The Specialized Sequoia created a whole lot of excitement two years ago when it was first unveiled. Essentially a toned-down version of the AWOL, the 2019 Specialized Sequoia bikes are an excellent choice for bikepacking, light touring and gravel riding. Given the specification is built to be light-ish, I generally recommend carrying a load of no more than 15-20kg on adventures with these bikes.

The carbon fork is one of the highlights on the Sequoia Elite and Expert models. With a tapered steerer, internal cable routing, internal light routing, rack and fender mounts, a thru-axle and flat mount disc brake tabs – it looks great and is really functional too. The fork can even squeeze in a 50mm tyre! The entry-level Sequoia misses out on this great carbon fork, it instead uses a steel replacement to keep costs down.

The Sequoia models are available in six different sizes. Each frame size uses a different blend of steel tubing to achieve the same ride ‘feel’, and the frames even use threaded bottom bracket shells (woo!). Eyelets are everywhere, including some mounts for a rear rack, fenders and a third bidon cage under the downtube. I particularly like the way the brake and gear cables are managed really neatly under the downtube.

Let’s take a closer look.

2019 Specialized Sequoia Expert

The Sequoia Expert uses a different steel tubeset to the other Sequoia models which works out to be lighter, but just as strong thanks to the fact its heat treated. The bike is built using a SRAM Force 1×11 groupset and Praxis carbon crankset – the 38t front chainring and 10-42t cassette yield a 25 to 104″ gear range which will be suitable for most dirt road riding. This flagship model uses a Specialized Cruzero wheelset which is designed to have the same length spokes on both the drive and non-drive sides, for both the front and rear wheels. Pretty cool! The Specialized Sequoia Expert has dropped $100 for 2019 and is now US $3200.

2019 Specialized Sequoia Elite

The mid-range Sequoia Elite has had a big drivetrain change for 2019. It’s gone from having a 2x Shimano drivetrain to now a SRAM Apex 1×11 drivetrain and hydraulic brakes. The low gear ratio stays the same at 25 gear inches, but you’ll lose a bit of top-end speed given the 1x setup. The crankset and wheels are the same as the base-model Sequoia (note: the Cruzero rims are used on all models). You can get the 2019 Specialized Sequoia Elite for US $2000.

2019 Specialized Sequoia

The base-model Sequoia is still a killer bike. It’s built around Shimano Sora 9-speed groupset which can mesh nicely with an Acera rear derailleur and 11-40t cassette if you’re looking for lower gear ratios (it comes with a 26″ climbing gear but this mod would get it down to 22″). The base model uses the same decent wheelset as the Expert, as well as many of the components. The only big difference to the previous model year is the upgraded crankset. You can ride the 2019 Specialized Sequoia for US $1400.

Not taken by any of the complete Sequoia bikes? Well, Specialized is offering the Sequoia frameset (with the heat-treated steel tubing) with a carbon CG-R seatpost, bar, stem and headset. Build it up however you like! You can get the Specialized Sequoia Pro Module for US $1500.

How Is The Sequoia Different To The Other Specialized Adventure Models?

Sequoia vs. Diverge
– The maximum tyre width is 10mm wider on the Sequoia (35mm vs. 45mm)
– The Diverge is shorter in frame reach by ~10mm, but similar in frame stack
– The Diverge has steering that is quicker and more nimble like a road bike
– The Diverge is 10-15mm shorter than the Sequoia in the chainstay
– The Diverge uses a progressively sprung ‘Future Shock’ at the stem
– The Diverge comes in aluminium or carbon, while the Sequoia comes in steel

Sequoia vs. AWOL
– The maximum tyre width is 5mm narrower on the Sequoia (50mm vs. 45mm)
– The AWOL is similar in frame reach but taller in frame stack by ~30mm
– The AWOL has steering that is slower but more stable like a mountain bike
– The AWOL is 25mm longer than the Sequoia in the chainstay
– The AWOL comes with a steel fork, while the Sequoia comes with a carbon fork in the top-two models

Want To Compare These Touring Bikes With Dozens of Others?

Check out the Touring Bicycle Buyer’s Guide which compares touring bike steering, sizing, gear ratios, specification, pricing and more. The Bikepacking Bike Buyer’s Guide does the same thing, however, with a focus on lighter bikes and models with more off-road capability. Both of these guides are updated annually with the latest models at no extra cost!

Helpful Resources

All About Touring Bike Brakes
Frame Materials for Bicycle Touring
How to Select Touring Bike Gearing
Understand Bicycle Frame Geometry
What’s the Difference between Cyclocross and Touring Bikes?

Touring & Bikepacking Bike Overview

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