The big advantage of building from frame up is that You build the bike you want, with the bits you want. Just to give you an example, manufacturer sells a Complete bike and he also sells the frame of that bike. Problem is that the complete bike has certain bits on it that are not up to your standard, are too heavy, not the type you want etc. You have two choices, Start from a bare frame and buy the bits to build your ultimate bike, or buy the complete bike and pay extra to get the bits you don't like upgraded. Won't be a great deal of difference in the costings, but is it economic to do either?

Expat knows the situation where you cannot buy the type of bike you want,at the standard you want "ANYWHERE". We will have to build from frame upwards. I did it 8 years ago with my custom solo. It cost an arm and a leg but it was my own special XC machine and at 22lbs and with the right bits on it for me. Then you get into the throes of Your ultimate bike- You never have it. You are always wanting the latest lightweight fork or the braking system has been surpassed, or even the frame design is now not correct for your style of riding.

The only thing is, if you "Build" your own bike, there is a sense of pride in what you have accomplished, and if it does finish up as your "ultimate" bike, "Wow-I built that!"