I had a Double Cross and rode the crap out of it, road, gravel and single track...it was so good I passed it on to my son when I upgraded, I still miss it!!!
I believe (not 100% sure on compatibility with this frame) you can buy a geared dropout from Paragon Machine Works and run a full length cable for the RD...I just did that for my 29" Ridgeline.
I don't need another bike, I don't need another SS, It's not my size...I keep clicking and staring at it all the same!!! Whats wrong with me?
Really nice bike and honestly I think its a great price too...