Quote Originally Posted by zoom-zoom View Post
What I have wondered is if big companies (Cdale, Trek, Specialized, Giant, etc.) ever sell the frames without components, so that one could be a bit more selective about the bells-n-whistles. For instance, a unisex frame with reach-adjustable SRAM shifters, instead of the stock Shimano ones.

When I look at all of the manufacturers' websites it appears that the bikes always come as a package deal with only the choice of compact double or triple crank.
Most companies offer the higher end models as framesets too: frame, fork, headset, seatpost clamp, andseatpost if it's integrated or semi-i. Then you buy the group of your choice and build it.
Lower end models often come only as complete bike. So it depends on what you are trying to buy.
If you are a regular customer of your bike shop just ask them - they may be able to order the frameset, or even offer to exchange some components.
Or, depending on how much discount you get from the shop - you may actually save some money by buying the complete bike, rebuilding with the group of your choice, and selling the unwanted group.
But, the easiest and painless way is to just buy a frameset and all the components of your choice, and then build the bike.
Good luck!