Happyscientist,
thanks for checking out our site. Custom bikes can be fantastic and look forward to hearing about your journey. The North American Handmade Bicycle Shop is terrific, 2013 is in Denver if you get there, is well worth it. While we have lived in Idaho 22 years we still consider Montana home and Carl Strong does make a beautiful bike. As you know, I ride a Rivendell and am horribly spoiled.