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2020 Specialized

Sequoia Elite

A steel frame gravel bike with upper mid-range components and shimano hydraulic disc brakes.

Manufacturer Price

$1,800
FrameSteel
SuspensionRigid
ForkCarbon
Wheels700c Aluminum
Drivetrain2 × 11
Groupset105
BrakesShimano Hydraulic Disc
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Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Rider Position
relaxedaggressive
Terrain
smoothrugged
Sequoia Elite
Other Gravel bikes
Gearing

A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

Lowest gear

(climbing)

38 mph

Sequoia Elite

36 mph

Similar Bikes

Highest gear

(descending)

Reviews

Summary

The Specialized Sequoia is a versatile gravel bike praised for its adventure-ready geometry, comfort on long rides, and stability when loaded. It excels in blending touring utility with quick handling, making it a solid choice for both road and trail adventures. However, some models are noted for being heavy and over-geared, which can hinder performance on climbs and acceleration.

Pros
  • Adventure Geometry dialed for light trail work, long saddle days, and loaded riding.

  • Comfortable for long rides, stable when fully laden.

  • Good balance of performance and comfort, with a supple, smooth ride-feel on tarmac.

  • Many mounting options for racks and mudguards, enhancing its utility for adventure riding.

  • Carbon fork and carbon seat post contribute to comfort, reducing vibrations.

Cons
  • Heavy, affecting acceleration and climbing efficiency.

  • Over-geared for loaded, hilly bikepacking, with some models lacking optimal gearing.

  • Front end can be harsh, especially off-road, leading to earlier fatigue.

  • Inconsistent cassette increments and mixed drivetrain components can reduce shifting performance.

  • Some models lack internal cable routing, and saddle/bar tape materials may collect grime.

Key Quotes
The Sequoia fills the gap in Specialized’s 700c adventure bicycle line-up combining the touring utility of the AWOL, and the quick handling, high-tech characteristics of the Diverge.
BIKEPACKING.com
the Specialized Sequoia Expert is extremely good at what it was built for – namely, adventure
Cycling Weekly logoCycling Weekly
Tank. That’s the word that first springs to mind as we chuck a leg over the Sequoia
Cyclist logoCyclist
It’s hard to argue with the design team’s work, mating a steel frame with a carbon fork
BikeRadar logoBikeRadar
Over-weight, over-geared and not really wanting to go over there
road.cc logoroad.cc

Feedback?

View all reviews

BikeRadar
Specialized Sequoia Elite review

Oct 2018 · Robin Wilmott

Its mix of classic road and modern adventure is far better than the sum of its spec-sheet parts. Buy if you want a bike that puts ride quality and practicality ahead of ultimate performance

Highs
  • Great riding position, SAG kit, gearing, fine ride feel

Lows
  • Incomplete 105 groupset, overall weight

Read Review

Cyclist
Steel bikes: Specialized Sequoia Elite review

Oct 2018 · Marc Abbott

A horizon-broadening heavyweight that belies its weight on the road, but it really comes into its own when you hit the hard-pack trails

Read Review

Gran Fondo Magazine
Specialized Sequoia Elite 2018 Review

Dec 2017 · Robin Schmitt

What’s the Specialized Sequoia Elite got in common with the Volkswagen Bulli hippy wagon and how it compares to its sibling the Specialized Diverge?

Read Review

Cycling Weekly
Specialized Sequoia Expert

Oct 2017 · Michelle Arthurs-Brennan

The Specialized Sequoia Expert belongs to a range of bikes designed to offer the rider optimum enjoyment on all roads

Highs
  • Good all-rounder

Lows
  • Heavy

  • Slow going on road

Read Review

road.cc
Specialized Sequoia Expert

Jan 2017 · VecchioJo

Over-weight, over-geared and not really wanting to go over there

Read Review

BIKEPACKING.com
Specialized Sequoia Review, 2017 Expert

Jul 2016 · Team Work

Named after one of the 1st bikes the company ever made, the 2017 Specialized Sequoia is an adventure rig aimed to take all-road bikepacking to a new era.

Highs
  • Adventure Geometry dialed for light trail work, long saddle days, and loaded riding.

  • Fork cage mounts … applause!

  • Sawtooth and Cruzero tubless tire/wheel combo seems solid and well thought out.

  • Details such as the fact that the front and rear have a single spoke length… ideal for emergency prep.

  • Minimal paint and graphics are eye-pleasing.

  • The Phenom Comp saddle is surprisingly comfortable.

Lows
  • Carbon seatpost is super light and comfy, but not ideal for a clamp mounted seat pack, such as their own Stabilizer Seatpack or Porcelain Rocket’s Mr. Fusion.

  • The Gearing is too high for loaded, hilly bikepacking; a 36t or 38T ring up front would be a welcome addition.

Read Review

Geometry
Specs
Build
Frame

Premium Cr-Mo size-specific tubing, internal light cable routing, Adventure Geometry, flat disc mount, fender/rack mounts

BB StandardBSA, 68mm, Threaded

Fork

Specialized FACT carbon, tapered, internal light cable routing, flat mount disc, water bottle/rack/fender mounts

Bottom Bracket

68mm, BSA

Stem

Specialized, 3D forged alloy, 4-bolt, 7-degree rise

Handlebar

Specialized Adventure Gear Hover

Saddle

Anza, hollow Cr-Mo rails, aluminum bumper

Seatpost

Alloy, 2-bolt, 25mm offset, 27.2mm

TypeRigid

Pedals

Nylon

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

Shimano 105, GS cage, 11-speed

Front Derailleur

Shimano 105, clamp-on

Crank

FSA Gossamer Pro, 48/32T

Shifters

Shimano RS505, flat mount

Cassette

Sunrace, 11-speed, 11-36t

Chain

KMC X11, 11-speed w/ Missing Link™

Brakes

Front: Shimano RS505, hydraulic disc, Rear: Shimano RS505, hydraulic disc

TypeShimano Hydraulic Disc

Wheels
Rims

700C disc, 15mm rim depth, 25mm internal width, w/ valve cover, 32h

Spokes

Stainless, 14g

Front Hub

Front Hub, anodized

Rear Hub

Hayfield rear hub, anodized

Tires

Front: Specialized Adventure Gear Sawtooth, 2Bliss Ready, 700x42mm, Rear: Specialized Adventure Gear Sawtooth, 2Bliss Ready, 700x42mm

Rider Notes
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First added March 27

Last updated March 27

Not listed for 2,259 days