Lots of information going on in this thread. Just a few comments though. Time is on your side. Make sure you know what your measurements are. Keep checking Ebay and Craig's lists throughout the country daily. My current tourer is a Waterford 1900 which believe or not I got on ebay new for $1200 with a Ultegra triple and STI and xt rear der. Although it's a nice frame I am picky so I switched the STI to durace barends and the cranks to a sugino AT with raceface 9 speed rings (48,36,26). The point I am trying to make is that you have lots of choices. Take your time. I agree with alot of what's been written to date accept that you can do alot with a standard frame in stead of a custom frame with stems and crank lengths. I'm also in favor of used complete bike or a frame purchase with a build up - the fact of the matter is that people well intentioned people buy bikes but ride them very little which eventually get sold for substantial discount - plus dealer liquidations occur a lot. Also many well off riders turnover their bikes more often than their cars. Case in point I purchased a Waterford rs22 frame for $400 recently - these frame go for $2200 today - so my advice take your time get to know your parts and find a LBS that can do the work you .