after commuting on four different bikes in the past year (road/folder/IGH+belt/hybrid), I'm thinking I would like to build my own commuter bike. Here's my plan and some questions:

* cross frame - don't really care about material that much except not all aluminum (like my IGH+belt, which is a boneshaker)

* disc brakes - nonnegotiable. the V-brakes on my folder are decent in the wet, but I want even better performance with all my poundage heading downhill

* derailleur drivetrain (I have a Tiagra/105 9-speed I can re-use). too many IGH headaches!

my plan was to pick up a Surly Cross Check frame, transplant my drop bars, brifters, rear derailleur, and chain, and then have a wheelset built with disc brakes. B17 saddle to top it off.

but then I realized the CC doesn't have disc tabs, and I don't know whether I can have the Tiagra brifters control disc brakes. someone suggested having someone weld disc tabs onto the CC frame, which sounds scary/ugly. are there disc-ready cross frames for sale? someone said the Salsa La Cruz would be one, but their site has it only in Ti ($$$ I'm sure)

I guess I could go to BD and get a Fantom Cross Outlaw for $900, but I'm a fattie who needs a custom rear wheel anyway...and I've got the other components, plus I would enjoy the project.

I'm sure there's other stuff I'm forgetting as well...thanks for any and all tips!