I just returned home from my LBS where I had a meeting with their specialist in bike builds and he is also their fitter. We determined that if I have him build me a special kit for the Long Haul Trucker that I will only spend about $300 more and have better components than the standard kit - including hand-made wheels, carbon bars and other parts. I am not committed as of yet, but it seems a no-brainer to consider this. His software program crashed on him, so he is going to type up the kit and email it to me. He wasn't happy with his computer when I left...

I really can't go any higher than that additional $300, but if he really can upgrade what he thinks he can while staying within my budget then it really does seem wise to go for it. Nothing is happening before March 19th though