So I got a flat tire today...

[luv2fly]

I was out, just tooling around on my Townie, when I got a flat. Luckily, I was within walking distance (about .5 mile) from my LBS, so I took her in to get fixed. They told me that they could fix it while I waited... so what does one do while one is waiting around in a bike shop? Shop! Right?

Seriously, I have been thinking about getting a road bike, and researching the different brands/types/etc, because I want to go faster than I am able to on the Townie. The Townie's great for cruising around, but I want to get into some distance rides, and be able to fly. But I also want a road bike with a more upright position than a true road racer.

So, I'm looking around the shop, and I see this:



A 2006 Specialized Sequoia... on sale. OTD price: just over $600. So... of course, I had to take it for a test-spin.

I was from ear-to-ear when I returned to the shop! I loved the way it felt, handled.... I loved everything about it.

So now my new baby is in layaway for about a week or two, and I'm like an obsessed parent waiting for it to come home... is that crazy, or what?

Anyway, I'm new to the site (though I've been lurking for awhile and learning a lot - what a great forum!) and kind of new to riding again. I used to tear up the streets on a Schwinn 10-speed back in the day (I think that's why I fell in love with the Sequoia - it harkened back to those years - but it's amazing how far those road bikes have evolved!), and I've had my Townie for a year.

Nice to meet you all!

~ Laurie

[DarcyInOregon]

Laurie, it is a real pretty bike. And it being silver, well, just about all of the colors in cycling clothing and helmets will coordinate nicely, so you can spend even more money there.

And it is good you are buying it before the summer is too advanced. If you use your time wisely you should be able to do a metric century by autumn.

Darcy

[luv2fly]

Darcy - you are too funny!

I will admit that I was thinking about how the silver would "go" with any outfit... But I didn't pick it for the color... funny thing, my Townie is silver, too - and that I picked.

But I haven't thought about any metric centuries... so don't put any ideas like that in my head!

[KnottedYet]

It's goooooood to have 2 bikes: one for short utility trips, one for going fast!

[luv2fly]

PS to Darcy: How do you like your Pilot?

[luv2fly]

Yeah, Knot... I was thinking about selling the Townie, but then I thought the same thing - best of both worlds

[ladyicon]

My first road bike was a Specialized Sequia, and I loved it I have since been upgrading at dangerous speed. I now have a Ruby by the same folks and I love it Have fun with your new bike, you will love it!

[Zen]

That's a great price! I'll have to look up the specs on that.

whoa! are you sure it's only $600?
http://stores.yokel.com/salemcycle/5...Road_Bike/8749

Never mind, I found this
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=21800

Still the most expensive flat tire you've ever had.

[madscot13]

Oh yes I loved the sequoia. Almost bought it too! It rides like a star and you feel (or is it quite possibly are) so fast. yeah a great bike and a reacl change from the townie.

[HillSlugger]

I love my 2006 Specialized Sequoia Elite. You should be very happy with this one, especially at that bargain price!

Happy riding!

[luv2fly]

ladyicon - the Ruby is a sweet ride - I've heard nothing but great things about it, though it was out of my price range. Maybe when I finish school... hmmm... grad gift? ;-)

zen - LOL, I was thinking the same thing! But sooooo worth it!

madscot - yes, I feel like I went from a minivan to a Porsche

MD - I am thrilled with it!!! Glad to hear from another happy Sequoia rider


Anyway, I picked it up yesterday (I couldn't bear to leave it in layaway, lol...)
and I love it!! I went with clipless pedals, and I am soooo glad I did. The guy in the store mounted my bike on a trainer and let me practice clicking in and out of the pedals with the shoes, and then when I got home I practiced for awhile in a parking lot... clicking in/out, stopping, etc... today I rode almost 8 miles, and it felt great... avg speed (yes, I got a computer mounted, too) was about 15mph, and it felt effortless.... though my rear was a little sore (does that area "toughen" up eventually?)

Anyway, I am sooooo in love with my bike! And very excited to now be a part of the cycling world!

[madscot13]

yes the rear toughens up! I wouldn't forget to stretch those glutes (or all those good muscles) either.But shorts- you know those hot little something somethings- really help too.

15 mph! great average speed.

congradulations on the new baby!

[luv2fly]

Thanks, madscot - I was hoping that the butt toughens up eventually. I did buy a pair of Specialized bike shorts that have pretty thick padding, and they do help... can't imagine riding on that seat without them!

You mentioned that you almost bought a Sequoia - what did you wind up getting instead, and why? Just curious...