Hello,

I want to build my own bike – ostensibly a road bike with slacker geometry I would like to compete (wrong word?) in audax style events. The frame I want isn't available as a complete bike.

I flip-flop between purchasing all the components separately and taking the frame to a reputable bike shop and buying all the bits from them. There's unlikely to be much difference in price, although they might waive the assembly fee if I buy everything from the one place.

Now, who has done this before? Any advice?

Good bike shops are hard to find. Please may you recommend one in North London?