WSD vs. unisex...components?

[Crankin]

Can you buy a frame (stock) and then build up the components you want? That's what I did. I have a "men's" frame, with Ultegra triple, short reach shifters, and 165 mm cranks. I also bought my own short and shallow drop bar.

[zoom-zoom]

Can you buy a frame (stock) and then build up the components you want? That's what I did. I have a "men's" frame, with Ultegra triple, short reach shifters, and 165 mm cranks. I also bought my own short and shallow drop bar.

How did you do this? Is this something the LBS guys can order just as a bare frame and fork, then apply one's components of choice?

[Cataboo]

I've generally bought frames used (or new) off craigslist, here, or ebay. I know surly and soma and a lot of the steel manufacturers sell frames alone...

[violetpurl]

Doesn't Trek give you this option with their Project One program?

[zoom-zoom]

I just learned something interesting...Cannondale has an upgrade program where they will buy back used frames on trade towards new ones--customers keep their original components. This is likely what I would end up doing, as I have been very happy with my Cannondale (and our LBS, which is owned by a dear friend) and my Shimano 105 guts with the shorter-reach shifters. Eventually I could swap out SRAM components when my Shimano stuff needs replacing.

[Crankin]

Yes, what you said is exactly what I did. The shop had the frame I wanted, with different components. I took the cassettes and cranks off of my old bike, they ordered me the R700 brifters, and I bought the bars for them to put on.
Of course my bike is a more "boutique" brand, but it was not more expensive than some of the Treks you are looking at.
They wanted me to be a happy customer...

[Aggie_Ama]

I just learned something interesting...Cannondale has an upgrade program where they will buy back used frames on trade towards new ones--customers keep their original components. This is likely what I would end up doing, as I have been very happy with my Cannondale (and our LBS, which is owned by a dear friend) and my Shimano 105 guts with the shorter-reach shifters. Eventually I could swap out SRAM components when my Shimano stuff needs replacing.

I did not know that! They changed the geometry since I got my Synapse and I believe the new ones would fit me better. I am okay with the 105 on my bike, as long as the front derailuer is in tune everything works great.

Most shops around here will switch out a few components like shifters, you might have to pay a small amount.

[Kiwi Stoker]

Specialized only sell there S-Works frames without components as it is expected that if you wanted to "custom" build the components, you are at the top of the range buyer- it's cheaper to buy bike packages as they have brought at bulk pricing off the component manufacturer.

Alternative is to take a bike, sell the bits you don't want off it (as unused) and use the money to buy the parts you want.