General Cycling Discussion - Can you get better deals on framesets or complete bike packages?

Before I pose the question, I have a problem. When you look at bikes the most common offerings are:

1- frameset only
2- LBS package
3- manufactor package

What does "frameset mean"? Like what is the COMPLETE list of everything else you need to buy to get a complete bike:
-- wheelsets
-- pedals
-- fork
-- handlebars
-- gear combos: derailers, cassettes, shifters, cables, etc
-- headset
-- cranks
-- saddle
-- quick release units
-- tires

So what else is needed? Is there a long list of speciality connectors like washers, bolts,

So suppose you have decided on 3 to 4 wheelsets that are acceptable, 1 to 2 gear combos that will work, a handlebar you want, and now want to price a new bike, where will you get the best deals?

1. totally custom: buying only what you really want and starting with frameset

2. taking LBS local package that comes closes and swapping out undesirable parts for XXX dollars for each substitution

3. taking manufacturer package and swapping out undesirable parts and selling them as new.

Or what?????

Ideas welcome.......

Usually the best deals are complete bikes, and wheelsets depending on what you buy come with skewers. and add on a seatpost.


Before I pose the question, I have a problem. When you look at bikes the most common offerings are:

1- frameset only
2- LBS package
3- manufactor package

What does "frameset mean"? Like what is the COMPLETE list of everything else you need to buy to get a complete bike:
-- wheelsets
-- pedals
-- fork
-- handlebars
-- gear combos: derailers, cassettes, shifters, cables, etc
-- headset
-- cranks
-- saddle
-- quick release units
-- tires

So what else is needed? Is there a long list of speciality connectors like washers, bolts,

So suppose you have decided on 3 to 4 wheelsets that are acceptable, 1 to 2 gear combos that will work, a handlebar you want, and now want to price a new bike, where will you get the best deals?

1. totally custom: buying only what you really want and starting with frameset

2. taking LBS local package that comes closes and swapping out undesirable parts for XXX dollars for each substitution

3. taking manufacturer package and swapping out undesirable parts and selling them as new.

Or what?????

Ideas welcome.......

I normally decide on the frame that I want within a manufactures catalogue, but most manufacturers will list one frame at different specs and prices.

On my last bike- a few years ago now- I bought the bike with the frame that I wanted. It was nowhere near the spec that I wanted and as parts wore out they were replaced with the parts I wanted. Within 18 months, I had a bike that was better specced than the most expensive in that range, and everything was what I wanted-- Except for the crappi Bianchi wheels. They worked better than I expected, were lighter than I expected, and lasted longer than I expected. Alas even they wore out and were replaced with a custom set from my wheel builder- cost an arm and a leg, but were not a great improvement over the original equipment.

I have done a custom build up from a custom made frame, but bikes have improved so much in the past few years, providing you can pay for it, that I would not go that route again.