My 'forever' frame (Specialized Sequoia 2017) has failed me, whilst cleaning it recently I found a major crack in the chain-stay which from a quick google it turns out is a fairly common occurance with the steel from this era of Specialized offerings in both the AWOL and the Sequoia. It's now been with Evans for a potential warranty replacement for 3 weeks, and Specialized/Evan's are not exactly moving quickly right now it would seem. I love the bike, it fits me well, it's the right balance for me of touring capability and on-road speed. Swap the wheels (tyres) out and it doesn't mind gravel.
To make life a bit more squeeky, I have the biggest event i've ever even thought about tackling - Chase The Sun - coming up in a few weeks, and now no bike to do it on! So whilst I'm still hoping+waiting on my Warranty outcome, I also REALLY need something I love to ride for the longest event I'll have tackled (other than LeJoG but that was over multiple days!).
So I'm lurking in the second hand market at the moment. I've never had a carbon bike but they are tempting, but I'm not sure I'd want a second hand one, especially now i've been burned by a cracked steel frame (let alone carbon!). Facebook marketplace, ebay, pinkbike all seem to be flooded with options, but nothing quite right yet.
Ultimately, for me though (if I had time to actually arrange it all) Cycle-to-Work should be the go to. As others have said the savings can be immense, to the point where it seems silly not to get something brand new and known. If I had even more time available, I'd really love to build an Aliexpress bike, partly for the love of building frames up. Components are starting to look great and affordable.
Sorry for the long ramble! Just needed to capture this all somewhere! Bit stressed in limbo right now!
Best of luck to the OP with their sale
