Originally Posted by
divtag
$2,000 for a frame is out of my budget. The plan is not to spend more than $2,000 for a complete build. Maybe my expectations are off, but that is where I am at. Even $2,000 I'd have to think twice. That is more than any bike I have bought: Vaya, El Mariachi, and Spearfish.
The Rodriguez Rainier mentioned above can be had for exactly $2,000 for the
limited version. This is a COMPLETE build with custom geometry based on your body measurements. The frame is entirely handmade in the USA using very nice Reynolds 725 tubing. This bike will handle 32mm tires
with fenders -- a trait not so easy to find nowadays. If you're going to be spending long days in the saddle doing long distance events, the $2,000 price of entry for a custom build should be seriously considered, IMHO. You can make other upgrades eventually: add a carbon fork, better drivetrain, etc. as you'll have a really nice frame to work with -- the heart of any bike.
R+E Cycles (AKA Rodriguez Bikes), overall, enjoys an excellent reputation as a builder.