Cyclocross - I want to purchase a wicked CX I need your opinions!

I want my CX to do a hell of a lot of things. But I am torn as to what I should purchase.

Here is my laundry list:
It needs to be a frame I can single speed (I'm contemplating a separate rear wheel with a dynamic hub)
I want to CX with it, but not necessarily racing caliber.
I want to tour with it (this means perhaps a special fork with rack bosses).
I want to commute with it (I think I'll exclude the winter, a good frame does not deserve winter salt).
I am pretty romantic about steel, like Columbus or Columbus Zona Steel. I can be swayed to go aluminum.
I want competent components, durability is key over and above have lighter components. Campagnolo is not an option because of needing special tools.
I am more of a prairie trail rider than a roadie.
I have this idea of a lifetime frame, but I plan to use to bike for everything...
Nothing to compact, lots of clearance.
I am a lady, I'm 5'4", and have had a good experiences with "female specific" geometry.

I am in love with Salsa's and Marinoni CX bikes. I figure a fully built will be the cheapest route, but I don't necessarily need any sort of racing build...that's the trouble with their CX. I also don't want a ****ty bike. I want a frame that's a step above Surly (maybe not?). I am obsessive over maintence, a competent bike owner, or I at least know the right people.

So my question for you is, who has a fully built CX that meets my standards (perhaps impossible ones). I am open to any and all suggestions. I am romantic over certain brands because of certain history, maybe that's a mistake, but seriously, Marinoni is sexy, lugs are beautiful.

I was going to recommend the Marinoni Fango, but it seems as though you already know of it. That frame can be ordered with every option you can think of. One idea you might want to ponder is getting disc brakes for better stopping power. Marinoni doesn't do lugged frames anymore, but their TIG work seems to be top notch, if my Piuma is any indication.

what dont you like about a Surly? What special tools does campy require?

I want my CX to do a hell of a lot of things. But I am torn as to what I should purchase.

Campagnolo is not an option because of needing special tools.

You mean those $5 tools Park sells? Campy has a proprietary wrench but it fits the BB and cassette. So, it does double duty. It isn't really very expensive either. Having tools is part of biking. I've got Campy and Shimano on my bikes. They use 95% of the same tools.

I also don't want a ****ty bike. I want a frame that's a step above Surly (maybe not?).

Surly is good stuff. Don't knock it till ya try it.

honestly sounds like you need two bikes.

since you are so particular to the details on your bike I would just do a ground up build, it will cost a little more but you can have everything PERFECT. Its what im doing with my Gunnar and I have 0 regrets whatsoever. Defintally has the ability to be a lifetime bike.

I would strongly recomend a custom Waterford (more affordable than you would think) You can either have them build with a number of different lugs and their custom paint is beautiful. Also Richard Schwinn (owner) personally answers most calls and is a super friendly and knowledgable guy. Of all the companies I have dealt with they are at the top of the list.

Also if you dont want to go full custom you can order a "stock" gunnar and pay a small upcharge to add things like different dropouts, additional water bottle bosses etc. for a small upcharge.

Personally I was looking for a bike almost identical to what your asking except without the single speed thing and after weeks of researching this seemed to be the best route possible. here are links to both the Waterford and Gunnar sites, they are both from the same people with the same tubing, gunnar is just the "stock" version of a Waterford.

Waterford (http://waterfordbikes.com/now/home.php?newstype=home&navcommand=showall)

Gunnar (http://gunnarbikes.com/)

As to the drivetrain its defintally a personal thing but I am 100% sold on sram stuff. Even their base model rival groupo shifts just as nice as dura ace except is slightly heavier and a whole bunch cheaper. For wheels I am very happy with my king/open pro combo and have done everything from long road rides, commute, tour on them without a bit of trouble. If you cant swing the kings then I would do either a 105 or ultegra/open pro combo which is still very nice and alot more affordable.

Good luck in your deciding, this process for me has been one of the funnest bikes ive ever built. If you have any questions whatsoever feel free to ask and I can talk some more about the details of my build etc. if your interested. I am still way to excited to talk about my bike so its actually encouraged:thumb:

since you are so particular to the details on your bike I would just do a ground up build, it will cost a little more but you can have everything PERFECT. Its what im doing with my Gunnar and I have 0 regrets whatsoever. Defintally has the ability to be a lifetime bike.

I would strongly recomend a custom Waterford (more affordable than you would think) You can either have them build with a number of different lugs and their custom paint is beautiful. Also Richard Schwinn (owner) personally answers most calls and is a super friendly and knowledgable guy. Of all the companies I have dealt with they are at the top of the list.

+1 on the Waterfords. I picked both of mine up used. I was fortunate enough to fit a stock 56 perfectly. You can save a bit of money that way. My only regret is that the models I have don't lend themselves to fender mounting very well.

Relax, i wasn't implying Surly is bad, I just want something higher end, plus Surly's are a bit over priced.