Custom

What does that even mean? If you buy a bunch of components and slap 'em together, is that a custom bike? The word custom is overused in the bike sense these days....changing your tires does NOT make your bike custom, nor does putting on a different set of handlebars.

Hell on the topic of handlebars, I'd argue that immediately going out and buying a set of 3" rise steel bars (with a dropped stem, go figure) or immediately buying a Deity bar/stem combo is actually counter-custom (not a word, I know)...All you're doing is conforming to the street trends of the day. How do these kids know that they like the angles on Deity bars, that they're going to like having silly amounts of rise? Letting the internet build your bike is NOT custom.

Lacing up some hubs, spokes, and rims of your choice? In the ballpark, not quite custom enough for TS yet. Lowering your fork? Now you're playing the game. But why stop there? Let's look at the Rockshox Pike Air U-Turn. Originally built for AM, it has an optional remote lock-out, which is slickly routed through the crown. It has adjustable travel, 110-140mm, and obviously, brake mounts. Now obviously travel is determined by how you ride, but 110mm is the highest you can run on a modern street frame without ruining the geo. Many people don't run front brakes, and almost no-one runs a remote lock-out. So why bother with all of those mounts? 15 minutes with a file and sandpaper, and they're gone. Crack open that fork and lower it if you don't want 140mm of travel.

Now let's look at frames. This is where it gets dicey, because if you're like me, you want a long warranty and you want to take advantage of it. There goes your chance to modify the frame, right there...But if you're the second owner or just don't care, why run what the factory gave you? For starters, the paint is almost guaranteed to be hideous...and many people don't run gears, which leaves you with unnecessary tabs sticking out of the top tube. Hell some people don't even run brakes.

Look at your drivetrain...chainguide, cassette, cranks, the list goes on. Expect something more concrete this weekend.

Use your imagination!