Rivendell

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I think it's good to get a solid feel for what price range you want to stay within. The list Knot gives, for example, has a huge price range- the Vanilla bikes cost several thousand and have a several year wait list I believe. Rivendells cost a couple thou to start, as do Waterford, Davidsons (I think)....
Jamis, for one example I know of, are much cheaper- more of an "entry level" steel bike. I am sure a few others that Knot mentions are less expensive as well.

And then there are the really cheap (in comparison) garage sale/Ebay older steel road bikes that can be updated with many or a few new parts and customized just to you. Some are lugged steel and others are TIG welded steel. The big thing with them all is that you really would be best off if you could test ride them first to see if the frame fits you right before you actually buy them.
And you'll want to know just how much work and new parts they'll need to be safely ridable for you to begin with, -aside from parts swapping just for the coolness/customizing factor.

[elk]

I read the "official" company websites for fun.

I will keep my eyes open on craig's list, should proably start hitting garage salea as they come up, etc...I also imagine that the citybikes collective may have some refurbished old bikes...

I tend to go out and just keep my heart open and see what sparks. I think a well tended heart and alert mind always recognizes what it wants...and in this case, add an aging but eager body... to that list....

Then I get to come here and tell you what I've found and see what you say!!

can't really go wrong....!! (Danger? the place where i bought my Globe sells Waterfords)