1. Didn't you just do this topic?
http://www.bikeforums.net/general-cy...tore-like.html

2. I take it you don't build up the bicycles you buy? Rowan and I tend to buy frames ... and the components ... the accessories ... and put them all together. Well ... Rowan puts them all together.

Even when we've purchased a mostly built bicycle (like our tandem), we commence making changes immediately. The saddle and pedals were first. My Marinoni Ciclo is a custom bicycle ... I was measured, I requested certain components and the paint scheme, and the bicycle was built. Then, over the years, I changed just about everything ... adding, removing, changing ... saddle and pedals (of course), handlebar, fork, racks, mud guards, lights, gears, wheels, etc. etc. There isn't much left that's original.

It comes down to personal choice ... I don't necessarily want a bicycle with lights built in because I want to be able to choose lights that will suit my needs. I don't necessarily want a bicycle with mud guards ... I have a love/hate relationship with all the mud guards I've ever used and sometimes I just simply don't want to deal with them. However, if I do want those things, I have the option of getting them.