The specs look promising. And if you like steel enough to put up with the little added weight, I'll bet the frame/fork would smooth things out quite a bit. I've got a 2011 Jake which does alright, but thinking of pulling the trigger on this new model.
I just got a lot less enthusiastic about the Elite model after seeing this: https://www.evanscycles.com/specialized-sequoia-elite-2017-road-bike-EV279834 Apparently this version does not come with the carbon fork, but rather the steel one offered on the base model. This is not what the early reviews said. I was wondering why when you look at the Specialized site the fork spec is conspicuously absent on the Elite level model. Anyway, that could be a deal breaker at this price point for an unbranded steel bike. For instance you can get the Tamland Reynolds steel this year with a carbon fork for $100 less. Granted the brakes aren't as good, but still, looks like it could be a better bike for the money.
Good question. On the Specialized web site it says specs are subject to change without notice. I emailed the company for clarification and did not get a response. Guess we'll have to wait until the bikes show up in stores to find out for sure what kind of fork the Elite has.
Hmmmm, I still see this on the specialized site - though not in the specis list
A beefy FACT carbon fiber fork is sure to take the sting out of harsh roads. And when you're deep into said roads, you'll be thankful for the extra water bottle mount found on its fork leg.
Doesn't mean you are not right though, based on my history with their website.
A beefy FACT carbon fiber fork is sure to take the sting out of harsh roads. And when you're deep into said roads, you'll be thankful for the extra water bottle mount found on its fork leg.
It sure does look like a nice beefy fork, and I'm hoping that is the one that really goes with the Elite model. One other thing that got my attention in the specs: The bike comes with a 36t large cog.But the 105 GS rear der. is spec'd only for a 32t max. I know that some people have adjusted the B screw to make it accept larger than 32t but it does seem strange to see this potential mismatch as OEM.
I just called Specialized today and the guy on the other end said the Elite fork was for sure carbon. It would seem odd at that price point if it wasn't but you never know what companies do nowadays to make a buck. I am very interested in buying this bike and actually have contacted my LBS to see when they might be able to get one but have not heard back from them yet. Previously was interested in Niner's RLT 9 but am on a budget and could not afford the steel and don't really want aluminum. Also not too fond of a 1X drivetrain on an adventure bike which comes on the RLT at my price point.
I agree w/you regarding a carbon fork at that price point too. I'm not a big Spec fan but like the Sequoia a lot. I have friends w/Diverges and they are very, very nice too. They seem to be nicely engineered and well built but I just don't like some of the proprietary stuff especially the SCS rear hub. I've got a RLT 9 Steel and it's a sweet ride especially with the Nano 40c tires on it. I use it for when I'm doing an all dirt ride as opposed to mixed road/trail. It came w/Force1 and it's a great group - in many ways superior to the Shimano 2x setup on my Ridley X-Trail. It's very quiet and no dropped chains ever. So, depending on your expected use, I wouldn't rule it out. The brakes are not quite as good as the Shimano's but more than adequate. I bought the Niner sort of on impulse as I already had the Ridley and didn't really need another drop bar dirt bike. But it's been a most pleasant surprise. And, since the Ridley is set up more for road/light trail there isn't much overlap. Regardless, if I were in the market for a steel adventure bike, the Sequoia would be at the top of my list. If the ride is anywhere near the Niner you will be very happy.
I just called Specialized today and the guy on the other end said the Elite fork was for sure carbon. It would seem odd at that price point if it wasn't but you never know what companies do nowadays to make a buck. I am very interested in buying this bike and actually have contacted my LBS to see when they might be able to get one but have not heard back from them yet.
Great news! Thanks for passing this along. Now I know I too am very interested in buying this bike. Where I live in NH along the VT border the dirt roads are very hilly so I hear what you're saying about the 1x drive trains. I like the wider gearing of 2x bikes.
DrSpoke wrote:I agree w/you regarding a carbon fork at that price point too. I'm not a big Spec fan but like the Sequoia a lot. I have friends w/Diverges and they are very, very nice too. They seem to be nicely engineered and well built but I just don't like some of the proprietary stuff especially the SCS rear hub. I've got a RLT 9 Steel and it's a sweet ride especially with the Nano 40c tires on it. I use it for when I'm doing an all dirt ride as opposed to mixed road/trail. It came w/Force1 and it's a great group - in many ways superior to the Shimano 2x setup on my Ridley X-Trail. It's very quiet and no dropped chains ever. So, depending on your expected use, I wouldn't rule it out. The brakes are not quite as good as the Shimano's but more than adequate. I bought the Niner sort of on impulse as I already had the Ridley and didn't really need another drop bar dirt bike. But it's been a most pleasant surprise. And, since the Ridley is set up more for road/light trail there isn't much overlap. Regardless, if I were in the market for a steel adventure bike, the Sequoia would be at the top of my list. If the ride is anywhere near the Niner you will be very happy.
\nIf it weren't for budget I would probably buy the Niner but my top dollar is 2 grand and that would put me on their alloy frame which i am not very excited about. LBS says sometime in October and that's all I can get out of them but I plan to hold on until then.
Erik Nohlin said on Instagram that Specialized Sequoias were released to dealers yesterday, so your LBS may have been being conservative in their estimate? Good luck with it, the Sequoia Elite has a crankset that I would like to have on my AWOL.
New guy to the forum here!
\nI have had the Sequoia Elite for about 3 weeks now and it is amazing! It also does come with the carbon fork and has mounts for 2 cages on the fork too. It comes pretty set right out of the box. I do think i'm going to get a second set of wheels soon (I9 AR25's) so I can put a set of 32's on them and keep the 42's on the stock wheels.
Nice to hear from someone who has the bike. Looks like they took awhile to get delivered to stores. How do you like that funky handlebar with the rise?
I like the handlebar. I think what makes it comfy is the new Hydro shifters from Shimano. They look funky but are super comfy. The stock canvas tape isn't bad either and I don't wear gloves.
\nI got mine earlier than most. They should be hitting stores soon. I work in a Specialized shop and actually got to ride it out at the HQ back in July. Put it on back order then. I think that's when everyone fell in love with it.
\nI plan to do the DK200 with it in 2017.
QUOTE: "I got mine earlier than most. They should be hitting stores soon. I work in a Specialized shop and actually got to ride it out at the HQ back in July. Put it on back order then. I think that's when everyone fell in love with it."
Well July is when Specialized sponsored an impressive promotion, paying a lot of people in the industry as well as influential bloggers to travel and ride the bike for a couple of days. Yes its true that nearly all those lucky enough to be comped fo test ride the bike raved about it. No offense, but I'd kind of like to hear from a couple of paying customers outside the industry as to what they think of the bike. Nearly four months after that big promotion the net is silent with regard to the average Joe getting an actual production model of this bike and loving it, or not.
I test rode a Sequoia Elite at a LBS over the weekend. I didn't want to take it onto any gravel or dirt out of respect for the shop, but it rode really well on pavement. I can imagine the 42s on it would take good care of gravel well. The fork was indeed carbon. The hydraulic discs are really powerful compared to a mechanical Diverge I also tested. The fit and finish of the bike was top notch with some nice finishing touches. The seat had a denim feel to it, and the decals were raised with a denim feel as well. Wish I could provide more insight than that, but it's really making me consider waiting so I can up my budget for a new ride.
Just a shop wrench who still has to pay for my bikes. I had a lot of bikes to pick from and I fell in love with this one. I actually really would like to try a Wilier Jaroon if possible. But the Sequoia check all my boxes. I'm new to gravel and will tell things like they are.
So anyone who has been on a sequoia could you expound just a bit on how fast it rides on pavement with stock tires and wheels? How you think it might ride with less beefy aftermarket wheels and tires? Like basically speed wise how inferior is this bike to a strictly tarmac bike or a bike like the diverge at the same price point.
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