Im looking to buy my first bike and I think I would rather research and buy the specific components I need rather than one already made with parts I don't want. I assume that my corp component is the frame. Now if I get a good frame will I be able to easily find peices that coincide with my frame? Or is it like a computer where everything has to be strictly compatable with everything else?

The frame and wheels are what make a bike "good" or "bad," with regards to fit and ride quality. You should be far less concerned about the components, which are always upgradable anyway.

Almost any modern frame will work with almost any modern Shimano or Campy components you'd like to put on it. I can't really think of any counter-examples, in fact.

Since it's your first road bike, however, I strongly suggest that you just buy an off-the-shelf bike from a good shop that is willing to spend some time fitting you. You really, REALLY need to be able to test-drive a complete bike to know whether or not the frame fits you and feels good. The worst thing you could possibly do as a first-time buyer is to buy a frame off the internet because its specs look "good" to you, without ever having ridden it.

- Warren

There are some compatibility issues like seat tube diameter and headset diameter. Depending on style, there may be headset vs. fork issues. Depending on your definition of "modern frame", there may be rear hub spacing issues. And, of course, Shimano and Campy are mostly not compatible with each other and within brands 9 speed is not compatible with 10 speed, etc.

I agree that newbies are generally better served by buying complete pre-built bikes. Building up your own bike is only interesting if you really want certain parts that do not come on stock bikes, but newbies will not have the knowledge to pick their own parts. Also, a bike shop is usually better equiped to help you with fitting complete bikes.

Yeah, you'd probably be better off getting a complete bike for your first. A number of reasons such as a new cyclist won't know how to put it together, won't know what to look for, won't get fit, etc etc.

I would read this article on buying a road bike

Would definitley not recommend build up from scratch for a first bike unless you know exactly what you're looking for.

Fram is an air filter. Before you slam it fram it.

Thanks to everyone for there input.