I've posted a few questions about a few bikes. I'm looking to make what will be a big purchase for me that I hope to be happy with for many years and this forum has been very valuable in gathering real world information.

My question is about what it cost to build up a frame. I don't even know all the parts I would need to purchase to begin figuring this out. Or do they make kits with everything but the frame?

What I'm trying to work through my head is a commuter bike, I love the Country Bike idea and wish to copy that. Something like the two below.
http://www.ecovelo.info/2010/04/10/my-country-bike/
http://www.ecovelo.info/2010/04/09/my-commuter/

I keep going back between buying a Sam Hillborne frame and building it up or the Surly Long Haul Trucker or even the Jamis Aurora (perhaps elite if it is worth it).

To get a fair comparison I am wondering how cheap a Hillborne could be build up for and still be nice.
Sam Hillborne $?
Jamis Aurora $1050
Jamis Aurora $1695
Surly Long Haul Trucker $1100