What do you suggest? I am only willing to spend $1500 CDN max. We have an excellent steel frame builder in Guelph, however I doubt I can afford their custom bikes with my budget.

In case I've given the wrong impression, I think the quality of bikes from most other countries is excellent. I will be the first to admit I own a Trek 6700 made offshore as well as an Orbea Onix made offshore. Both are excellent bikes. However, if I can help our struggling manufacturing sectors in North America, I will ... as long as the quality is there.