Quote Originally Posted by Trek420
I've experienced both....my road bike is full custom, even got to meet the builder and it was a wonderful experience.

My el-cheapo mountian bike and old Trek are/were customized, small adjustments tweaking till they fit like a glove.

Whichever way you go fit is so important.
On the "customized" route:

I have a 42cm Surly Pacer steel frame with steel fork road bike. It fits me really well, and the frames are only $400! I had it built up (by my SO, John) exactly as I wanted it with Ultegra and XT, and after 3 years I still love it.