I built my first computer from components in 1998. It was cheaper then but it is not the case now. I still build my own computers- but the reason is that I can spec that computer for my own needs.

Same on the bikes. Back around 1995 I built up my own bikes and I did that to get the frame and components that I wanted. Then around 2000 it became a lot cheaper to buy an off the peg bike and change the components to what I already had or buy the parts I wanted. Prices had dropped tremendously and that Bike I built up for around £1500 in 95- I could buy for around £700 and spend £300 to get to my spec in 2000.

Prices have risen in the last year on off the peg bikes- and it is now at the point where it is nearly as cheap to build a bike from components than to buy a complete bike and upgrade the wheels- saddle- crankset and a few other items. All you have to do is get on the net and find the parts you want at the price you want to pay---Or still just a bit more than you want to pay if you are as tightfisted as I am.