Check out Orbea's Ultrafoco Carbon. Triple butted Columbus Ultrafoco steel tubing with Columbus Carve carbon seatstays. I think the frame was around $1200 or so, not including fork. I love mine. Semi-compact geometry in that they actually offer a full run of sizes and just slope the top tube. I was skeptical until I rode it. Really stable, smooth ride and beautiful paint. A great deal on incredible steel.