Specialized Sequoia Elite

Price Paid:  $849.00 at Tommy & Lefebvre

Model Year:
2006

Favorite Ride:
Specialized Sequioa

Summary:
I moved from a heavy 15 year old hybrid bike that was very heavy, and very hard to keep at speed. I purchased this a year ago and have been ecstatic with my purchase. I was looking at the Giant OCR 1 as a comparison, but the deal I got on the Sequoia made it impossible to pass up. The only upgrade I have is a pair of Nashbar Ventoux 2 pedals. I ride 25-40 km rides at a time, 3 or 4 times a week. This bike is perfect for my needs.

The price noted above is CDN $ - the Giant OCR was 799 CDN at the time I purchased this bike.

Strengths:
Lightweight, balance, front fork.

Weaknesses:
Stock seat could be better - it's ok if you ride less than 30 km, but gets a bit uncomfortable after that.

Price Paid:  $0.00

Model Year:
2005

Summary:
I did not have the choice for 2004. I now have my bike slightly more than 3 years. The only original part is the frame. Every part has been replaced. Now I am told that the shifters are wearing and it will cost 750 to fix my bike. More than 1/2 of the original cost.

Strengths:
It's better than a hybrid.

Weaknesses:
The parts are not great quality to put it mildly.

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Price Paid:  $1050.00 at The Bicycle Escape

Model Year:
2006

Favorite Ride:
Frederick County Maryland backroads

Bike Setup:
Stock with wireless Flight Deck. I love this thing. Highly recommend.

Summary:
This bike sold itself when I test rode it. Went into the LBS on my lunch break to buy some tires, walked out with a new bike. It was on Clearance. Previous road bike 1986 Trek 400 Elance. Until recently, using converted MTB for "fast" road riding.

This bike is so damn fun to ride. I just love it. Extremely comfortable, I really like the more upright riding position. Excellent build quality.

Strengths:
Excellent frame and fork. Solid. I like the interrupted brake levers a lot. Some Shimano 105 components. Very comfortable ergo bars with Zertz damping. Lightweight. I like the Ti color of mine with the black components. The triple crank comes in handy some times.

Weaknesses:
As others have mentioned, the no name brakes are not all that great. My biggest complaint would be the wheelset, especially the 28-spoke 2X rear. At 200lbs, I find the rear wheel deflecting under load-- especially in lower gears. Rim rubs brake pads. The Alex 400 rims are just fine for me, even with the no name hubs they spec'd, but I believe the bike ride ride much nicer if it came with 32-spoke 3X rear wheels. The 28-hole radially laced front is OK.

My first upgrade to this bike is certainly going to be a set of Mavic OpenPro/ Ultega wheels. Then the brakes.

Similar Products Used:
Bought and returned a brand new 2005 Schwinn DBX. Cool bike, terrible build quality-- especially the welding. Good God!

Price Paid:  $899.00 at Mike's Bikes

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Woodsy neighborhoods

Bike Setup:
Stock except kool stop breaks, polar heart monitor, cateye computer, Topeak trunk rack.

Summary:
After my 1985 Raleigh Technium cracked, I test rode some bikes and then bought this 2007 model. I couldn’t be more happy with this bike. It is so comfortable you just don’t want to get off of it. Unless you are a competitive speed demon, I think you should try this bike out before buying something else. It is a big and noticeable difference. For the record, this bike is plenty fast and fully satisfying in the way of speed. It is very light. Sure, there are racing bikes you can buy a bit lighter, but the sacrifice of feeling every bump in the road is not worth it to me. I’m in my mid 40’s with a bad back so this bike is a lifesaver. But, if I was in my mid 20’s with a good back, I’d still want to buy this bike. The gears shift smoothly. I have had no problems. At first I did not like the saddle. But now I like it a lot.

This bike comes with threaded attachments, so you can add a traditional trunk rack without buying a seatpost rack.

I am a fitness rider, but have found myself becoming much more serious about cycling because this bike has encouraged me. I’ve ridden it over 600 wonderful miles. I look forward to my longer weekend rides.

Strengths:
Upright position, comfortable ride. Good components.

Weaknesses:
I put a bad scratch in it getting it out of my trunk after I just bought and took it home. Not the bikes fault though.

Similar Products Used:
Test road the Allez, Robaix, Trek 1000, Trek 1500, Giant OCR3, Trek Madone 5.2, Lemond Reno.

Price Paid:  $1100.00 at Bike Source

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
wide open country roads

Bike Setup:
Stock except for Shimano Ultegra SPD and Cateye computer.

Summary:
After riding a mountain bike for 10+ years, I decided to go back to a road bike this spring. I originally purchased a flat bar bike, but after 200 miles took it back to exchange for the Sequoia Elite. I couldn't be happier. I commute about 15 miles each way a couple of times each week and plan to continue throughout the year. I never feel beat up after a 40 or 50 mile spin, the bike shifts and brakes smoothly. After the mountain bike, I feel like very little effort is needed to get up to full speed.

Strengths:
Handling, comfort

Weaknesses:
none so far

Similar Products Used:
nothing