Thanks again everyone this is really helpful.

Miamijim, I hadn't realized ebay was such a good resource for parts like that.. this changes everything.

I will definitely start looking into scwhinns and treks.. I'll sheepishly admit that I'm romantically drawn to the Italian and French bikes, more for the names than anything since most of my riding has been done on my Peugeot U0-8 and my Fuji fixie conversion.

Ejuste, Columbus is not necessarily my thing. The problem is that I don't really know my thing yet. I am not going to hastily run out and buy a $500 frame but I want to get an idea of what's fair and what you get for what you pay. I like my peugeot but it's got irreparable issues and I figured since I'm replacing it, I might as well step it up. I just don't really know much in the way of tubing etc..