Gmason...since you are in France, have you met the Italian frame maker Casati personally? If so...tell us a bit about him...looks like his work is pure art. Love the full steel frame with a carbon fork...especially out of the tubing your frame is made from...special.
Rippin's bike is awesome as well. I actually like a slight sloping top tube as much as old school horizontal tt. I personally wouldn't mind a rear carbon triangle with steel frame either depending on the construction ensuring no whip.
Cheers,
George