Hi stew

I have been pondering over this question also

Think its a bit "chicken or the egg" problem
I cant decide which is best or cheapest.

I have taken quite a bit of time, checkiing out cycle parts, frames , components. etc adding various permutations and i still cant decide which option to take.

like yourself I may leave till the spring before deciding.

Not much point in putting a new bike on the road with all that sh***y salt iminent.