Your trek has vertical drop outs, so good move on not converting it. If you want to build a bike from the frame up it is going to be more expensive, but it is a great way to learn how to work on bikes. Thats what I did and I learned a bunch. In the end it cost me about $150 more than buying something from bikesdirect, but it was worth it to me.

If you are still in the basic learning phase go here: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/

Here are a couple sites that helped me when I was learning how to work on specific areas:
http://www.fixedgeargallery.com/colu...age/indexb.htm
http://www.parktool.com/repair/bikemap.asp

If you want to look at just frames: http://bikeisland.com/cgi-bin/BKTK_S...Framesets-Road

Welcome to your new addiction.