Its pretty easy to make a poor man's rivendale.
Instead of spending $4,000+ on a Roadeo, I bought a mint lugged chromolly Specialized Allez from '94 for $250. I'm running 28 and 32mm tires on it now. It is a great sporty commuter and my new goto bike for daily commuting (20lbs, 20mph, fast and smooth).

I also build something like the Clem:
Clem Presale

Bought a $30 lugged chromoly Bianchi advantage hybrid frame and built it up. I llike what Rivendale is doing, but craigs list can be your friend with a little patience.