Specialized sequoia or roubaix?

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by bakhurts
Guys, my bakhurts. I am trying ot get back into road biking. Someone suggested looking at the Specialized seqoia, and bike magazine has a small write up on the roubaix. IS this a reasonable start for a 50 something woman who will ride about 2000 km a year? I might do some weekend tours, but would not do any races. I like to ride fast if possible, but not that fast.

thanks

I bought a 2004 Specialized Sequoia Elite for my bad back. On some of the other road bikes I felt like I was on my tip toes stretching way out in front of me just to reach the handlebars. They were just way to uncomfortable.

I have a condition known as spondylolisthesis and have trouble walking and standing. It stinks because I used to really enjoy jogging. Now I can hardly walk around a grocery store without wanting to sit down. It's a good thing I hate shopping! 😄

http://www.back.com/causes-mechanical-spondylolisthesis.html

Now back to the bikes... The base '04 Roubaix 27 is nicely equipped with Shimano 105 components and Alex ALX-290 wheelset. This is about the same setup as the '04 Sequoia Elite. However, the MSRP for the Sequoia Elite is $1200 while the base Roubaix is $1400. Other than having a 105 tripple crankset as opposed to a Specialized tripple, I don't see how the base Roubaix is $200 more.

I highly recommend you go to your bike shop and take both of them out for an extended test ride. You can always have them swap out the stem of the Roubaix if you like the idea of an adjustable stem.

Honestly, if you are only planning to ride 2000km per year I don't think you need to spend that much money but I love my Sequoia Elite. It just feels right. And I don't feel like I'm reaching for the handlebars. I'm not a racer. I ride for exercise and fun.

Hi,

I just bought a Specialized Roubaix Elite a few weeks ago. Didn't try the Sequoia but tried Trek and Lemond. I won't try to steer you one way or the other. You really should try both bikes. There are some differences in the bikes that I found when I took a look at the web site. There is a difference is frame material. The sequoia frame is A1 Premium Al and the Roubiax is Colombus SLX alloy. The Roubaix has carbon fiber seat stays while it is unclear from the web site if the Seqouia has C.F. seat stays. The Sequoia has wider tires 700X26 to 700X23. They also have different seat posts and saddles. Take each for a 10 to 15 minute ride and see what feels best. You may find that it is worth the extra $200 dollars to get the Roubaix. I ended up paying about $500 more than I thought I would but I don't regret it.

You might also want to take a look at the Specialized Dolce line which is designed for women.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by jimbooffa
You might also want to take a look at the Specialized Dolce line which is designed for women.

The main differences between the Sequioa and Roubaix is that the Roubaix is designed as more of a race bike but with a slightly more upright rider position. The Sequioa goes much further in the comfort area with an adjustable stem and suspension seatpost on some models. The top tube is a bit shorter on the Sequioa's also. The Dolce might be a good one to look at as well but is again a bit closer to a "race" bike as far as rider position is concerned...but with womens geometry...ie shorter top tube, handlebars with a shorter reach to the brake levers, women's saddle. Try them all if you have the chance to see the differences for yourself but overall, for maximum "comfort" position the Sequioa will likely get you closer.

Guys,

Thanks for your advice. Actually, i have a long torso and short legs, so a regular frame is better. I had been initially thinkin go f getting a cross bike like a specialized sirrus, cannondale silk trail or trek 7700. someon e had also mentioned the lemond wayzata. a guy at the recumbent ride had mentioned the specialized bikes, which was why i looked at them.Dr Morbius, you are right i could get by with a cross bike.

I plan to ride them all before deciding, but was hopeful I could sort them out a little before riding. That way, i woul d trh and ride the one i thought was the most desirable last.

thanks again

Say if I wanted to put a flat bar on one of the road bikes, or a drop bar o n the hybrid.

Liked the back web site. Thanks
b

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by bakhurts
... Actually, i have a long torso and short legs, so a regular frame is better. ...

Then you would probably find the Sequoia to be too upright of a riding position for you. I have the opposite stature so the large frame fits me perfectly.

I would like to add that the suspension seat post on the lower end Sequoia models is a joke. I'd rather have the carbon/zert post. The Milano saddle leaves something to be desired also. Mine has 400 miles on it and it's already starting to come apart. Definitely not the best saddle out there.

Your next step is to go find a knowledgable bike shop that can get you properly fitted with your back condition in mind. A good bike shop is well worth it even if you have to pay a bit of a premium for the bike you end up buying. Remember, the LBS is where the rubber meets the road! 😉