Building a bike isn't about economics as much as it is you are discriminating to a point where you just can't buy off the rack because you would end up changing almost everything anyway....seat post with a certain setback and adjustment...stem....handlebars with a certain drop and width....gearing...compact versus reg. or triple, cassette range...crank length, saddle of course....wheels and frame....even choice of bar tape and tires. In other words the whole thing. If you buy "right" you can build a bike for a decent value but generally more economy is derived by buying a complete bike...problem being for those that are into the sport, an off the rack bike won't suffice.
Build one bro if you want to have some fun and get what you want.
George
Last edited by biker7; 03-02-07 at 07:22 AM.