Originally Posted by j_e_r_e_m_y

I'd take a look at a Swobo Accomplice. They can be found for pretty cheap (sub $350), have a good frame and fork, decent components, two sets of bottle bosses, take rim brakes, moderate geo, and can accommodate up to 45mm tires. I've got one and the only real drawbacks I've found is that the stock cranks are not the best quality, and that they chainstays won't let you get away with a chainring larger than 44t.