I've been looking over the specs on the two bikes because I have nothing better to do. The components are very, very similar. Mix of Tiagra and Sora. Both have the Sora shifters which I didn't like much when I tried them, but that's a personal thing.

The difference is going to come down to the frame. The Jake will probably have slightly racier geometry, but will also be heavier, as it is aluminum/steel instead of steel/carbon fiber. This also make sit much more suited to long roads. I've seen the sequoia's with rear racks, though the carbon fiber seat stays make me nervous if the load is really big. But neither bike is really a tourer, so huge loads shouldn't be expected of them.

I'd say if you know right now that most of your riding is going to be on-road and the off-road will be very, very non-technical. A tougher road-esque bike like the Jake can take a lot more serious off roading, but is heavier, as I said. If you're a wacko, you can take beefy road bikes on some fairly technical stuff.

If you're not completely sure what your riding habits will be, get the Jake. It's simply more versatile.

This is assuming that one or the other bike doesn't "feel" way better than the other, because that's pretty much the most important thing.