I'm hoping to build a road bike over the next year or so, probably have it ready for next spring. I browsed kijiji and craigslist for frames etc in addition to common bike part/accessories sites, but it seems most places aren't really selling frames and forks, and whatever else I'd need; aside from the common parts. Is it pretty much cornered by the main bike manufacturers? Bonus points for a place close to Toronot, Canada. I don't have a budget yet. But I love the idea of it lasting a lifetime. Carbon or light aluminum. It's half to save money, and half the enjoyment of making your own bike.

Seems confused.

Not sure what "it" is, but if it were cornered you would not be able to buy whole bikes much cheaper than the parts.

Let me fix something for you: It seems many places are really selling frames and forks, and whatever else you'd need.

You probably won't save $ building your own bike. You will save money by buying a complete bike from someone who:
1. Bought it and rarely rode, or
2. Just has to "upgrade", and doesn't want to keep the "old" one around.

Make sure it fits, though. And condition is important. Price should not be the only determinant.

Those are probably not compatible ideas. Neither frame material is generally considered "lifetime". Steel and titanium frames, however, often are lifetime items, if they are built and maintained properly.

buy a used bike with a frame size that fits , then another one with the parts you want and cannibalize them
to go on the well sized frame with parts that are not your favorites .

+1. Carbon and aluminum are lighter than most steel, granted. But they both fatigue over time. Unless you only plan on living another 10-20 years, go with steel or titanium for a "lifetime" frame.

If you're looking for basic frames, Nashbar/Performance have several decent entry-level frames. Soma, Surly, All-City, New Albion, are examples of smaller manufacturers selling frame sets. Most small shops/custom builders sell the frames separate.

Otherwise, fietsbob has good advice. Find donor bikes and frankenstein them together to your heart's content. A great example would be to get a quality older frame, and put the mechs from a wrecked modern bike on it. Best of both worlds, old and new.

Thanks for all the insight. Maybe more of a "lifetime sentence" of 20 years, rather than the remaining 60 or more hopefully. A friend just had to let his road bike go after 20 years of heavy commuting year round service. There are dozens of shops in Toronto, a lot cater to people wanting to walk out with a decked out Cervelo of some sort.

Here in Toronto you should be able to find a frame, it won't happen in five minutes, but considering that there are 5 million people within an hours drive of here, this place is your best bet in Canada.