, concerning the same bikes, for several months, then a few weeks ago saw a flat bar Fuji, last year's model, on sale. I bought it, bought a Brooks seat and SPD pedals, took a few accessories off a little used mountain bike, and I now have about 300 miles on the Fuji. So far so good. I was looking for a drop bar entry level bike with an upright geometry when I found the Fuji. I really like the flat bar road bike.

TysonB

Doug,

My wife has had a lower end Sequoia for about six months. She likes it quite a bit. She is a "re-entry" rider who rides twice weekly 15 to 20 mile rides.

Another friend of ours has the upscale Sequoia and also enjoys his. He is a very experienced and high mileage guy. He has the more active suspension and the carbon fiber rear stays.

When we shopped around, there wasn't as much difference in the price between the Giant and the Sequoia as you apparently are finding now. In fact, the Sequoia seemed like the same price for the same grade components, etc.

Just passing the info on.

Tyson

jcm

I just bought a Sequoia Elite on Father's Day. So far, I have 120+ miles on it and have a saturday century coming up. Very comfortable ride, I must say. Still tweaking the drops, though. I don't like drops. I tried an OCR1, which has equivilent 105 components. I didn't feel like the ride was as smooth. Also, the Sequoia was on sale and seemed to fit better. Subjective, I know.

I'm coming off a Trek 520 touring bike, which is like a limo. The Sequoia is so much like the Trek, that I almost can't call it a road bike, in the true sense. Actually, it isn't. The Sequoia is, I think, another niche bike. Part roadie and part tourer. It's lighter by 4lbs, but has the same top ring, so it's faster. I left the LBS and rode for 65 miles with one 5 minute stop. It really covers ground.

So, to me, the Sequoia is in good company in my stable. I like Shimano 105 componentry. It's common and good quality and I prefer to standardize my equipment. Both the Trek and Seq Elite have 105.

There are so many good choices out there that it really comes down to "picking the fly specks out of the pepper" sometimes.

stapfam

Giants make a good bike. Or at least the frame is superb. Problem I have found with the OffRoad Giants are the wheels. Admittedly a few years ago But the formula hubs are not that great- but then I am not a fan of any inhouse Hubs.

Having just bought a low end Giant, but not the OCR range, I am pleased with the riding of my "SCR" 3.0. Giant have always made a good frame- but so have Specialised. Drive chain will be the deciding factor on these bikes and you will have to expect to upgrade parts on both bikes as they wear out. Still can't decide- then go on weight of the bike. Still can't decide- go by colour.

Sorry I cannot offer any more advice than that as I am too new into road riding, but so far I am pleased with the Giant I have bought. Spec sheets may decide you but the final decision is down to a test ride. Both bikes for the price are good- Both manufacturers make a good bike and both have a good warranty system. Now If the OCR3 is that much cheaper- Why not look at the OCR2 if it on the same price ratio?

SemperFi

Got a 2005 model Sequoia Elite a few months ago after several months of research and test riding. I also agonized over the whole straight bar/drop bar decision. I like the extra hand positions that a drop bar bike allows and those extra brakes on the Sequoia sure come in handy.

I also tried the Trek Pilot 1.0 and 2.1 but felt more comfortable on the Sequoia and got it cheaper than the other two bikes. If I was buying again today I would make the same decision and go for the Sequoia. It's comfortable, moves when you want it to, is light and responsive, and suits my riding needs perfectly.

Good luck on your decision...half the fun is the whole process of deciding which bike to get, test riding, evaluating, etc. In the long run, get the bike that feels and fits the best.

capejohn

I have never looked at a Sequoia, but I own an OCR3 and am very happy with it. There were/are no issues. I have around 2500 miles on it.

DougG

Thanks for the comments, everyone. I returned to the LBS today and ordered the Sequoia -- it will take about a week for one in my size to get here. I think I'll like it, as I have not heard of anyone who owns this model who does not seem to like it a lot.

One thing that impressed me was that the shop matched the price given to me at another shop, coming down about $40 from what they normally quote, and just taking my word for it. The place that I'm buying it at is much closer, and I think they're more knowledgeable about setting up road bikes, so overall I'm happy with making the choice of bike and LBS and am looking forward to picking it up next weekend.

SemperFi

Congrats, I'm sure that you'll love the bike. The hard part now is waiting a week for it to arrive.

When you get some miles on it let us know your impressions of the bike. I'm thrilled with mine.

jcm

I think you'll like the Sequoia alot. I just got back from that century I wrote about earlier. I'm 50, weigh 225 and I can say that the Seq will go the distance, as advertised. My knees feel less stressed with the lighter bike. After 100 miles I definitely feel the knees with my Trek 520. I suppose if I were touring I wouldn't push for a century, though. With the drops, I'm going to go back to the LBS and swap for a 90mm stem ext instead of the current 110mm. Fine tuning, small things show up on long rides and I need this bike to do everything it's capable of. At this point, I'm sure it will.

I stopped at about 70 miles to do a quick cable adjustment due to stretching, tilted the saddle a tad, and off I went. I'll be getting a Brooks for this bike because I'm no casual rider. Brooks saddles are definitely the overwhelming choice for distance. The cheap Milano gets hot.

I like the fact that they added hardpoints for water bottles. This bike is nice to you on hills. Tomorrow, I ride 35 miles on Bainbridge Island here in Puget Sound. It's going to be hot and there will be hills there.

I'm glad I bought this bike. I'm no roadie and haven't ridden one since 1978, but I like what this bike does. Good Luck and have fun!