Specialized Sequoia - is it any good for loaded touring?
[NOTE: This was initially posted on the "road cycling" forum. I'm hpoing that I might get some more responses here. Thanks, Tom].
I am thinking of retiring my 12 y.o. Gemini Randonneur and buying a Sequoia - probably one of the models with Carbon seat stays. Most of my riding is urban commuting, but I also get out for 5-or-so hour rides on the weekend and, every once in a while, load up the bike and head off for a few weeks,doing 150-200km per day. I run front (low-rider) and rear panniers. If I buy the Sequoia, I will probably convert the rear gears an 11-34 Deore LX set-up for touring, giving me a 30-to-34 lowest gear.
I have heard the Sequoia described as a "lite" touring bike. Has anyone had any experience of loaded touring with the bike. If so, how has it performed?