I'd go with the LBS build up. You can get it sooner (!) and probably get either color, and get a little better spec. It looks like Surly is doing blue only for the complete bike

It's a pretty good overall spec on the complete build, but the upgrades I'd go for may run you a little more money, but I think they're worth it.

- Brooks saddle
- Avid shorty 6 cantilever brakes (Tektro levers are good - same as Cane Creeks)
- LX or XT front derailleur
- I would go for a double instead of triple front chainring set up (personal and location pref.)
- Probalby a different bar, you choose one you like the shape of. I like bars with flat sections on the tops, like ITM wing shaped lite luxe. But they require a bigger stem clamp size 30.8.
- Cinneli cork bar tape.
- Good hub and spoke spec, But I don't know much about alex rims, someone else here might.

As far as tires, tubes, chain, cassette, I consider them to be consumables. If you ride a lot you'll have to replace them far sooner than than the rest of the stuff, so just get it and ride the hell out of it.