If cost is one of your concerns, check out the Pake C'mute frame. I know several people who have picked it up to build into do-it-all bikes without imploding their checking accounts, and they've all been pretty happy with it. I think Soma sells the frame for about $260 and a matching fork for $100-ish. I've seen it elsewhere online for less than $200, and in a few bike shops around me for $220-250. It seems like it's pretty readily available, so your bike shop might be able to order one for you.

Here's a link to some info about it. http://pakebikes.com/product/F8EF09/C'Mute+Frame