Thanks for the links - the fenders look great! Once my budget recovers from this purchase, and a new personal training package in April, and needed new cycling clothing...it will be time to spruce up the new bike

I have my quote for the new build! It is a little more expensive than I had originally planned - but with handmade wheels, thorn resistant tires, upgraded crank/derailleurs/other stuff I think that it is worth it. So it turned out to be $500 extra before labor and taxes - I think the added value will be worth it. I DO have someone checking out the quote for me who knows a lot more about bike components than I do - I know just enough to be dangerous

Thanks for the advice on kickstands and so-forth - that is very good food for thought. KnottedYet, I will follow your advice and hold off on making any decisions about kickstands until I've learned how to handle the bike, including loading it without it. The Surly site got my attention as well, I don't want to risk damaging my lovely steel frame...