Hello all,

Despite the current economic environment I have a bit of spare cash around and I'm considering the possibility of building up a psuedo-CX bike for longer rides on poor quality tarmac, gravel and hardpack trails.

The Salsa La Cruz is my "prototype" - a CX/Commuter/Touring frame with disc brakes (I'm not going to be racing, so I'd like to get the braking surfaces out of the mud).

I'm currently looking at frameset options for this bike. My budget is not fixed as yet but could go beyond what the Salsa frames go for (~$600) . I'm hoping I'll be able to get up into Gunnar Fastlane territory (~$900 fork not included).

So, can y'all provide me with some frame/fork suggestions between the Salsa and the Gunnar. I'm thinking steel for comfort but will consider AL. As I say, I am thinking disc brakes but will consider canti frames if anyone thinks there is a particularly good CX frame I should consider.

Thanks