One of my favorite used-bike finds is a Specialized Sequoia that is more than 20 years old. Despite its age, it remains one of the best all-around bikes I have owned.

I was lucky enough to pick this one up for only $150. For someone who wants one affordable bike that can handle road rides, gravel paths, commuting, and casual family rides, an older Sequoia is hard to beat.

Plenty of Room for Wider Tires

The bike originally came with 25mm tires, but I replaced them with 30mm tires for a little more comfort and stability.

Looking at the available clearance, I think the bike could potentially handle tires up to around 35mm. That is impressive for an older road-style bike that does not use cantilever brakes.

Wider tires make the Sequoia much more capable on gravel trails, rough roads, and crushed-stone paths. They also make everyday rides more comfortable.

A More Comfortable Riding Position

The Sequoia has inline brake levers on the top section of the handlebars. These give you another braking position and allow you to sit more upright.

That makes the bike feel almost like a hybrid when you are taking a relaxed ride. You can still use the drop handlebars when you want a faster or more aerodynamic position, but you are not forced to ride that way all the time.

Plenty of Accessory Mounts

This bike has three different areas where you can attach water bottle cages, a pump, or other accessories.

It is also easy to add a rear rack. That makes it a good option for commuting, carrying groceries, hauling bike bags, or attaching a child seat.

Many newer road bikes focus heavily on speed and leave out these practical mounting points. The Sequoia gives you more flexibility.

A Drivetrain Built for Hills

My Sequoia has Shimano 105 components and a triple crankset.

Some cyclists may make fun of the smallest chainring and call it a granny gear, but ignore them. Having those extra-low gears makes climbing hills much easier, especially for newer riders or anyone carrying extra weight on the bike.

Not every ride needs to be a race. Sometimes you simply want gearing that helps you make it to the top of the hill.

Surprisingly Lightweight Materials

The bike also has a carbon fork and carbon rear stays, which help reduce weight and absorb some vibration from rough roads.

I already removed the original shock-absorbing seat post. Those suspension-style posts can add a surprising amount of weight and do not always improve the riding experience.

Someone trying to make the bike lighter could also install a carbon seat post and replace the heavy adjustable stem with a simpler fixed stem.

Could You Convert It to a One-By?

For someone who enjoys modifying bikes, this Sequoia may also be a good candidate for a one-by drivetrain.

You could remove the front derailleur and triple crankset, then install a single front chainring. The bike already has a fairly long rear derailleur cage, so there may be enough capacity to use a larger cassette, potentially something around 36 teeth.

That could create a cleaner and simpler setup while still providing enough range for hills.

A lighter wheelset would also reduce weight and improve the ride, although that upgrade may cost more than some people want to spend on a $150 bike.

One Bike for Almost Everything

The biggest advantage of the Specialized Sequoia is its versatility.

• Road rides
• Gravel trails
• Commuting
• Recreational rides
• Family bike rides
• Light touring
• Everyday errands

There are faster road bikes and more capable gravel bikes, but few affordable used bikes can comfortably cover this many different types of riding.

If you only plan to own one bike and do not want to spend a fortune, look for an older Specialized Sequoia. Even after more than 20 years, it can still be a practical, comfortable, and surprisingly capable bike.