bbeck

I would like to start focusing on some longer distance rides this year. i plan to do my first century this year and am trying to do some window shopping and planning on rides to come. i have a 2008 Specialized Sequoia Elite and wonder who else does any distance on a Sequoia? i would like to see pics of Sequoias with racks or bags and see what the pros and cons of your set up is. i do not intend to do any week long adventures just 1-2 day stuff in the near future. i am going to start comuting to work a few days a week starting this spring and will need a way of hauling a change of clothes and lunch so im looking for options.

thanks in advance.

kk4df

As long as you can get comfortable on the bike, you can ride it for fairly long distances. For me, that means I can have the handlebar up level with or slightly above the seat, I can fit wider tires if desired (28mm minimum, 35mm if desired), and can fit front and rear fenders for rainy days. Then mounting for front and/or rear racks is a nice addition. Most upright bikes that fit are fine for a century ride, but longer rides can give me some back pain if the bars are too low or the tires are too skinny (bumpier ride). I also need a shoe and pedal combination that doesn't give me hot spots on my feet.

This season, I'm riding a recumbent for both commuting and long distance. I still have uprights for mountain biking and touring.

bbeck

here is what i am working with. I am running 700/25 tires now but can fit 700/28.

njkayaker

A friend of mine did loaded touring on the GAP/C&O on a Sequoia just fine. It's a good, versatile bike.

He was able to put 32mm cyclocross tires on it but has to deflate the tires to get them past the brake calipers. He tried 35mm tires but there wasn't quite enough clearance (the rear tire rubbed against the chain stay under load).

mje

I bought a 08 Sequoia Elite last spring and rode it in 3 organized centuries this summer, and had no problems other than one flat. I didn't add any racks or bags other than a seat wedge, a PI model much smaller than your seat bag.

bent eagle

I put about 1000 miles on a Sequoia in 09, including the Solvang Century. I found it to be fairly comfortable for a road bike (I mostly ride recumbents). It obviously puts the rider into a fairly upright position, so it is not a speed demon, but it is friendlier for my achy back. Also, as with any bike, but especially more upright ones, saddle selection is more important than would be the case if you're a lean-forward, hammer the pedals type of rider. The stock one was OK, but I'm ordering a Brooks to see if I can get the bike to be comfortable enough to ride even longer distances for those hilly rides that aren't as recumbent-friendly.

10 Wheels

I use a quick release seat post rack and frame bag.

bbeck

i like the stock seat ok as well but plan to order a Brooks next week. wich one did you decide to go with?

Marcello

Based on my experience, I would say that the Sequoia is an excellent choice for long distance riding and for commuting.

I have done 4 seasons of randonneuring on my Specialized Sequoia Elite. This includes 5 SR series, 2 R-12 series, two 1000k brevets and one 1200k. I have also done two years of commuting on it.

Over the years a lot has changed on it from the stock components. I use a Brooks saddle, 28 mm tires (Conti 4 seasons), a Shimano "touring" crank with smaller chainrings, a shorter stem, and a different cassette (12-27 rather than the stock 12-25, and I will try a 14-25 this year). Overall, I am quite pleased with it.

As far as bags, I have used a Carradice Nelson Longflap or an Arkel trunk bag for the first three years, and overall I was pleased with them (although the Arkel bag was on the small side). Last year I got a Topeak rack and a Topeak MTX trunk bag, which had expandable side panniers that work well for lightweight items, and also has room to carry two additional water bottles. I am very happy with that bag.

bent eagle

I'm planning to order the B17 Imperial tomorrow from wallbike.com (I tried to order it on Saturday but they are closed weekends). I almost ordered the standard B17, but I like the idea of the cutout on the Imperial. Which one are you planning to order?

bbeck

What year Sequoia Elite is yours? Does it have the carbon seat stays? if so i would like to see how you have your rack mounted any pictures would be appreciated.