I did it. I asked Mark Hickey of Habanero Cycles to go ahead with my order...near-dream bike on the way in a few weeks!
I must say that Mark has been incredibly helpful and quick to respond to my several e-mail questions, and very willing to work with me on some minor customizations with equipment. He was also willing to send it to me unassembled (except for the fork and wheels--I'm not ready to do that type of work), so that I can do my own assembly. I love to tinker and want to expand my repertoire of bicycle-specific tools (there are already not many car/truck repairs I can't/don't do), so I figured putting together one new would be a great way to learn more about how the various components work together. It's getting an Ultegra groupset, and Shimano has great online documentation, so it shouldn't be too bad, as long as I take my time.
So here's the scoop:
-57cm Habanero touring frame (I wanted the extra strength and flexibility of attaching "stuff" later on, like panniers if I decide to do a long tour sometime)
-Shimano Ultegra groupset: 52/39/30 front, 11-28 10-speed rear
-Surly Long Haul Trucker Fork (CrMo--one place I saved some dough, but I wanted durability, I just don't trust carbon)
-I had upgraded the stem, handlebars, pedals and saddle on my current bike, so those will get moved over.
-Mavic Open Pro wheels with 700cX25 tires (again--didn't want to get crazy with the spending, these could be upgraded later)
I'm hoping this will be a "lifetime" bike--the frame at least, other parts would likely get upgraded in the future.
Here's to snow melting and higher temps soon...
Jason