Well, I'll put it like this.

A Trek 1200 is kind of like a good JVC stereo. It works good and will provide a long service life, which most people are happy with. for a beginner, it is a good bike.

If you want top quality custom for a bike, you are going to spend major money. And I am talking $3000-$5000, easily.

This is my custom ride, with a carbon frame, it has pretty much top of the line components. Unless you want to spend a ton of money, the 1200 would probably be just fine for you, until you get more into cycling. Then you can buy a better machine, and use the older 1200 for a commuter.