Specialized Sequoia Comp

Price Paid:  $1400.00 at the bike shop

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
there were no favourite rides on this bike

Bike Setup:
constant repair

Summary:
I have been riding specialized bike on and off ror twenty years this is the worst bicycle I have ever owned. This summer I rode it across Canada from Halifax to Calgary I had to replace the entire brake system ths raer derailer blew up it has a seriously bad high speed wobble it"s slow compared to the Cannondale that my friend used.

Strengths:
none

Weaknesses:
pretty much everything except the saddle

Similar Products Used:
nothing has been this bad

Price Paid:  $1300.00

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
Bandelier Loop - Los Alamos, NM

Bike Setup:
Standard 2005

Summary:
This is a great bike! I have ridden for over 1500 miles in 14 months, and had absolutely no problems. I have read of problems with the Alex 330 rims, but I haven't seen it. I am 41 years old, and about 195 lbs. This frame fits a short rider (I am 5'8") better than any other I looked at. Dura Ace/Ultegra combo is very smooth. I love the look of the brushed aluminum frame.

Strengths:
Durable construction, good fit for short rider.

Weaknesses:
Seat post squeaks a little.

Price Paid:  $0.00

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
Long and Hard

Bike Setup:
Standard 2005 setup

Summary:
This bike is a tank. 8 of us took one on a cross country bike trip, and through the dessert, up the mountains, and on the plains, they were smooth sailing the whole way. I think of this bike as a cadillac: it's not the fastest, but it is durable, a smooth ride, and it will get you there in style. I would get them again if I were going on a long tour. I now use it for my commute to work, and it is such a great ride.

Strengths:
Smooth, DURABLE!

Weaknesses:
not the fastest bike on the block, but I don't think anyone looking at this bike is attempting to qualify for the Tour.

Price Paid:  $1299.00 at Greggs Cycle

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
Chilly Hilly

Bike Setup:
Standard 2005 Comp setup: Aluminum frame, carbon forks. Shimano Ultegra groupo, with upgraded Dura Ace rear. Avatar saddle, Alex 330 wheels. 52/42/30 chainring with 12x25 cassette. Cat Eye Astrale 8, lights, full fenders, water bottle holder and frame pump added for commutes.

Summary:
2005 Specialized Sequoia Comp is a comfortable, strong riding bike. The aluminum frame, carbon forks and Zertz work well to reduce vibrations and extend road trips. The Shimano Ultegra front and Dura Ace rear derailleurs are exceptionally well matched, giving smooth controlled shifting. The slightly raised front frame geometry provides a more ergonomic ride, yet allows power generation when needed. The reduced standover dimension is a real bonus for those with a shorter inseam. A great bike for those over 30 who still want to enjoy a challanging ride!

Strengths:
Ergonomic geometry, comfortable frame and seat. Outstanding derailleurs with the Shimano STI.

Weaknesses:
Set up not easy to find. New 2006 bike lack this equipment for the value. Alex wheels may need upgrade based on other user feedback; first 3 months have run well.

Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Sport Road 800 and 1000
Giant 1.2

Price Paid:  $1340.00 at River City Bicycles

Favorite Ride:
Roy Road at Sunrise

Bike Setup:
Ultegra w/ FlightDeck
Rear Rack
Ultegra Pedals
Laseredge Headlights
Shimano R-540 wheelset (700 x 26c)

Summary:
This is a very smooth riding bike that exceeds the comfort levels of any other bike I've ridden. I've owned steel on prior bikes and was worried about the ride stiffness of Aluminum, but the carbon seat stays, seat post, and fork make this a very comfortable bike. I typically commute 25 miles a day during the Spring, Summer, and early Fall. My ride is faster due to the comfort (>16 Mph average). I can't say if the difference is purely the carbon or of the elastomer material decreases harmonics, but it sure feels wonderful.

It also handles exceptionally well without being nervous or jittery. I haven't exceeded 30 Mph yet, but at 30 it is stable.

The Ultegra groupo (incomplete due to the inclusion of the Specialized Pro crankset) works as expected, with smooth, positive shifts. I added a FlightDeck computer, which is cool, but not easy to use (try getting to cadence from the timer). I'm honestly disappointed with the computer ergonomics.

The Body Geometry Milano seat is far too wide for my butt, so I have some problems doing distance (I'm replacing the seat with my old Sella Italia Turbo).\

The Shimano wheelset looks interesting and has withstood train tracks and pot holes (I'm a very heavy rider @ ~250lbs). Surprisingly sharp and stable tracking.

I got this bike for commuting and charity gigs. It has braze-ons for racks (Fr and R) and clearance for fenders. I haven't had an opportunity for a 20+ mile ride, though I did my first outdoor ride of the season last Sunday at 14 miles, which is where I leared that the seat needs replacement.

If you're looking for a nice ride for commutes and charities, this is a good choice. It won't impress the Colnago fiends and brand wankers, but it will go fast, has a triple chainring, and feels like heaven.

Strengths:
Smoooooooooth riding; lots of braze-ons for racks, etc.

Weaknesses:
Crankset seems cheap; seat is too wide

Similar Products Used:
Centurion Dave Scott Ironman Master
Specialized Allez
Kuwahara Race