I don't think $1500 is overpriced for a custom steel bike. There are not many non mass produced bikes that are less. There is a wealth of very good small builders in the US (and elsewhere I'm sure) to choose from. Try and find a shop that has a Serotta that you can test ride for a couple hours; I bet you'll like it. Then again you would probably like a IF Crown Jewel or a Steelman or a blah, blah, blah.