Cyclocross suggestions

[RudAwkning]

Working on building up a cyclocross bike. Hoping that the folks on this board can lend some insight. What's a good gear combination? Steel or carbon fork? Saddle/bar height ratio? Flared drop bars? High or low profile center pulls? General positioning and fitting on cyclo vs. road? Not looking at building an art bike and won't be racing. I'm totally green here so >any< input is appreciated.

Edit: I'll be building up a Gunnar Crosshairs.

[CNY rider]

Working on building up a cyclocross bike. Hoping that the folks on this board can lend some insight. What's a good gear combination? Steel or carbon fork? Saddle/bar height ratio? Flared drop bars? High or low profile center pulls? General positioning and fitting on cyclo vs. road? Not looking at building an art bike and won't be racing. I'm totally green here so >any< input is appreciated.

Edit: I'll be building up a Gunnar Crosshairs.

Gears: I like my 34X50 compact with a 12-27, or even better 12-30.
Steel or carbon: Yes.
All the other stuff: Ask someone smarter than me. There are plenty of those folks here.

[Too Tall]

These guys have 1/2 a clue ;)

http://cycle-smart.com/Articles/index.html

[RudAwkning]

These guys have 1/2 a clue ;)

http://cycle-smart.com/Articles/index.html

Perfect!