Are you doing a drop bar conversion?
I don't know if you're in a hurry for a winter commuter, but I think you can do a whole lot better price wise with a complete bike, unless you have your parts kit ready to go. I've picked up complete Stumpjumpers, Cannondale M500, Bianchi Grizzly, more Stumpjumpers, PDG 20 and PDG 40, Miyata Terra Runner, Miyata Ridge Runner, various Gary F's and Trek 950 from $25-$150. These are typically Deore or at least STX equipped.
http://newjersey.craigslist.org/bik/4231524979.html
http://newjersey.craigslist.org/bik/4242031922.html
http://cnj.craigslist.org/bik/4246431002.html
http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/bik/4241579111.html