Originally Posted by RollCNY

I build bikes because I am cheap, and have odd tastes.

I have never found stock wheels that I like, so a new pre-built bike will always need wheels. I like Specialized Romin saddles, so a new pre-built will always need a new saddle. I do not typically like compact cranks, so a new bike will need chainrings, or a crank. The hoods are rarely where I like them, so I need new tape half the time in order to be able to dial in comfort. I despise wide range cassettes, so I always end up buying a new cassette.

So buying all of that crap twice means a new pre-built bike is far too expensive for my tastes. On my Felt SS, the only original parts are the frame, the BB, and the crank. I bought it from my LBS to help rebuild bridges after an issue, so it was worth it for that, but not worth it when I compare the $580 purchase price to the $7-800 I have added to it.