Agreed on being less common, though with the savings you could take the 250 dolars and get a second set of wheels/tires for the Jake the Snake (may have to spend a little me than 250 with tires and cassette though). There's a reason Konas are so ocmmon: a great bike for not too much coin. That said, Van Dessel seems to have the cross thing figured out too. I'd say it comes down to which shifting system you prefer.