Cyclocross - Need Advice -- Steel Cross Frame

I could use your advice. I'd like to build up a bike that I can ride on the road (fast, responsive) and also take off road (nothing too stupid -- that's for my Ibis Mojo). I had a Ridley Supercross but the geometry wasn't doing it for me (toe overlap, very high standover...) but it was a great performing bike. I really enjoy the feel of steel and it is relatively inexpensive. I am thinking of getting a Salsa La Cruz and building it up well. I'm looking to spend up to $1200 or so frame/carbon fork. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance for your help.

You definitely can get a Gunnar for what you are looking to spend on frame and fork. I do not have experience with their cross bike, but my Gunnar Roadie has been great, comfortable and responsive.

with that budget, you can go full custom steel. check into curtlo, almost rock lobster, tet cycles. salsa has a few good choices.

My Soma Double Cross is a great road bike and very comfortable and fast. It's best on long rides. With the money you save you could buy high performance wheels.

+1 on the double cross. i have a gunnar frame too and it's great, so +1 there too. it depends on what you want to use it for but the double cross is an excellent frame and costs less than half..

Another for the double cross I love mine, but a custom fit bike would be my first chioce if budget had allowed.

Soma would be fine assuming they've fixed that issue with the Double Cross's cracking, but for the budget you've got I'd be all over a Gunnar Cross Hairs... BTW-Gunnars are made in the Waterford plant on the US
http://gunnarbikes.com/crosshairs.php

Ditto on the Gunnar. I've got 2 Waterfords, purchased used on ebay. Gunnars are basically the same bike only welded instead of brazed. And yes they are better than just about anything out there.

I run Shimano 10spd 105 50/39t cranks, Ultegra F/R derailleurs Flightdeck brifters, Sram OG-1070 11/28t cassette, and a Chris King headset on my Cross Check for under $1200. I have some low end Shimano wheels that will be upgraded when I get to the States.

Ditto on the Gunnar. I've got 2 Waterfords, purchased used on ebay. Gunnars are basically the same bike only welded instead of brazed. And yes they are better than just about anything out there.
This is not the difference - TheWaterford R33, OS OS2 are welded, for example.