I already bought a Nashbar touring frameset on sale for $112 US (derailleur hanger was included as well as stickers) and some other parts. I'm not done yet but the reason why I want to build my own is because I have very specific preferences.

I just wanted to mention though, if you wanted to modify a bicycle that's already assembled, from the research I've done, I like the Kona Smoke, GT Traffic 3.0 and Minelli Felipe (Canadian bicycle). My favorite between the three might be the GT Traffic 3.0. That bicycle has 700x40 tires, reflective paint, a tailight under the saddle and locking wheels instead of quick release. That's pretty sweet.