Originally Posted by
sounds7
Understood but Bicycle makers make it pretty easy for you by listing the equipment and measurements of said equipment under "specifications" or specs. It is there you can find the stem size/type, seat post, Tires, wheel set, component groupo etc. etc. Most of the stuff is not hard to do your own wrenching on especially with a how to manuel. (available on bookstore shelves-even Barns and Nobel) as well as instructions that can almost always be downloaded in pdf form from the manufacture's website. I confess I didn't fool with the crank and bearings on my bike and took that to the LBS to have done by them so yes everyone has their own mechanical limitations. Understood and also Time constraints I could certainly say not everyone has the time nor desire to want to build bikes but if you do you will get much more bang for your buck and will be much happier for it down the road.
Aside from Knowledge, time and patience to learn there are the required tools. A decent home builder stand alone is 150.00 to 200.00+. Add the cost of tools, frame, wheels, gearing components, brakes, steerer etc. and you are well over the 1500.00 mark. Chances are that even doing that, taking months to build you will still end up at the LBS to have them fix or adjust it for you. This, of course presumes that you are someone that is mechanically adept.
In the mean time, the person has not been riding....
I would offer that the same person can go to BD and get a bike with Ultegra front and rear components (more than acceptable for an entry level rider), a double butted AL frame (granted not the best, however certainly ride-able) etc. Ride it and upgrade it if he or she desired over the winter or years to come. It is an inexpensive entry path into the sport. They can't really help with sizing, however you can figure that on your own by doing a little research.
They fit a niche.