Originally Posted by mrRed
So I'm lookin at building up a pot-hole eating street machine with a few specific things in mind....
...Sloping top tube and tight clearances, but regular sized tires.
Sorry, does nobody else see this as contrasting requirements? If you want it to be a street crusher, you will NEED fat tires. Otherwise, it will be a pothole dodger. Fat tires don't fit in something with tight clearances.
For a good urban runner, that can take some abuse, I'd recommend the On-One Il Pompino:
Cyclocross style clearance, compact geo, and a nice price.
If you don't want it so crossy, I'd say the Redline 9-2-5 would do you well:
Similar compact geo, clearance for bigger tires and/or fenders (included), and a VERY nice price.