Yeah, I gotta admit I'm just scared of 23mm tires at my size. 28's do seem like they could be reasonable though. Guess I'll have to await feedback from another big guy like myself. I'm riding 40's now.

Are you suggesting that I buy a complete and switch out what I don't like? I haven't fully considered that option, but my line of thinking was telling me it'd be easier/cheaper to start from scratch. I'd be open to the idea of buying a complete and switching out though. Do you think that's a better/cheaper/more effecient approach? That would raise some new questions for me.

As far as what I don't like about those completes, for all three the tire width and decals (which I know is just aesthetic but that's part of what has drawn me to building from ground up), the drop bars for the kilo and madison because I intend to go bullhorn (easy switch though right?), something about the 925's general appearance turns me off, and most importantly, the general uncertainty about what size tires I can get on them. I understand that ultimately the aesthetics shouldn't matter as much, but like I said, that, along with being able to choose my parts is what has me leaning towards going from ground up.

Thanks again for all your help so far.