Specialized Sequoia Elite

Price Paid:  $1500.00 at Marty's Reliable Cyc

Favorite Ride:
Farmland in Hunterdon, sussex and Warren Counties in NJ

Bike Setup:
Upgraded the only 105 component - the rear cogs to ultegra (preferred the gear range on the ultegra) - Vetta wireless with wireless cadence (love this computer), bottle cages, frame pump.

Summary:
I absolutely LOVE this bike - bought it just before Christmas '02 and road it through the winter (except February) - On club rides, I'm up with the fast riders now (brought up the rear before)(I'm a heavy guy - around 220). I'm able to comfortably ride the drops for longer periods without any low back or shoulder pain. This bike has totally re-inspired my passion for biking (have been adult biking for 25 years) AND this puppy is fast. You can really crank out - I used to be intimdated by B & B+ terrain - no more - this bike handles hills beautifully and easily. My biker chums are really impressed with this bike as well.

Strengths:
Ultegra components and wheels are great - the extra brake levers are a terrific feature. Love the adjustable stem. Very comfortable ride, especially for an aluminum frame. Also the padded handlebar tape is soft & comfy! Seat

Weaknesses:
The bike gets dirty when it's raining out. Seriously, I haven't found any yet.

Similar Products Used:
Prior bike is a 15 year old Cannondale (T-800) - which was a HARD ride - i.e. after 40+ miles - low back pain, shoulder pain & hand pain.

Price Paid:  $1499.00 at Richardson Bike Mart

Favorite Ride:
Urban around downtown Dallas

Bike Setup:
Italia pro gel saddle, Shimano flight deck computer. Dual water bottle cages, of course.

Summary:
I bought my first road bike 20 years ago, and waited for the Sequoia due to it's purported comfort, light weight, versatility and styling. So far, I can detect no flaws. Some claim this bike is more for comfort than performance, but it does everything I ask. Great on 50 mile rides from day one.

Strengths:
Comfort, light weight. The extra brake levers are great and a real throwback!

Weaknesses:
The saddle is not my style. A guy with an Allez suggested weighing both in the bike shop before buying, he might have a valid point.

Similar Products Used:
My other bike is a 2001 M2 Stumpjumper. Also, a 1982 Austo-Dailmler.

Price Paid:  $1499.00 at River City Bikes

Favorite Ride:
To work 43 miles one way

Bike Setup:
All Ultegra and the new Shimano 540 wheels.

Summary:
The sequoia, with it's compact geometry, does a great job of fitting my build. I have short legs but a long torso so stand over clearance is a problem with most bikes. My research pointed to the Cannondale R1000 sport. It is lighter and the frame is better made. Unfortunately, the Cannondale didn't fit me. I felt cramped because the top tube is too short for my reach. One ride on the Sequoia and I knew I had found my bike. It is very comfortable for long rides but I can still keep up with my friends on their racing bikes.

Strengths:
It is a very cool looking bike. It also has a great blend of comfort and acceleration. It can charge up hills. Also the Ultegra setup and wheels are pretty nice for this price range. It also has a great saddle

Weaknesses:
At speeds over 40mph, it wobbles more than I would like. The gearing is a little too easy. I would like a higher top speed.

Similar Products Used:
This is my first road bike.

Price Paid:  $1500.00 at Bicycle Warehouse, S

Favorite Ride:
Imperial Beach to Coronado, CA

Bike Setup:
Per Catalog plus air pump, water bottle, speedometer, and underseat carrying case.

Summary:
How many ways can one say "AWSOME!" I am a senior citizen (recent) and I wanted a bicycle that was beautiful, light (21 lb. Stock 54cm frame), fast, and comfortable. This one is all of the above. It looks like a piece of fine jewelry. Under similar conditions and effort, it is up to 4 mph faster than my Giant cross bike. The Sequoia Elite really accelerates and not too many young whippersnappers pass me up anymore. I love the Shimano wheels, Ultegra shifting system, and the PD-M505 clipless pedals. This is the first bicycle I’ve owned with these types of pedals. CAUTION! The spring-loaded pedal bindings are set to the maximum force at the factory. Consequently, on the start of my very first ride, I managed to get one of my feet latched, but I could not get it out of the pedal and over I went (ouch!). I could not find the PD-M505 on the Shimano web site, but the closest to it I did find is the PD-M515 pedal that has instructions for loosening the bindings. Now all is OK. The ride is just a shade stiffer than the Giant (with its front shocks), but very acceptable. I ride about 83 miles/week with one trip of 40 miles-a piece of cake on this bike. Most of my riding is done here in California along the beautiful blue Pacific Ocean between Carlsbad and the Oceanside Harbor. Beautiful bike, great ride!

Strengths:
Watchmaker precision, jewler craftsmanship, and value for price.

Weaknesses:
Haven't found one yet for the bicycle. The manual sucks, however. It is a generic manual that covers all Specialized bicycles. You have to go to the Shimano and Specialized web sites to get specific information for the Sequoia Elite.

Similar Products Used:
Giant Cypress DX cross/hybrid. Adequate, but slow and heavy (37 LB riding weight).