I've been riding for a while and I'm looking for a new bike. But, by no means am I a well versed bicycle mechanical guru. I've got my eye on a Specialized Sequoia Comp mainly because of the level of components (Ultegra) for the price. But after reading http://www.chainreaction.com/cheappartsbikes.htm and the specs for the Sequoia, I really don't know how good the frame and wheels are vs. other models. I'm 6' 0", 180 lbs. I like to climb hard and sprint every now and then. What characteristics of frame, wheels and tires should I be looking for?
I've got my eye on a Specialized Sequoia Comp mainly because of the level of components (Ultegra) for the price. But after reading http://www.chainreaction.com/cheappartsbikes.htm and the specs for the Sequoia, I really don't know how good the frame and wheels are vs. other models. I'm 6' 0", 180 lbs. I like to climb hard and sprint every now and then. What characteristics of frame, wheels and tires should I be looking for?
Specialized Sequoia Comp:
Suspension seat post, adjustable stem, "innovative" drop bars, low spoke count wheels, damped carbon fork. It looks to me like a comfort bike masquerading as a road bike.
I suggest skipping all those gimmicky items. Get some 32-spoke wheels, make sure whatever you try fits you well, and try it out. -- terry morse Palo Alto, CA http://bike.terrymorse.com/
On Tue, 01 Jun 2004 14:11:21 -0700, Terry Morse <[email hidden]>
Quoted message said:
Specialized Sequoia Comp: Suspension seat post, adjustable stem, "innovative" drop bars, low spoke count wheels, damped carbon fork. It looks to me like a comfort bike masquerading as a road bike.
Looks to me like a comfort-ized road bike -- essentially, a road bike designed for real people riding on real roads, not a racing bike being used on roads. Sounds reasonable.
Quoted message said:
I suggest skipping all those gimmicky items. Get some 32-spoke wheels, make sure whatever you try fits you well, and try it out.
I agree about the wheels, though...and fit is a must. -- Rick Onanian
Specialized Sequoia Comp: Suspension seat post, adjustable stem, "innovative" drop bars, low spoke count wheels, damped carbon fork. It looks to me like a comfort bike masquerading as a road bike.
Looks to me like a comfort-ized road bike -- essentially, a road bike designed for real people riding on real roads, not a racing bike being used on roads. Sounds reasonable.
If you want a comfortable ride on a road bike, your most effective item is wider tires. Since the OP mentioned climbing hard and some sprinting, a less comfort-ized and more rigid bike would probably be more to his liking.
If you want to mount wider tires, it's important to make sure before purchase that there is enough tire clearance on the frame and fork. Some of the fancier bikes have very little clearance, which is unfortunate.
FWIW, I'm a real person who rides a lot (6084 miles YTD) on real roads. My bike doesn't have any of the comfort gimmicks, other than 25mm tires and cork bar tape. -- terry morse Palo Alto, CA http://bike.terrymorse.com/
I do remember that the more spokes the better. I had a road bike whose wheels had 36 spokes: Mavic was the brand I believe. I noticed the Sequoia doesn't have anywhere near 32 spokes. There must be something at work here to get away with so few spokes. Also, what exactly is double- or triple-butted mean? See, I told you I'm not a guru. So please don't laugh 🙂. What are some measureable characteristics of frames and wheels that I can use to compare offerings. Terry mentioned ridgidity. How do you tell if one frame is more ridgid than another?
Rick Onanian <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...
Quoted message said:
On Tue, 01 Jun 2004 14:11:21 -0700, Terry Morse <[email hidden]>
Quoted message said:
Specialized Sequoia Comp: Suspension seat post, adjustable stem, "innovative" drop bars, low spoke count wheels, damped carbon fork. It looks to me like a comfort bike masquerading as a road bike.
Looks to me like a comfort-ized road bike -- essentially, a road bike designed for real people riding on real roads, not a racing bike being used on roads. Sounds reasonable.
Quoted message said:
I suggest skipping all those gimmicky items. Get some 32-spoke wheels, make sure whatever you try fits you well, and try it out.
I agree about the wheels, though...and fit is a must.
I had a road bike whose wheels had 36 spokes: Mavic was the brand I believe
I've a set of Mavic Ma3s with 36 spokes and 25mm tires--I hit a 6" deep pothole the other day at 25mph+ couldn't swerve, because of traffic so I slid back in the saddle, lifted the front wheel over most of it, but whacked the back full force--certain that I'd taco it. Nope. Didn't even have to true it (!) Yep, 36 spokes rock! 😄 This ain't no fancy set either--a machine built (and touched up by me) Nashbar 90 dollar wheelset with a cheeeep shimano hub...
Even if you end up getting the bike--it looks quite sensible and comfy--spending a hundred bucks on a spare heavy-duty extra wheelset can be a nice insurance policy. Shoe them with some fatter 27-35mm tires and throw on those when you think your going to hit some rougher pavement.
