Custom Bike Build VS Store Bought
 

What's the price difference between purchasing an out dated bike and stripping everything to rebuild it to spec as opposed to purchasing a bike from the stores and eventually replacing everything anyway.

Unlike My car, a Honda Civic Hybrid (not classy but it always works and I'm doing the green thing) it seems many people like to change things as they can afford on their bicycles. Pedals, Chains, Seats, Lights, Fenders, etc etc. I gather that this is because the original parts wear out quickly or because they are inferior.
I Have all the time in the world, I live in South Florida and it's 80 degrees every day give or take 10 days a year.

Well, for one, you can always buy the bike with the top of the line components
or buy the components and build your own bike...which is fun because you learn about how the bike works and can fix most problems yourself...Oh and welcome to our world...just lay your money out on the LBS counter:)

I bought a bike orig ($1899) the next year fo $1069. It was Ultegra stuff. It wore out so I replaced it with DA stuff. I found deals like rear derailleur for $64 with no tax. I picked up two at this price, one extra in storage. A Deep V for $25!

It's a Cannondale and I aint getting rid of it for nothing! I doubt I will find another frame this stiff and durable. I use it for organized rides and special occasions!:D

It doesn't matter what your bike comes with, eventually most of us tinker and upgrade, or try different stuff.

Some of the changes are utilitarian, some are not. It's all good. Embrace your inner "OCP". It's OK, we won't tell anyone.

Now if you will excuse me, I'm off to switch out my Truvativ crankset for a 105, and upgrade my 105 rear derailluer for an Ultegra.......

Thank you gentlemen. I believe you summed it up nicely for me.
I'll be looking into both Commuter biking and a little distance cycling so I may buy a ready to go Commuter and work my way into a custom made (pieced together) bicycle for speed later.