Thanks, now I'm just deciding which route to go. I rode a Marin Hamilton, Kona SS 29er and a Surly and they all actually felt great and natural (although I'm trying to figure out how the Hamilton is so damn cheap -- they must have cut costs somewhere). Here are the possible combinations I'm considering:

Marin Hamilton with 3-speed SRAM
PROS: cheap (as in inexpensive), won't worry about locking it up, lighter than 8-speed
CONS: no rear disc tabs, cheap (as in cheap), only 3 speeds (can't really justify an 8-speed at this price point)
PRICE: $367 from REI + $200 for new rear wheel with hub

Custom build Surly Karate Monkey frameset with 8-speed Alfine
PROS: high quality, durable, flexible setup
CONS: EXPENSIVE, attractive to thieves, heavy, would kill myself if stolen
PRICE: $1300-1500

Redline Monocog Flight with 8-speed Alfine
PROS: cheaper than Surly but still high quality
CONS: more than I'd like to spend, attractive to thieves, heavy
PRICE: $700 + $400 for new high qual wheelset with Alfine

Any input would be great, although I hate to say I'm leaning towards the Hamilton just b/c it's so damn cheap, it's set up like I want it to be with city tires and better gearing, and I've heard it's a great value. I dream of the Surly.