Specialized Sequoia Elite

Price Paid:  $1100.00 at Bikers Choice

Favorite Ride:
2008 Special Sequoia Elite

Bike Setup:
FRAME Specialized A1 Premium Aluminum, fully manipulated tubing, compact design, FACT carbon seatstays w/ Zertz inserts
FORK Specialized FACT carbon steerer and fork legs w/ Zertz inserts, alloy crown
HEADSET Specialized Mindset, 1 1/8" integrated threadless, sealed bearings, alloy 20mm cone w/ one 10mm and two 5mm alloy spacers
STEM Specialized Comp-Set, 3D forged alloy, 4-bolt 31.8mm bar clamp, 4-position adjustable
HANDLEBARS Specialized Zertz Comp, 6061 alloy, Zertz damper, short-reach drop, ergonomic top shaping, 31.8mm
TAPE/GRIPS Body Geometry Bar Phat, cork ribbon w/ 2.5mm gel padding
FRONT BRAKE Ultralight dual pivot brakes, Teflon pivots, forged alloy w/ cartridge pads
REAR BRAKE Ultralight dual pivot brakes, Teflon pivots, forged alloy w/ cartridge pads
BRAKE LEVERS Shimano Tiagra, 9-speed STI, flight deck compatible w/ brake lever extensions
FRONT DERAILLEUR Shimano Tiagra, 31.8mm clamp, bottom pull
REAR DERAILLEUR Shimano 105, long cage
SHIFT LEVERS Shimano Tiagra, 9-speed STI
CASSETTE FREEWHEEL SRAM PG-950, 9-speed 11-28t
CHAIN Shimano HG73, 9-speed
CRANKSET Shimano Tiagra, 2-piece crankset
CHAINRINGS 50x39x30T
BOTTOM BRACKET Shimano Tiagra, Hollowtech II
PEDALS Composite body, alloy cage w/ toe clips and straps
RIMS Alex AS1, alloy triple wall, machined sidewalls w/ indicator grooves
FRONT HUB Specialized forged alloy, 24 hole, double sealed bearings, straight pull spokes, QR
REAR HUB Specialized forged alloy, 28 hole, double sealed bearings, straight pull spokes, cassette, QR
SPOKES Stainless 14g, straight-pull
FRONT TIRE Specialized All Condition Sport, 700x25c, wire bead, 60TPI w/ Flak Jacket
REAR TIRE Specialized All Condition Sport, 700x25c, wire bead, 60TPI w/ Flak Jacket replaced to Specialized All Condition Armadillo, 700x25c
TUBES Specialized standard presta tube
SADDLE Body Geometry Sonoma, 155mm width
SEAT POST Specialized Pavé II, FACT carbon w/ Zertz insert, aluminum head, 27.2mm
SEAT BINDER Specialized CNC, alloy, 31.8mm clamp
NOTES Chain stay protector, chain catcher, derailleur hanger, clear coat, owners manual
Size 56
Seat-Tube Length, B-B Center to Top 520mm
Top-Tube Length, Horizontal 565mm
B-B Drop 71.5mm
Chain-Stay Length 415mm
Seat-Tube Angle 73.25°
Head-Tube Angle 72.5°
Fork Rake 49mm
Trail 56mm
Front-Center 606mm
Wheelbase 1010mm
Stand-Over Height 812mm
Head-Tube Length 230mm
Handle-Bar Width 420mm
Stem Length 100mm
Crank Length 175mm
Seat-Post Length 350mm

Summary:
great entry level road bike also a great clyde bike.

Strengths:
less than 20 lbs. very nimble and has interupter brakes

Weaknesses:
none yet

Similar Products Used:
Raliegh

Price Paid:  $0.00

Model Year:
2002

Bike Setup:
Conventional with dual handle brakes.

Summary:
I have biked over 25,000 miles on my Sequoia and it is as good today as it was when it was new. It is has biked rural Russia and many other places. Having the dual brake handles is a wonderful plus and I highly recommend it to anyone. The Sequoia is an all around bike go for roadies and touring people.

Strengths:
A comfortable soft ride.

Weaknesses:
None

Similar Products Used:
Giant.

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!