Originally Posted by
rpenmanparker
Just be aware that custom build ups, even of stock frames, cost more than buying a complete bike UNLESS you scour the internet for cheap parts. Get your group set in the UK (Wiggle, Ribble, etc.). Look for take-off of bars, stems, seat posts. Find or build cheap wheels. Otherwise the project will be very pricey. It is likely more cost effective to buy a full bike close to what you want and sell the parts you don't like on ebay, replacing them with your preferred items.
Full disclosure requires I say I build up all my bike myself. But I buy lightly used frames and parts to keep the cost down and I build all my own wheels. That is how is has to be done to make any sense.
I agree that it can be pricey if you buy your parts local or in the states. I have found that if you are diligent and follow the sales, you can beat a complete bike purchase in price and get better products. It took me about a year to get all my parts as I had a firm budget and wanted to beat it. The most difficult piece to get was the frame. I started with my groupset and went from there. I picked out each pieces and then waited for sales or deals to fall into place. I bought them as they occured. The end result is that I got exactly what I wanted. It was a ton of fun doing it. rpenmanparker is correct about getting things from the UK. Ribble and PBK were my primary vendors that I used. I was surprised at how long it took to find the frame that I wanted. I kept asking around these forums and got a lot of help. One poster told me that excel sports in CO had the frame that I wanted. I went to their site and bought it that day.
Good luck with it.