Agree with what Tourist in MSN said. Longer chainstays allow a greater range of adjustment and also allow for those of us with big ole feet to still keep the load as close to the rear axle as possible while still avoiding "heel strike", wherein your heels brush against the rear panniers because they're too close. I don't do the super lightweight packing; I'm built for comfort so my packing tends to follow suit. The traditional 4 panniers and handlebar bag usually keep me reasonably happy. But then again I'm not bouncing down trails like others have shown. I'm excited to add some racks and give this new (to me) Kona a go.... Good luck in your search!