You're probably right Andy_K.

So I did a little running round to various stores today and found a few comparable bikes. I wasn't actually able to test ride them due to them not having my size built, but I requested a couple of them to be built so I can test them later. Any opinions on any of these bikes and how they compare?

2013 Specialized Tricross X3 - $999 - Seems like a great deal but I haven't heard much about the bike.
2014 Kona Jake - $1249 - This bike looked freaking beautiful, but is at the very top of my price range. Someone should talk me out of it.... or talk me into it . I keep hearing great things about the Jakes.
2013 Brodie Ronin - $1100 - I was told about this bike but haven't even actually had a chance to see it yet. I'd have to ask them to build it.