i still think lugged steel built by a small builder is the best option. do you really want to buy cheap cf? also, ti is gonna be risky since the ride can be dependent on so many variables. not that i've ridden ti, but i understand that the frames can be anywhere from flimsier than a noodle to stiffer than all hell. budget steel or al seems like a waste of time since there is so much available in those categories. also, dealing with a company overseas is gonna be a nightmare.

if we did go the stock route, bob jackson and mercian might be possibilities. perhaps the milwaukee from ben's cycles would work for some people. personally, i wouldn't do the milwaukee since i need their smallest frame which is completely different geometry wise than their larger frames. just throwin more options out there.