Ken wrote:
chrisfreeman wrote in
news:MbtZd.20682$y%.15628
@fe07.lga:
Are there any significant savings to be had in building up a bike
versus
purchasing a complete bike at the LBS?

No. Even if you troll EBay for bargains, you are not likely to find
new
components for less than a complete bike package. The reason to
build a bike
up from parts is that you get to choose exactly what parts (brands,
models,
sizes, etc.) that you want.

Ken, not the only reason. I think that there is still a "fun factor"
in building your own.

On the trolling Ebay thing... Ebay prices have become a rip-off.
People who formerly made their living by selling Amway have now
migrated to Ebay. Its not like there are people selling stuff
person-to-person anymore == and those that are usually inflate their
shipping and handling to the point that you'll (on average) usually
save no more than 15% off retail prices on Ebay. I'd rather pay retail
and at least get some customer service.

On ebay, you may occasionally find a good deal. But not often. And,
if you work for more than $10 an hour at your job, the time you spend
dealing with Ebay could be better spent at work, and then buy the thing
you want retail (or mail order retail).