specialized sequoia

I’ve got 2x MTBs & have rode a few road bikes.
I personally feel that roadbikes do take a while to get comfortable on when you commute. The bent-over riding position doesn’t help much with slow manuvering & wearing a backpack isn’t that much fun compared to a MTB.

You mentioned that you’ve had back & neck injuries. I recommend that you test ride a roadbike, because you will definitely have your mind made up after a ride.

(I have considered a roadbike, but even so I am v happy with 2x MTBs in my shed. I suppose that says something).

I bought a Specialized Sequoia this year, and I've been thrilled with it. I went with the Comp, full Ultegra with a Dura Ace derailleur.

I had my bike shop remove the upper bar-mounted brakes, and install profile aero bars. They really help on the long flat stretches, noticeably increasing my speed in that position, and giving my hands and arms a rest.

The only problem I had was with the wheels, which I upgraded to Mavic Open Pro with Ultegra hubs. No more broken spokes.

I'm still amazed at how smooth riding this bike is. I've put on almost 1800 miles since January, including 3 centuries, and a 150 miler last weekend.

I don't think you can go wrong with a Sequoia.

Steve

I was looking at the Specialized Sequoia elite but at $2500 it seemed a bit too much money at this stage of my life. I went for a Giant OCR 2, 2006 model. It does not have the same quality groupset but at half the price who's complaining. I can put a rack on the back and it has a less demanding or more comfortable frame, than a traditional road/racing bike.

Daniel