how to chose/build a new bike?

[SadieKate]

You do a LOT of research and then you do some more research.

Frame: how does your tubing of choice ride, what kind of geometry will give you the handling you want, frame measurements from your favorite bike combined with the stem length. I've never had a frame custom built for me but I've built up lots of bikes and bought the frame based on all of the above, unridden, and been veddy, veddy happy. Fortunately, at 5'3 1/2" I just fit into the easily available 700c production road frame size market. Mtbikes frames are more limited in the avaialability of smaller sizes but it's getting better. If you're shorter than I there are production frames but you may have more difficulties but there are a ton of wonderful production frames out there totally worthy of a custom build. If you're taller, the sky is the limit. Many web sites have fit sheet calculators on their sites. www.wrenchscience.com has 5 different ones depending on the type of bike you're buying. Realize that 90% (or more) of the pro ranks are riding stock frames these days.

Components - More research! Read reviews on the web and ask the folks here and over at www.bikeforums.net. Be very specific about what you expect from the bike and how you want it to handle. Your size and riding style is very critical. A gruppo is the easiest way to go but I like to support some of the smaller companies like Paul's, Cane Creek, etc. A lot of this stuff isn't it the shops unless your LBS can afford to stock "boutique" stuff. It can be expensive for them to stock such items but they LOVE working with the unusual stuff. Again, be sure to discuss your riding style and weight because some components may be great for someone 200 lbs and just beat up a rider who only weighs 120 lbs (For instance, many carbon forks are way too stiff for a lighter rider).

Since Bubba and I do our own assembly, we save money by shopping mail order sales and buying a few parts from the LBS. Many mail order companies that also do custom builds will give you a discount on the components at the same time that you buy the frame and can really add up. I'm not sure if your LBS can do the same but it is worth asking.

An entire tome could be written on this subject and I'm sure that all of us will keep offering you our 2 cents. So, this is my first 2 cents. What's my budget?