Since asking for opinions on cross bikes, I've received quite a few links and recommendations. Via email, facebook, twitter, and here in the comments section. I truly appreciate the insights and commentary.
Before I go on, I should say that I liked my previous frame, which was the 54cm version here. I was using a 6 deg 110mm stem, turned down for road riding, and up for cross. The seat-post was very extended, the stem not quite slammed. I felt ok on the hoods, but could have used handlebars with a bit less reach. All in all I'm looking for a 55-56 cm effective top tube and at least 145mm HT.
So below are virtually all the frames/bikes that have been recommended. There are loads of options, at least theoretically, and it's very difficult to sort out all the differences. I'll do my best here to give an outline of what I've found on the web so far and I'll continue to post as I narrow down my decision.
So what are my criteria? Here's how I am going to decide, in order of priority.
- Fit - Considering this is going to be THE ride for the foreseeable future, it's going to have to fit. Pretty much a no compromise criteria. I don't necessarily have to ride it first, but I'll be careful as much as I can. I'm definitely not going less than 550mm top tube and 145 HT.
- Price - I'd like to say I'm a rich bastard, and have achieved my goal of being independently wealthy but that's not the case. A few unexpected events have meant that I've got to stick to a budget.
- Value - Given the above, I'm deal hunting. Considering the options out there I'm not going to pay list price. Within my budget I'm going to find the best value, and then blog the hell out of it and make sure everyone knows. Maybe I'll find something on ebay. Maybe I'll find someone who wants to have their logo tattooed on my blog, and my skinny legs. I'm for sale, although I doubt anyone is buying.
- Components - I really, really liked the SRAM Rival I had recently put on the Scattante. It's my preference to build up the bike with that, and with a compact crank so I can go between road and cross by changing the big ring. Tektro CR720's are my brake of choice, and I'd love a carbon bar after having one. Given these, my seat and wheel prefs, it's likely better if I get a frame and fork and go from there, but OEM bikes are good value after being built up so maybe I'll just do some swaps.
- Engagement - Ideally I'd like to buy this bike from a human. Preferably someone who goes the extra mile to communicate. Surprisingly, not everyone in the service industry does that, so I'm not holding my breath. A bike shop who spends 5 minutes with you is about as good as buying online. I'll be sending out some emails about the options below and will see who actually responds. I'll let you know how that goes.
- Availability - It obviously doesn't help if it's out of stock, or if I have to call bike store after bike store to see if they actually have any since they don't show stock levels online. I went into a store the other day, and out of 300 bikes, they had 1 CX frame. I can't wait months for a bike to come in. I'd like to have a frame picked by end of June, and in my hands by the end of July.
- Looks - No pink, or florescent green, sorry Jeff.
- Weight - Lighter is a bit better. I'm not out to win a world cup race but it'd be nice to have something that doesn't compare itself to an armoured vehicle.
My next steps are to gather a bit more data on the bikes below, and, where appropriate, send out some emails to see what can be done regarding my criteria above. I'll be whittling down my options and then keeping my eyes open for opportunity.
Here's what I've got so far.
Stevens Carbon Team
This looks like a very sexy ride. I first took notice when Vicky showed last years version off at CX nationals and promoted it on twitter. I also saw some some nice shots last year of Katie Compton's bike. I love women who ride CX.
The size 56 seems reasonable, although perhaps the headtube is a bit short. It also seems to be on the pricey side, although a few people have recommended I look at it. I'd love to build this one up.
I've been told it's expensive but they occasionally show up at good prices.

Jamis SuperNova
The Jamis reminds me a bit of the Stevens. The 56 size has a 560mm Top Tube and the proper headtube height so the fit seems like it's there. It's aluminum so the price might be a bit better.
I have no idea where I could get this bike in Toronto. The dealer search for Jamis is US only which is stupid. I will hunt around however and see what I can find. I really like the black and white paint and it's available as a frame/fork only.
Giant TCX1
This was recommended in the comments below by @KFsportsjoey so +1 for engagement. It's also built up with Rival albiet with a cross specific crank. I need to figure out if that's the same as a compact BCD.
As a complete build it seems no too overly priced so it's in the running from that perspective. The geometry seems fairly "Compact" so I'm not sure which size I'd fit on. The M or the M/L.
Cannondale SuperX
One of the Lapdogs had one of these last year. A fine looking machine and it's been recommended a couple of times. That or the CAAD X. Both come in Rival builds that looked to be specced appropriately. No idea on price here. But I don't think they'll fit in the budget.
The SuperX 54 looks like it might fit perfectly whereas the CAAD X looks somewhat more relaxed and maybe the 56 would be better there. It's hard to say.
Ridley X-Ride
The 56 X-Ride might be about right size wise. I'd consider the fancier X-Fire as well but the X-Ride is likely better priced. Very classic looking if you ask me. Again, no idea where to get this one at the moment.

Redline Conquest
The picture here is of the Redline Conquest Carbon. The headtube seems too short for the TT length. I'm not sure what is going on there. I need to do more research here but their website and dealer locater are crap.
Cutter CX Bike off BonkTown
This is the price winner for now. Something like $800 at random times online. That's less than most frames. Now, at the time I saw it, they didn't have my size so that was a non-starter. But this price would let me invest in some fancier wheels.
Marinoni Fango
This is interesting. A great looking steel, or Ti bike. Even with regular wheels it'd look good. I wonder how much these go for. They advertise a good Rival build and even have the option of ordering custom geometry and paint. I'll definitely be looking into this closely.
It's got a shorter head tube but I really want to like this one.
Kona Jake the Snake
Frame and Fork are available online. The size 56 might be a good option. You see a lot of these around so there's likely good value in them.
Soma DoubleCross DC
Steel is real apparently. I'd love to build this up with disk brakes. The Frame seems a bit heavy obviously, and the head tube is very short but it's decent value and would last forever. I tried to convince my wife this is what she wanted but she doesn't want steel.
Bianchi Cavaria
Who doesn't like Celeste? This or the Zurigo would look great on the top of my car. Really great. Unfortunately I think the Cavaria would bankrupt me and the Zurigo would be pricey for what you get. The geometry seems a bit too aggressive for me so it's probably out of the running.
The steel Bianchi next to me right now is weeping, begging to be put back on the road.
So that's what's been running through my head these past few days. Next step is to fill in the damn insurance forms that have been sitting on my desk for 24 hours, after work of course.
If you've got comments or suggestions I'd love to hear 'em.