Quote Originally Posted by Crankin View Post
Personally, I would go for the stock bike, in your position, and really think about the extra added expense of the electronic shifters and the expensive wheels. My personal opinion is that unless you are racing, you don't need either right now. Ride for a couple more years and think about what you really need in a custom bike before you buy it.
I totally agree. Also, before laying down that kind of coin, I'd want to be really sure that cycling was going to "stick" as an activity/sport of choice. There are a lot of really nice bikes hanging in people's garages because they were more into the idea of cycling than the cycling itself. In you situation, I'd go with a stock bike in the less than $2K price range from a good LBS that can help with fitting, and see how much you really love cycling. If, after a year or so, you want to upgrade, then you could keep the first bike as a trainer/bad weather bike and go custom or higher-end stock. By then you'll know what works for you, what doesn't, any oddball fit issues you might have, and the like.

And I also agree with others here that you don't need the electronic shifters. I've ridden in many hilly areas, and the shifting just takes a bit of practice; it is not rocket science at all. Sure, you may want it, but you don't need it.

Just get a good-enough bike and go ride. Lots!