Kali - welll, it's not *really* custom, I guess the right word is customized. I haven't done this before, so it's all new to me.

The LBS buys the frame pre-made to a standard size that will fit me. The bike shop buys all the parts I want to put on it, builds the bike, and then sells it to me.

Of course, none of that will happen until I stop spending money and start paying down my debt. Whew!