I've heard good things about spicer as well. I think I read their decals go over the top of the clearcoat and are easily removed. I think that alien frame is something like 400? You could probably find an old road bike with lugs for about 8 dollars at a thrift shop. I personally like conversions a lot. Ebay is definitely an option too.

i'm more than willing to spend $600 if its for a really solid frame. i'm gonna email em and try and get some details, maybe geometry. maybe there is some way i can get it decal-less.

You probably cant get em decal-less but they arent hard to get off. I know a lot of people swear by spicer frames, I wouldnt have any second thoughts riding one myself.

i emailed him, and he got back to me within the hour. he says that he has the bikes built for him, and he just powder-coats them, so yeah, you can get it decal-less, and in any solid color they have in stock. i responded by asking about geometry, as well as who's making them.

they also have a closeout deal on a bare 53cm of the same frame for $400, which he will powdercoat for free. i wish i was shorter.

dont know what size you need, but there is a 53 spicer for 450 in their closeout section.
its unpainted but it says they will powder coat it any stock color for free.
https://www.spicercycles.com/index.cg...esc=Close-outs

also, i haven't ridden one but the SE premium brew is available as a frameset and is the same frame as the fuji obey. it seems nice, they have it as $800 on their site but i was talking to someone at a LBS a few days ago about how they've dropped the price and the shop is now selling them for $550

NJS. do it