I think that unless you know for sure that you would absolutely love the unique things about a Rivendell bike, that you should get something else. I think they're beautiful and wouldn't mind having one, but for the price I would rather buy something else. Can't go wrong with Crosscheck. At the more expensive level I would consider the Civia Bryant, Kona ***** Inc, any of the great Spot Bikes, Specialized Tricross, Soma Doublecross, or Trek Portland. Many have brifters which would help clean up the cable routing. The disc brake and IGH bikes will be better equipped for winter than the Hillborne and the derailleur and cantilever bikes will be lighter and faster than the Hillborne.