Feedback on the 2006 Specialized Sequoia?

[emjae]

After several visits to the local bike shops, and trying out many different bikes (this spanned an entire year), yesterday I finally decided to "decide" on something "right now" and brought home the Specialized Sequoia. This is not the top of the line in the Sequoia group, but it felt comfortable. For the last 17 years I've relied on a Specialized Hardrock (hybrid) to carry me on rides anywhere from 20 to 65 miles, and it was simply "time" to change over to the drop handlebars and a real road bike.

I am 64 (in very good physical condition), and I'll never be Speedy Gonzales. I want to roll along comfortably & safely, and perhaps a bit quicker than the heavy Hardrock allowed. Now I am having a bit of remorse, thinking I should have investigated more bikes...taken more time....bought something more "upgraded"....

I guess what I really want is feedback on this bike - other people's experience with it? (you can be forthright...don't spare my feelings because I've already bought it). Thanks.

[fatbottomedgurl]

emjae, I wouldn't worry if I were you. I don't know the Sequoia personally but after looking at the specs on the website, it would probably be on my list of bikes to buy without breaking the bank. Carbon fork, suspension seatpost, brake lever extenders, relaxed geometry, and a lower bracket all equal a comfortable and safe ride for you. Specialized makes great bikes as you know, so try not to be laid low by buyers remorse. Get on that bike and ride!

[eclectic]

I bought the Specialized Sequoia last July, I now have 1700 miles on it (and that is with not using it from Nov to April).

It was reviewed in the April 2006 Bicycling magazine (Page 80) as an entry level road bike and came up as "great value".

I got it because it was the best bike I could afford. I am happy with it because it does what I need it to do.

I am not a racer and have no intentions of being one. My goal is suppported touring and for that this bike works great. It is stable enough to not worry about irregularities in the road.

I ride with people who are on lighter, faster, more expensive bikes and some smoke me and some I smoke.

I love how it fits (I changed out the stem and put clipless pedals on)
I am taking it on a 400+mile tour next week and feel very confident it will see me through

All in all I love my bike, would I get something different? For the price no. For $500 more maybe

[emjae]

Thanks for the encouraging words.

This was a gorgeous day in Sonoma County, which was a much-appreciated bonus on this first venture out on the road on the new Sequoia (basic model). Rode 36.7 miles & could have continued on to Idaho, I felt that comfortable! I go back on Wedneday to LBS to have them perform the custom measuring and tweaking (they were too busy the day I bought it due to the Vineman Marathon customers pouring in that day), but out of the gate the bike seemed like a suitable choice for me at this time (& maybe for all time, considering the old bike lasted 17 years).

In October I'll be doing the 100k for the BORP ride, and this time should be much more efficient!

Glad to have found this site -- a fount of knowledge and experience.

[Bad JuJu]

Great pic, emjae! Enjoy your adorable new bike--esp. that feeling-like-riding-to-Idaho thing ;) . Keep us posted on how you two are doing together.

[eclectic]

Ditto on the great Pic.
AND amazing landscaping :)

Happy to hear the inaugral run was great, 36.7 miles and feeling good on a new bike that is one for the books.

And ditto on keeping us posted.

[Bikingmomof3]

Great picture Emjae! You look so happy and your bike is sweet. Enjoy riding and keep us updated.

[kelownagirl]

Awesome Emjae! I almost bought that bike too - it was really comfortable and felt good on first ride. I think it'll be a great choice. You are my hero - I want to still be that fit and riding when I'm 64...

barb

[emjae]

Thank you - you are very kind! I like being 64! I like being any age as long as I feel healthy with some zip and pep.