>>The fact that you are thinking of upgrading already suggests the Surly is less than you want. Please let us know. I don't want to buy the Surly frame and build it up if I'll immediately want to upgrade to a Heron.<<

Actually I love the Surly (edit: it's a 60cm frame, so sports 700c wheels). My racks (Tubus Duo and Cargo) fit great on it, there is no interlap with the wheel, and my heels don't hit my panniers (Carradice). She's sturdy, can fit fat tires, and the sage green color is pretty too.

I asked about the Rivendell because I commute year round and eventually want to get a second bicycle, which in the short term will probably be a used beater. However, eventually (at least a few years from now, probably more) I'd like to get another bicycle that is of the same/better quality as the Surly. And also, I just wanted to get a bit of information about Rivendells and custom bicycles in general, due to the very fact that the Long Haul Trucker has done me so well so far.

So there you have it - the Surly has my definite seal of approval.