I'm going in 2 directions.

1.Getting someone to build me one up from an old frame. I have a guy that will do this but he is way across town(1 hour drive each way). He seems to know what he is doing and has a bunch of frames and parts as well as examples of bikes he has built up.

2. Just buy one(cheap) like this one
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/.../messenger.htm
I'll probably want bigger tires though and maybe a flat bar

The gearing I want is 49/18 and my ride is 95% flat and on the shoulder of the road. I do have 2 bridges but I can Hammer them out in this gear on my current bike so they should not be a problem.

So which way should I go? I'm no bike mechanic or I'd do it myself. Also any thoughts on a generator hub are welcome as my commute will be in the very early (dark) hours sometimes.