I bought this 2009 Sequoia about 2/3 months ago (not sure if it is Elite as it does not say this on the frame). The bike had been on layaway but the person never finished paying and did not pick it up, so the bike shop placed it out for sale and I scooped it up that very same day.
It has an XL frame and came with the standard equipment. My bar configuration was the standard dropdown (I call them rams horns), but I do not like the rams horn bars as I cannot get comfortable with them. My local bike shop had a used set of straight (5 degree sweep) mountain bike bars in the back and I had them switch them for me. I take the sweep built into these bars and point it down. This is a super configuration as it is more in alignment with my arms and wrists. I find this very comfortable and far more ergonomic for the long haul. I replaced the shifters and brakes with the Shimano 9 speed shifter/derailer and added Crane Creek, Flat Top brake levers. I also replaced the pedals with Shimano clipless pedals. Man does this help with the control and power applications needed when riding!
I did add a Topeak rack and bag over the back tire as I bought this bike to commute to work. It is 17 miles one way. The terrain is mostly flat with rolling hills along the way. I ride a bike trail about 10 miles the rest is street. In the bikes current configuration it is really responsive and fast, only takes an hour to get to work. The ride home is a little longer as I am not under any time constraints and ride to enjoy myself.
I really like the aluminum frame and love the carbon forks with the Zertz inserts; they really absorb the shock and vibrations of riding. I have ridden friends Cervelo's and a few others such as Giants and Raleigh’s and they don't compare in comfort or handling!! That is not to say they aren't great bikes, they are, but I like mine better!
I can say that after 632 miles so far, that if the bike does not disintegrate the only way I would part with this bike is if you pry it from my cold dead hands!!
Can you tell I like this bike?
Weaknesses: None for price. I will upgrade to 105 components and a better wheel set in the future. It is less expensive to add components than buy a new bike (which does not have the same geometry).
Bottom Line:
I purchased in 2005 so I assume it is a 2005 model. I put maybe 500 miles on it the first two years and did not rdie in 08 due to personal reasons. This year I began riding more often in order to deal with my diabetes. I need to say that I had an injury in the past hat resulted in a fused ankle and two compressed vertabrae. So far this year I have put in 700 miles with a goal of 1200 by October. This bike does everything I could ask and for a much lower cost than the bike I see when riding with the Harpeth Bike Club. I did have the 12-25 cassette changed to a 11-32 which has helped greatly with the hills in middle Tennessee. I am learning that component upgrades such as wheel sets and crank sets would put this bike at the same level as those more expensive bikes while still providing the geometry for a 50 year old.
Strengths: Lightweight, brake levers on top of handlebars! comfy handlebar position, little effort while pedaling, comfy in all handlebar position, carbon forks and seat post absorb vibration.
Weaknesses: Seat. I put on a gel seat cover from old bike and is fine for now. Brakes are sketchy but do their job, even in rainy Seattle.
Bottom Line:
2008 Specialized Sequoia Green/Silver Purchased less than a week ago. I plan on using this bicycle to commute to work using King County Metro and the Washington State Ferry. This bike is made well, comfy while cruising down city streets, and has a great fit for me. A great alternative for those who cannot afford to spend $1,000 + for the Roubaix. Seat and brakes aren't the greatest but a very good deal for such a low price. Handles the muddy grassy areas between trails just fine. 22lbs (- accessories) so great for people who carry their bikes up the stairs in an apartment.
Strengths: I really did like the frame geometry, and the relative light weight.
Weaknesses: The only problem I had was the front shifter which I had to take back to the dealer twice for adjustment.
Bottom Line:
Actually the bike was a 2008 version. I rode it about 600 in a three month period.I found it very comfortable, particular on the lower bars. I am an old guy, so I am not as flexible as many younger people.
Submitted by
Minnesnowtan
a Recreational Rider
from
Date Reviewed: September 27, 2008
Strengths: Carbon fork & zertz insert give a smooth stable ride. I like the extra brake levers on the top tube. Same frame geometry as Roubaix in this year.
Weaknesses: The 8 speed cassette. I would really rather have a 9 or 10 in order to go smoothly to a taller rear cog. The 25 tooth big cog was hard for me to climb hills with. But maybe I'm a wimp, and I do have one leg that is quite a bit thinner than the other.
Bottom Line:
When I rode my 1996 hybrid over the sunken sidewalk block, I got a BLAM-BLAM as my 700 x 32c tires went down and back up the 2 inch drop. When I unthinkingly rode the Sequoia over the same place, I got a kathump-kathump, surprisingly gentler and quieter. Probably due to the carbon fork and its zertz inserts. Wow, what a difference!. The roads all felt smoother, and I liked the riding position on the Sequoia. I bought this bike because my older and sometimes smarter brother bought a Specialized Roubaix Elite or Comp from 2004. I read all I could an=bout specialized and was impressed by their R&D. There was also the factor of my being well over 40 and finding a road bike with a more upright geometry. When I compared the 2007 frames of the Sequoia and the Roubaix, the angles were the same. So I saw the Sequoia as a low end Roubaix. I ride in non-technical clothes; hush puppy soft soled shoes in toe clips. I do 30 and 40 mile rides at times, and average 12-13mph including our big hills. I had trouble climbing some hills so I bought an 11-28 cassette to replace the 12-25. The 28 helps, but so would stronger legs and (I am learning) bike shoes that clip on to pedals. I have done 900 miles from April to Sept this year, and like the bike very much. I only wish I had a 10 speed cassette and shifters. The Sora shifters work well, with a rare incomplete shift in the front. The auxillary brake levers on the top tube stop me better the the main levers from the hood position. The hood position is adequate for braking, excellent for shifting. The initial feeling of super smoothness is gone because I am so accustomed to it, and the stability of the bike down hills and on turns is quite nice. Much of my riding is in hilly Baltimore County in Maryland, and I got the Sequoia at Princeton Sports in Baltimore. The people are nice & friendly at Princeton Sports. An experienced rider or two in the Baltimore Bicycle Club had thought that my seat was too low as I should have had more leg extension for power. I did raise the seat, twice. Having a foot on the ground is a small stretch but do-able. I wonder why Princeton Sports let me go with a seat an inch or more low?
I think that Specialized has top notch products and am impressed with the carbon/zertz engineering.
Maybe I'll upgrade this Sequoia to 10spd shifters, or maybe I could afford a low end Roubaix one day. As it is, the Sequoia is a very decent road bike, and the only thing that keeps me from having a faster speed is me. The idea that I could do something decent athletically is a new one to me, so I am working on riding harder with faster people. Wow, they really go. And so will I, as I ride more with my Specialized Sequoia.
Similar Products Used: No bike that I have owned has ever come close to this quality.
Bike Setup: Changed the 12-25 cassette for an 11-28, 8 speeds. prefer the 1 and 2 tooth differences in gears on the 12-25 to the 3 and 4 tooth differences in the 11-28. As I get stronger, I will go back to the 12-25 or get a 13-26.
I did the Sequoia Century 100 mile ride last Sunday. Roads were wet, but no rain! Check out my [URL="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTqsSr_1JE8"]video report.[/URL] The video s Read More »
When I went to work for Mike Sinyard as SPECIALIZED’s first bicycle frame designer, I created the iconic SPECIALIZED Sequoia sport-touring bike. Those original Sequoias developed a Read More »
When I went to work for Mike Sinyard as SPECIALIZED’s first bicycle frame designer, I created the iconic SPECIALIZED Sequoia sport-touring bike. Those original Sequoias developed a Read More »
When I went to work for Mike Sinyard as SPECIALIZED’s first bicycle frame designer, I created the iconic SPECIALIZED Sequoia sport-touring bike. Those original Sequoias developed a Read More »
