Informanic

I am trying to figure out which bike to buy: A Surly Midnight Special vs. a Specialized Sequoia with upgraded Ultegra 6800 drivetrain. Surly is brand new. Sequoia is used but in good condition. Surly is 1700ish Sequoia is 1200. I can't decide... please help!

katsup

Have you ridden either or both?

Note that Specialized has used the Sequoia name for awhile. A Sequoia from 10 years ago is different than the Sequoia of today.

Brian25

Really depends on what you want to use the bike for. There is no argument for personnel preference (which one do you like?) If you write back in, please distinguish between full loaded touring, credit card touring or other potential use. Maybe there are specifications that have advantages for your intended use.

3speed

I’m not familiar with the Sequoia, but unless it was $3,000+ or something new, and is in great condition, it’s overpriced for sure. Very few bikes are worth that kind of money used, no matter the upgrade. Maybe a race bike upgraded to Full Dura-Ace group. The second you drive it off the lot, the value drops in half and continues to drop every day from then on. There are some rare items which come back up in price over time, but I guarantee the fairly modern, nothing particularly special(I’m sure it’s a great bike, but not old and special) Sequoia isn’t one of them.

mtnbud

The newer model Sequoia is a very cool bike, but a quick looking over of the bike has me wondering if the chainstay length might be a problem with heel clearence with panniers. It'd definitely work for bikepacking or using an extra wheel trailer. I'd also check your gear ratios to be sure you have some low ratios for climbing. Both bikes are very cool.

BlarneyHammer

As long as the Sequoia's in good condition, I'd get that. Better drivetrain and cheaper. And unless the crankset was changed with the rest of the drivetrain, the crankset of the Sequoia has gears more appropriate for touring.

Yeah, the Surly's new, but as we all know, touring bikes get put through the wringer, and good ones are in the same condition afterwards. After a few months of use, they should be comparable (if they aren't already), only the Sequoia will still have a better drivetrain and you'll still be $500 richer.

LeeG

If you can’t decide don’t get either one.

phughes

Does the Sequoia fit? It looks like the Sequoia has longer chainstays, by all of 10mm. That may or may not make a difference. Which Sequoia is it? They have three models, currently at least. The cheapest is $1350, but of course the drivetrain has been updated. The other models are $2000, and $3300.