Quote Originally Posted by Owlie View Post
At what point, would you say, would it make more sense to order the frame (or frame+fork, if possible) and build it up yourself?
That totally depends on what comes on the off-the-shelf complete bike, what you really want, and what you can live with.

Remember that although you probably know a whole lot more about drivetrain components than wheels right now (and there's a dizzying array of rims, spokes, hubs, and cross patterns available), you can often get the biggest bang for your buck by upgrading the wheels from an off-the-shelf bike.

Price it out! Talk to your LBS. Remember that you save a lot by buying a groupset, so even if (just to pick something out of the air) you could live with 105 shifters, if you want Ultegra brakes, you may do better to get a whole Ultegra groupset than pick and choose each component.

Especially find out your LBS's policy on component swaps on a new complete bike. If you're working with a smaller shop, then most likely you will have to buy any part you want to change. A big shop that can move a lot of parts should credit you for your brand new take-offs.

And of course, if they're doing the labor, will they include that in the price of the parts, or are you going to have an unknown hourly charge to deal with?