well, I could buy the frame, fork and all the other parts and build myself. I'm certainly capable of doing that. But I don't want to. It'll end up costing more and it'll take longer to get a working, ridable bike.

I just can't imagine that I'm the only one that sees a bike and wants to change things. I could replace those parts, but I'd have to pay more for the replacements and I have brand new parts laying around that I don't need.

I've been looking for a used bike, but havn't found one that I like just yet.

Discs aren't really a must-have, but since i'll be commuting in all weather (where i live the worst will be rain) I want good stopping power. I'm sure cantilevers would work just fine, but I think i'd prefer disc.

I just don't see what the big deal is. It doesn't have to be every single part on the bike, (I don't want to choose my spokes or bar tape or even BB) just a few key ones like wheelset, front/rear deraileur, saddle, pedals, brakes, shifters and bars. If a company was large enough, dealt in volume and provided 3 choices for each of the above parts (4 if you count the "I don't want it" option) the retail price could be cheaper than me buying a pre-built and pre-spec'd bike and changing out parts.

I guess this is just a rant. I want to get the best bike for ME for a good price. I'll probably go with the crosscheck, it's the closest thing to what I want.