Good Buy? Sequoia Elite

[ibcycling]

Local Craigslist has a Sequoia Elite "brushed silver racing" bike for $500. 4 years old. I haven't tested it yet but plan to give the seller a call and do that. Naturally it is like new, hardly ridden. I'm a newbie rider on an old mountain bike right now so this would be my first "real" bike. If it fits me well is it a good deal? I really don't have a clue on bike prices. I'd type more but the screen on my laptop is going out and it is TOUGH to read and type right now. I'll have to head to the library tomorrow so I can get my TE fix. LOL!

Thanks,
Lora

[singletrackmind]

Saw this the other day....
http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=6482

[HillSlugger]

I love my 2006 Sequoia Elite. It's a relaxed geometry road bike. That means that it's more suited for comfort than for speed. It puts you in a more upright position than most drop-bar road bikes. If that's the sort of riding you are looking for, it may be the right bike for you.

I don't know what components came on the 2004's. On the 2006 it's mostly Shimano 105. Can't really comment on the price.

[ibcycling]

Thanks to both of you. I read the thread you linked and was able to search some on the library computer. I'm going to check it out tonight. I don't see competition or racing in my future so I'm looking for a comfortable bike that I can work up to centuries with. Right now I'm doing about 70 miles a week with my Murray MB and lusting after something lighter and cooler. LOL!

Lora

[Concretecutie]

Went to the Specialized website and the 2007 Elite is priced at $1100.
I would say that the price is dependent on what year the bike is and
how much wear and tear is on it. Do you see scuff marks on the brake
levers from crashes; also check the frame. Look for dents etc. anything
that would indicate falls.

If the bike is one or two years old, $500 is not unreasonable price.

If you can, take it to a bike shop and have them apraise it. My husband
used to ride the Sequoia Comp model. New it cost $1800 and we had
it apraised at $600 this year. It's a 2003 or 2004 model.

As far as weight goes, my husband's bike weighs 21#. I'm not sure the
comfort road bike will be much lighter than your current ride. Check
by standing on your bathroom scale holding the bike. Deduct your
weight from the combined weight and you'll have a better idea of what
your Murray weighs and go from there.

Hope this info helps you make an informed decision. Best of Luck!

[HillSlugger]

Mt 2006 Elite was $1300. The 2007 has lesser components and a price to match. I can't find the info of what the 2004 had.

I went from a hybrid to the Sequoia. Mine weighs about 22 pounds with bottle cages, saddle bag, etc. It was a huge step up from the hybrid in performance and speed. Its relaxed geometry would probably make it suitable for doing a century. It was great for the 50 miler I did in June and I had plans on a metric century next month; the bike is willing but my knees aren't. I've used it for my triathlons but it's not a racing bike.

I think it's a great bike. Let us know how it works out.

[bike4ever]

It looks like there was a big difference between the '03 and '04 Sequoia Elite. The '03 had Ultegra with the '04 having 9 speed 105. The prices were $1630 vs $1200. Another big difference is wheels - Shimano R540 vs Alex ALX-290. I think $500 for an '03 would be a steal; however, $500 for the '04 isn't so good of a deal.

[onimity]

I can't say much about the bike, but make sure that you get a good test ride in and you might want to go to your LBS and test ride other bikes so that you have a good idea of what you are looking for/ what sort of bike suits you. A good deal is a good deal only if it is a bike that works for *you.* Since you are new to cycling, you might have a more experienced friend go with you to look at the fit, or do a lot of research online.

Also, please make sure to verify that the bike isn't stolen if you do decide to purchase it. Most people are good, but more than a few stolen bikes have been sold on CL...

Anne

[bike4ever]

I definitely agree with onimity about having it checked over by your LBS. We had a customer this week bring in a bike that appeared to need a new headset. He purchased his Ellsworth off of Craigslist at a great bargain. It appears the headtube is ovalized. The usual culprit to this is a frontal crash - obviously not listed by the seller.

Just be carefult purchasing used. Used bikes carry no warranty - manufacturers or bike shop service.

[Starfish]

I have an '04 Elite, 9-speed all 105. Carbon fork & stays. FlightDeck compatible. It is in very good shape. New $1200. My LBS told me they could probably get $800 for mine now if they sold it consignment. I personally think that would be high, but I think $400 is reasonable. Mine is a good quality bike that has held up very well, including the components.

It was a great first road bike. It is still my only road bike. I have started wanting something faster and sleeker, but even if I get something new, I will keep the Sequoia as a rain bike, an indoor trainer bike, etc. It has been a very good bike. I've done multi-day supported tours, some centuries, and even a mountainous climbing century, despite its weight (and my weight! ). It is not a race bike, but it is a great all day bike.

[ibcycling]

Thanks for the ideas on the bike. I did go see it the other night but the rear tire was flat so no ride. I'm hoping my neighbor will go with me tomorrow to check out the bike. He's very knowledgeable and I like to go into his shop and drool over all his bikes.

I weighed my bike and she's almost 40lbs so the difference is huge. I picked up the Sequoia and couldn't believe how light it was! The lady has all the original paperwork including reciept and she paid $1200. The story is shortly after she bought the bike she had knee surgery and has never felt comfortable riding it so it's been garaged for 4 years.

I'll let you know how it goes tomorrow!

Lora