Bilenky is a top-notch shop, Midlands looks pretty nice with on their web page with good racks, ample gearing & such...but the "stock" build seems to limit tire width a bit plus IMHO why splurge on $4K semi-custom & not get the goodies like Rohloff/Gates/S & S couplers/disc brakes etc as with Co-Motion Pangea? Of course that stuff pushes the price to around $6K...I thought about going that route thinking it's a perfect setup, bike will last for a lifetime etc but I'd be totally scared from theft worries. Depends on your personal price points but Midlands & other such touring bikes in the same price bracket don't seem to offer a whole lot more than production touring bikes for far less money.