As I reveiw my options and have narrowed it down, geometery becomes second place to design function and durability. The average person here can spew geometry for hours, but doesn't know trail from head tube angle relationships from thier ass and a hole in the ground. If you took two bikes with slight changes in geometry, put the seat and the handle bars in roughly the same spot most of us, my self included, couldn't feel the difference. Some could, but most of those are extremest who buy 5000 dollar merlin bikes anyway.

As far as brake cables for the back, why don't you set it up for internal running, with plugs that can cover the holes for those that don't use it. Place them in an obscure place a viola, there you go.

Paint. Screw fancy paint. Paint them with some sort of truck bedliner like material. Such that when locked up, no one has a concern about the odd chip, etc. Not a race bike per se anyway, right? Go with the durable vision: a bike to outlast the fad so to speak.

As I have reviewed whats around and available, I go for what seems to be durable, good handling, good power transfer, and decent ride. For a frame, I want a frame that the manfact stands behind. Not some cheasy "break it we replace it" type of deal.

Custom frames have got to be a money drainer for the cost you're laying out: to much time, to many variables. You're an angel perhaps for wanting to, but killing your self time wise, and burning out.. that'd suck. I've seen it happen in custom knife makers (Elshiwetz (spelling) for one has finally given customs up after trying to balance custom and decent price).. I guess it could happen with bikes.

I'd say get the line up on a few options for frames, and for options, add the odd thing people may want, water bottle holders, etc.

And dig it on the durable paint issue. Un tapped markette, next big thing, or?