I currently ride a hybrid bike and would like to purchase a road bike in the near future. I have visited quite a few bike shops, rode a number of bikes and read other reviews on-line. I really enjoyed the ride of steel and will go with that option. Up until now, I had my heart set on a Burley (about $2,000 - I don't think there is anything complicated about my build - 5'7" about 150lbs). Then I visited a store that carries Serotta and saw some of the best cycling has to offer. My custom option would be a Colorado III (Fierte looks nice, but could get custom for a few hundred more). The allure of custom is obvious (especially Serotta), but is it worth the extra $1,200-$1,500 (all-in for probably similar component spec to the Burley stock bike) for a bike that would be 100% to my liking.

Has anyone else encountered a similar dilemma? Your thoughts and decision would be helpful.

Thank you.

Just my inexperienced opinion, but if you are coming from riding a hybrid bike, my guess is you don't really know what you want in a road bike. I'd get the best fitting stock bike you can find and save the extra money for when you really know what you want. Then get the custom bike if that's what you really think you need. I can just see jumping into a custom bike right off the bat to be a waste of money.

Feel free to disagree

You can do whatever your wallet allows you to do, but jj951 gave you some good advice. I rode k's of miles on a no-name Japanese steel 10spd, then a Raleigh, then an aluminum Trek in the 80's before going with a custom in the 90's. Also just bought a stock cf bike. Point being that, for me, I had to put in a certain number of miles before my mental focus was for certain on me rather than on the bike. For instance, when I got my Trek, I got it from what is now one of the top Trek dealers in the US and the owner fitted me personally. The guy was totally qualified and did a good job, but I had no real idea of what a good fit was and just had to trust him. Fast forward thousands of more miles and I had a pretty damn good idea of what I liked, didn't like, how I rode, where I rode, features and components that would add value vs. those that would add only cost before I paid for a full professional fitting from the best shop around. Then I shopped around and, because I am 6'1, 200+lbs with a fairly long torso, ended up going the custom route.

Although you didn't provide any measurements that would indicate you need a custom, unless your proportions for your size are out of the norm, you probably could fit a ton of stock bikes. Again, I highly recommend custom - just that some need it, some just want it - non issue. I think that it would be helpful if you were at the kind of place I described - where you know your likes, dislikes, capabilities and the component market before you sunk a lot of hard earned cash into a custom. I know others who were not at this point and, although I don't think any regret going custom, several now know that they didn't get the kind of value they believe they could now and could have gone off the rack for hundreds less with no issues.

Good luck.

My serotta CSi (lugged version of the colorado III)is a gem.Worth the money.None of mine are custom.

Stock or Serotta?

How about a stock Serotta? Make sure you get the Serotta fit.

55/Rad

Aren't they supposed to do this if they're an authorized Serotta dealer? or is this optional? Just curious, not having bought a Serotta before...

Thanks

Serotta dealers will size you up on their size cycle, but if your going to go custom then the process is much more extensive and not included in the price of your frame from most dealers, unless your going to spend a grip of cash on components and wheels through the shop it's anywhere from $75 to $200 for a fitting. I would go custom just for the fact that you can have the ride characteristics you desire in a bike more so than the size.
I can ride a 55 or a 56 and make both fit but I'm not a racer so I prefer a neutral steering angle on the headtube but I like to climb out of the saddle so a stiff bb is my choice, and I'm 185lbs so all that is taken into consideration, that's what makes custom worth the extra dough. I currently own 2 legend ti serottas( 1 compact and 1 flat tt), but neither were built custom for me, my favorite bike is my custom steel kirk, hands down.