If you are looking for steel then the Gunnar is nice we have a few built up in the shop and they are nice riding. i just rode a Salsa Fargo and it's a nice bike but it's to directed toward dirt for my taste. It was a very nide setup. If you have the expertise then building it yourself is a worthwhile endevour. You cant know a bike better then one you put together. While my Origin 700 CX has been a real challange to build up it's finished now after a year and it's one of the best riding haulers I have ever owned. Aside from knowing the bike you can really get exactly what you want in a bike for great price. Don't disreguard bar-end shifters I thought I had made a mistake when I put mine on but after having them for many miles I would NEVER go back to brifters.