Yeah as some people have said- the TK3 is a great looking bike but it's a little too intense. It would be great if there was a track around here but unfortunately there isn't. I really like the Bianchi San Jose Cross bike. It seems similar to the Felt Cross bike (http://www.feltracing.com/09-catalog.../09-breed.aspx). As far as specs go, there is no real downside to a cross bike is there? I think it would just leave more options open in the future for the purpose of the bike.

Do they carry any kind of weight penalty? Also- how are those cantilever brakes compared to normal road bike brakes?

Another option would be to buy a frame and build from there although my perception is that ends up being more expensive than buying a whole bike. Would there be any big advantages to that?