I was lucky and picked up a like new Dawes Sarder frame 2-3 years ago (older model made out of steel with disc tabs) from ebay and got it shipped from the UK to the USA for a total of ~$150. I reckon I made out with the deal! Rarely do I think you get deals off ebay now, but I really think people were asleep on that one. My only tiny regret? I'm not sure the frame is made in England -by all accounts it could have been made in the Czech Republic -there are no stickers on the frame to indicate its origin. I would have loved a Galaxy, but my personal preference is for 26" wheels, hence the Sardar (and this preference is purely based on geometry with a lack of toe overlap with fenders rather than any inherent differences in wheel size or performance).

I don't want to start a whole steel vs alu thing, but I'd be happy to use either a steel or alu bike -so long as it's well made and suits me. People have ridden round the world on frames made of both of those materials, so I'm not sure generalizing on a frame material is that necessary. I think the new Dawes Sardar could certainly be used.