I'd consider the Sequoia...seriously!
I have an '03 Sequoia "Expert", the middle-of-the-line model that year. The Shimano 105 components work well for most people, especially on a sport-touring bike such as this. I've no problems with the 105's, myself.
The bike is reasonably lightweight without being "stupid-light". The wheelset that year, an Alex ALX 300, I believe--I'll have to check (the bike is not near the computer!
)--although a low-spoke-count model (24 spokes front, 28 rear) has held up well under me (and I'm NOT a featherweight!!). (No broken spokes, no problems with staying in true.).
The Specialized take on "randonneur" handlebars DO "look funny", and, if you are accustomed to "traditional" drop bars, may take a little getting used to...but they
are comfortable!! The stem adjusts easily and has a wide range of "rise" adjustment. You may like the "Milano" saddle, if your model has it--or not! (I do.) (The higher-end models after 2003 carry the " Telluride" saddle, which is a more aggressive saddle originally designed for MTB racers.) The "mid-bar" style extension levers (also referred to as "(cyclo)'cross style") work very well, unlike the old "suicide" style of extension levers.
Some caveats, however! :
Make sure that all of the bolts the adjustable stem has on it are TIGHT! I've had them "rattle" loose on me, which, in turn, will cause the stem to move out of position/"flop around"--a DANGEROUS condition!! (This is, unfortunately, a common problem on these "adjustable" stems...not just this one.) You might want to check into getting a suitable "rigid" stem instead, either "up-front" or after you've had a chance to get a feel for the bike.
The tires are not that durable, since they are, for all intents and purposes,
racing models. (You might want to look into more durable models such as the "Nimbus" (if they still make 700c x 28's, the largest size that will fit the bike if you want fenders (you can go to about a 30/32 if not), or the Bontrager (Trek) "Hardcase" (slick) models for road bikes.)
If you are considering getting a rear cargo rack, I'd seriously reconsider that idea , especially if the model you are considering has carbon stays and/or low spoke count wheels...IMHO these items make the bike unsuitable for carrying any real load if they are present! (I don't use a rack on my "Sequoia" for just that reason.) You'll need to carry the load on you, or rely on SAG support/availability of rest stops instead. (The lack of safe, "real" load-carrying capacity is more of a problem for commuters/utility riders than, it seems, what you want of the bike.)